Disaster Recovery Tips
- Take ownership: Be proactive in your individual recovery plan.
- Do not act immediately: Avoid signing any documents within the first 72 hours following a disaster.
- Use licensed contractors: Verify identity and legitimacy.
- Contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office - Consumer Protection Division (800) 282-0515 to confirm the contractor is registered in Ohio.
- 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. 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 federal, state, and local assistance that you receive (e.g. SBA, FEMA/Ohio Individual Assistance, LTRC assistance, gift cards, etc.). 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 safekeeping.
| Local Resources | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Phone Number | Agency |
| Building/Permits/Inspection | (513) 732-7213 | Clermont County Building Department |
| Crisis Counseling | (513) 528-7283 | Clermont Mental Health and Recovery Crisis Hotline |
| Emergency Assistance | (855) 855-7727 | American Red Cross |
| Gas & Electric Questions | (800) 544-6900 | Duke Energy |
| General Questions | (513) 732-7661 | Clermont County Emergency Management Agency |
| Public Health | (513) 732-7499 | Clermont County Public Health |
| Senior Assistance | (513) 724-1255 | Clermont Senior Services |
| United Way | 211 | United Way of Greater Cincinnati |
| Veterans Affairs | (513) 732-7363 | Clermont County Veterans Service Commission |
| State & Federal Resources | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Phone Number | Agency |
| Consumer Services | (800) 282-0515 (614) 466-4986 | Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection |
| Environmental | (800) 282-9378 | EPA Spill Hotline |
| Fraud | (800) 323-8603 | FEMA - Fraud |
| Insurance Info OH Department of Insurance www.insurance.ohio.gov | (800) 427-4661 (800) 638-6620 (800) 611-6123 (800) 686-1526 (800) 686-1527 (800) 686-1578 | National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) NFIP (claims/customer service) NFIP (brochures; list of are flood ins. agents) OH Dept. of Insurance/Consumer Services OH Dept. of Insurance Fraud OH Senior Health Insurance Info Program |
| Legal Services | (800) 282-6556 (800) 589-5888 | Ohio State Bar Ohio Legal Services |
| Social Security | (800) 772-1213 (800) 325-0778 TTY | Social Security Administration |
| Tax Assistance | (800) 829-1040 (800) 829-4059 TTY (800) 282-1780 (800) 829-3676 | U.S. Internal Revenue IRS - TTY Ohio Department of Taxation US IRS - Publications |
| Utilities | (800) 686-7826 (877) 742-5622 (800) 362-2764 | Public Utilities Commission of Ohio OH Consumers Counsel OH Utilities Protection Service |
| Veterans Affairs | (800) 827-1000 (800) 829-4833 TTY | Department of Veterans Affairs |