FEMA disaster declared for 11 counties following March tornadoes, including Crawford and Richland

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been issued for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program as a result of tornadoes on March 14, 2024. 

The Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued for Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union counties. The declaration includes the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for all 88 Ohio counties.

Governor DeWine sent a letter to President Joe Biden on March 29, 2024 requesting a federal disaster declaration.

“Ohio EMA and my administration have worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the victims of the recent tornadoes in and around Indian Lake,” said Governor DeWine. “ I thank FEMA and the President for hearing our calls to provide needed federal relief to affected Ohioans as soon as possible.”

The declaration also came at the urging of Sen. Sherrod Brown and Sen. J.D. Vance, who called on the president in March to issue the Presidential Disaster Declaration.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news and will get additional necessary resources to the families and businesses recovering after the deadly tornadoes that swept through Central Ohio a month and a half ago. I will continue to push the administration and FEMA to make sure support gets to the families and businesses picking up the pieces after these storms,” Brown said.

This FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance, and replacement of personal property to help homeowners and renters recover from the effects of the disaster.  The Presidential Disaster Declaration also allows the Small Business Administration to offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses for homeowners, renters, and business owners impacted by the disaster.

“This federal assistance will supplement the local and state recovery efforts, which are ongoing,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “It will provide assistance directly to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by these storms.”

Governor DeWine also designated Director Merick as the State Coordinating Officer for this presidential disaster declaration.

For more information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency or disaster, visit Ready.Gov.