Summit County extends deadline to Aug. 21 for flood damage surveys

The Summit County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has extended the deadline for residents and businesses to complete its flood damage survey to Aug. 21, the county said in a news release Tuesday.

Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in Summit County on Saturday as a result of Thursday's downpours that unleashed several inches of rain in a short amount of time and caused flash flooding in the Greater Akron area.

Any Summit County resident or business owner who experienced residential or commercial property damage due to the Aug. 8 flash flooding should complete the survey.

Verified damage reports will be sent to Ohio EMA to determine if any supplemental financial assistance will be provided to communities and/or residents.

Residents and business owners should only report structural damage to residential or commercial properties. Damage to cars or yards should not be included.

How to complete the flood damage survey

• Download the Summit EMA app , or go to https://apps.myocv.com/share/a49644308.
• In the app, click on Damage Report.
• Fill out the form completely to self-report damage.
• No smartphone or tablet? No problem. Visit https://tinyurl.com/Summit-Aug082024 to fill out that same form to self-report damage.

Tips on how to avoid flood-related scams

County Executive Ilene Shapiro is also urging residents to look out for potential scams related to storm damage repairs:

• Remember the basics. The Better Business Bureau recommends homeowners obtain three estimates for repairs, get everything in writing, and pay with a credit card when possible. Do not pay the entire contract price in advance. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org.
• Be careful of door-to-door contractors and utility workers . Ask for identification from any individual going door to door. Check the worker’s company vehicle for a business name and contact information. Write down their license plate number. If you are contacted by a contractor going door to door, verify with your city that they have a solicitor’s permit.
• Don’t sign over insurance checks to contractors. Obtain an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly. Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor any rights to your insurance claims. If you have questions, contact your insurance company or agent. Do not sign over a power of attorney to a contractor.
• Get everything in writing. Don’t rely on verbal promises made by a contractor. Keep copies of contracts, service agreements, warranties, and receipts.
• Don’t panic about a utility call. Your utility company may make courtesy calls to remind you about an outstanding balance, but they will never call or email you to demand immediate payment under threats of a same-day shutoff or direct you to buy gift cards to pay your bill. If you suspect a scam or receive one of these phone calls, hang up and call your energy company directly.
• Be wary regarding places you can’t see. While most contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof and other areas of your house. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work. The same goes for attics, crawl spaces, ducts, and other places you cannot easily access or see for yourself.
• Contact your insurance company. If your home or car suffered severe weather damage, ask your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts for food, temporary lodging, or other expenses that may be covered under your policy. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors.
• Resist high-pressure sales. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll only get if you hire the contractor on the spot. Sometimes unscrupulous contractors will also offer a deal on repairs, saying they have “leftover material” from another job site. Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Summit County extends deadline to Aug. 21 for flood damage surveys