Ohio EMA seeking federal assistance following onslaught of tornadoes

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Damage done to Main Street in Roseville following major storm.

By Christine Holmes, News Director

Ohio’s EMA is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess damages in 10 counties affected by the 20 tornadoes that hit the state Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the one that tore through Roseville.

According to a release from the Ohio EMA, the evaluation known as a Preliminary Damage Assessment is the first step to determine if the state will be eligible for Major Disaster Declaration.

A complex set of damage thresholds must be met in order for assistance to be issued, whether it be in the form of federal assistance, low-interest loans or programs for state assistance.

A major factor taken into consideration is the ratio of damage covered by insurance. According to the Ohio EMA, damages caused by tornadoes are typically covered by homeowners and business insurance, but flood-related damages are not.

“If individuals or businesses have uninsured losses due to the severe storms, they need to make sure to share that information with their county emergency management agency,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick in a press release.

If the assessment request is approved, surveys are expected to begin June 4 in Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry and Pickaway counties.