State of emergency declared in 8 NE Ohio counties
(WJW) — Gov. Mike DeWine on Saturday declared a state of emergency for eight Northeast Ohio counties where residents are still dealing with the aftermath of Tuesday’s powerful storms that spawned four tornadoes, caused widespread damage and knocked out power for days.
They include: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Summit and Trumbull.
Still no power? Here’s when lights could turn on and information to help until then
“This declaration of a state of emergency will give the state the ability to give these communities expedited assistance. At the moment, we have no outstanding requests for services the state can provide to our local communities to help in the aftermath of these storms,” DeWine is quoted in the release. “However, we are in this for the duration and will continue to help local communities in Northeast Ohio as they recover from the damage left by the storm, should we receive any new request for services the state is able to provide.”
County emergency management agencies are now assessing local damages for possible reimbursement. Those assessments are then sent to the state to determine whether they meet the federal threshold for assistance.
Homeowners, businesses, renters and “non-critical” private and nonprofit organizations can have damages assessed by calling their county’s emergency management agency office. Here are the numbers:
Ashtabula Emergency Management Agency: 440-576-9148
Cuyahoga Emergency Management: 216-443-5700
Geauga County Department of Emergency Services: 440-279-2170
Lake County Emergency Management Agency: 440-350-5499
Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security: 440-406-3271
Portage County Emergency Management Agency: 330-297-3607
Summit County Emergency Management: 330-643-2558
Trumbull County Emergency Management: 330-675-2666
DeWine has also ordered Ohio Emergency Management Agency Director Sima Merick to request a damage assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the release.
“Crews from Ohio and beyond are working around the clock to restore power to customers,” DeWine is quoted in the release. “For the safety of everyone, please give the crews plenty of space do their work when they are in your neighborhood.”
Since Tuesday’s storms, the state health department has helped out by sending mobile oxygen generators to Cuyahoga County. Brook Park’s recreation center hosted a refilling station on Saturday afternoon and it’s expected to be back there on Sunday morning.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Service is also keeping an eye on the needs of SNAP beneficiaries, while the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has been monitoring utilities, according to the release.
‘Urgent action’
Cuyahoga County officials earlier Saturday called on the state to take “urgent action” and declare a state of emergency after four tornadoes ripped through Northeast Ohio, damaging homes and businesses and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power for days.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said he wanted Gov. Mike DeWine to waive the state-imposed threshold of $5.9 million in damages and expenses required to declare a state of emergency.
According to a news release sent earlier Saturday, Cuyahoga County had not yet met that requirement.
However, Ronayne said in a Saturday afternoon news conference that area officials anticipate that number to be reached soon. He called the threshold “red tape” and proclaimed the county is in a state of emergency.
“Today, we declared a state of emergency for Cuyahoga County because we couldn’t wait. We needed the state to realize it is time. It’s time to recognize the devastation that has happened here and help us appeal to the federal government for FEMA support in the future,” said Ronayne.
On Friday, DeWine issued a proclamation to direct state agencies to be ready to offer further assistance to communities affected by the recent extreme weather.
“Waiving the threshold requirements will allow us to mobilize even more resources to support cities and communities in need,” said Ronayne.
FirstEnergy has called the storms that hit on Tuesday, Aug. 6, the most impactful that The Illuminating Company service territory has seen in more than 30 years.
One tornado went from Brook Park to Bedford and was on the ground for 17 miles. FOX 8 Meteorologist Scott Sabol said it’s the longest tornado track Cuyahoga County has seen in more than 70 years.
Helpful Links:
Still no power? Here’s when lights could turn on
Where to get free water, ice while power’s out
Where shelf-stable meals are being distributed
Community centers open as power outages continue
Where to refill oxygen tanks in Cuyahoga County
“We are committed to doing everything in our power to support our residents during this difficult time,” said Ronayne. “By waiving the threshold, the state can demonstrate its commitment to standing with Cuyahoga County and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
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