FEMA Tornado Relief Update

As of May 28th, $2.4M has been approved in FEMA Individual Assistance for more than 250 local households.

Four ways you can apply for FEMA Assistance:

1. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Use the FEMA mobile app
3. Call 800-621-3362
4. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, Indian Lake EMS District Building, 280 North Oak Street, Lakeview, OH 43331, Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday, Closed Sundays.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is July 1st.

Here are a few key Reminders:

• FEMA can assist with tornado damage to your car. Transportation Assistance can help pay for the repair or replacement of underinsured vehicles that were damaged or destroyed by the tornadoes. Assistance is provided to vehicles with compromised safety or drivability – cars only with cosmetic damage are not considered. This assistance is intended for one primary vehicle per household unless written justification is provided indicating more than one vehicle is essential for the household’s daily use.
• Keep recovery options open – apply for a loan with the SBA. After you apply for FEMA assistance, don’t wait to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) too. You aren’t required to apply for an SBA loan to be considered for FEMA grants, but you could miss out on SBA’s help with disaster-related expenses that FEMA assistance doesn’t cover. SBA specialists are available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help you through the loan application process. Visit a center near you: www.fema.gov/drc.
• Read your FEMA letter carefully. If the letter says your application is currently not approved, it will tell you why or what FEMA still needs to know. It also tells you how to appeal the decision if you disagree. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to submit information or documents FEMA requests to be considered for an appeal.
• Contact FEMA for your continued housing needs. If you received FEMA assistance to help pay for short-term housing and you still need help, be sure to reach out to a FEMA specialist. FEMA may be able to help you cover rental costs. You can call the helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center in Ohio.
• Steps to take if your insurance settlement is delayed. Speak to your insurance agent first. If you’re unable to resolve your concern, you may contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1526. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to help with advance payments too. Learn more by contacting the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or by calling SBA at 800-659-2955 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.