Governor DeWine Declares Emergency for NE Ohio Counties

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(Press Release from the office of Mike DeWine, Governor of the State of Ohio. Governor DeWine's focus is on our local communities following the weather crisis. The release was sent to all media on Saturday, August 10, 2024)

As per the press release for immediate release, Governor Dewine and Cuyahoga County Chief Executive Chris Ronayne called for help for Cuyahoga County residents and others impacted by the storm.

Here is the Press Release released by the Governor:

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—"Today, Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for the following counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Summit, and Trumbull following the tornadoes and strong storms that came through Northeast Ohio communities on Tuesday.

"This declaration of a state of emergency will allow the State 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," said Governor DeWine. "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 can provide."

In addition to the state declaration of emergency, Governor DeWine directs Ohio Emergency Management Director Sima Merick to ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to come to Northeast Ohio and conduct a damage assessment.

To date, the request for state assistance has been for assistance with mobile oxygen generators sent by the Ohio Department of Health to Cuyahoga County. Other state agencies, including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, have closely monitored developments by overseeing SNAP benefits and electric utilities.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) works closely with the affected county emergency management agencies (county EMAs) to monitor developments and offer assistance. County EMAs are working with local communities to conduct public damage assessments for potential reimbursement. County EMAs will then submit their requests for assistance to Ohio EMA to determine if state and federal damage thresholds are met for reimbursement.

"I encourage local governments who need assistance to contact their County Emergency Management Agency Offices," added Governor DeWine.

Don't hesitate to contact your County Emergency Management Agency Offices for damage assessments related to homeowners, businesses, renters, and non-critical private non-profit organizations."

(Disclaimer: this press release comes from the Office of Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio)

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957
Lisa Peterson: 614-644-0957