TROTWOOD—The Federal Emergency Management Agency is assessing storm damage in 10 Ohio counties at the request of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

  • FEMA is looking at the variety of impacts caused by the Memorial Day tornadoes
  • According to the Ohio EMA, more than 1,000 structures were damaged in the 10 counties
  • Ohio could receive federal disaster relief

The information collected by FEMA will then be provided to the state. From there, Ohio officials will decide whether or not to ask for federal assistance. 

“We're working with the state alongside the Small Business Administration to look at the variety of impacts that were caused by these storms,” said Mark Peterson, FEMA Region 5 spokesman. 

Peterson said four crews made up of federal, state, and local officials will tour the 10 counties Wednesday and Thursday. But, FEMA will stay on the ground as long as necessary to gather necessary information. 

“We're looking at the number of people that are in shelters. We're looking at what was the severity of the damage itself. Are these situations where people can maybe continue to live in their home while it's being repaired or are they completely out of their home? Another big factor is what levels of insurance there is,” said Peterson.

Peterson said if Ohio is approved for federal assistance, FEMA could offer individuals temporary housing or household supplies. They also have a limited number of grants that could provide financial assistance. The Small Business Administration could provide low-interest loans to businesses impacted by the storms. 

FEMA is not just looking at property damage. 

“We really want to know what the trauma was to the community,” said Peterson.

Peterson said that could include job loss. 

If Ohio mets strict federal criteria, Gov. Mike DeWine would then submit a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. The decision would then ultimately rest with President Trump on whether to approve the declaration. 

Peterson said this is just the beginning of FEMA's work in Ohio. A timetable for a declaration, approval, and federal assistance is unknown. But people affected by the storms would be made aware of when they could begin applying for federal assistance. 

Ohio EMA Spokesman Jay Carey said in Montgomery County there are hundreds of homes destroyed. And Carey said the number of structures damaged in the ten counties is like more than 1,000. 

So far, the Ohio EMA has confirmed damage/destruction in these counties:

Mercer County

  • 50-60 homes with major damage or destroyed
  • 40+ homes with minor damage
  • 1 business destroyed
  • 10-20 barns or other structures damaged or destroyed
  • 1 fatality

Perry County

  • 40 homes damaged
  • Approximately 5 non-homes damaged

Miami County (as of June 4 AM)

  • 14 homes destroyed
  • 121 homes damaged

“Hopefully by early-to mid-next week we'll have a good idea how much damage and whether we can request federal assistance,” Carey said.