Disaster Recovery Tips

• Take ownership: Be proactive in your individual disaster recovery plan.
• Do not act immediately: Avoid signing any documents within the first 72 hours following a disaster.
• Contact your insurance provider and file claims as soon as possible.   It is important to understand what is covered, what is excluded, and what the deductibles are.  For additional resources, check out the Ohio Department of Insurance  Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Toolkit.
• Use licensed contractors. Verify their identity and legitimacy.
  • Contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office – Consumer Protection Division (1.800.282.0515) to determine if a contractor is registered within the state.
  • Get at least three written estimates.
  • Check references before entering a contract.
  • Get proof of insurance (e.g. Liability and Worker’s Compensation).
  • Get any guarantees in writing.
  • Make final payments only after the work is completed and has been inspected by the Building Department.  The Building Department will issue a Certificate when the work is complete.  Pay by check.
• Safeguard personal information. Never give out social security numbers or credit card numbers. Federal, State and local programs will not ask for bank account or Social Security number unless you initiate the call.
• Donate only to charities you know, or simply ask the person soliciting the donation for the exact name, address and phone number of the charity. Research the charity and then call the charity or nonprofit organization, to confirm that the person is an employee or volunteer.
• Maintain records on the assistance that you receive. Keep receipts for all expenses incurred during the recovery process.
• Get Prepared: Make a plan, build an emergency supply kit, develop a communication plan, and safeguard important documents by scanning/copying and sending them to an out of area contact for safe keeping.

Assistance Programs

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Provides low interest loans to low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes; Provides grants to elderly low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

For more information: 614.255.2571 or www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC)

Provides assistance to uninsured, under-insured and insured individuals and families that have unmet recovery needs after all other programs/resources have been exhausted.  The LTRC focuses on:  Disaster Case Management, Donations Management, Volunteer Management, and Spiritual and Emotional Support.

• Disaster Case Management is a time-limited process where the Case Manager partners with disaster survivor(s) to develop recovery plans following a disaster.
• Donations Management organizes the giving, receiving and distribution of both solicited and unsolicited donated goods.
• Volunteer Management matches skilled and unskilled volunteers with appropriate recovery activities.
• Spiritual and Emotional Support provides comfort and support to disaster survivors in need.

To register, contact the American Red Cross at 513.579.3955 (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) or 1.855.855.7727 (After Hours)

County Resources