Disaster assistance is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for victims of last weekend's snow and ice storm in southern and east-central Ohio. Victims in Adams, Belmont, Gallia, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble and Scioto counties may apply for one of two types of disaster assistance.

Each year, ODJFS reserves $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding for disaster victims in counties declared in a state of emergency by the Governor. County departments of job and family services may elect to tap these funds to provide for the immediate needs of disaster victims. To be eligible for up to $1,500 in TANF disaster assistance families must include a child, or pregnant woman, and have evidence of economic need.

Elderly and disabled individuals in these counties who are not eligible for TANF assistance may be eligible for one-time cash assistance of up to $750. To be eligible for this type of assistance, a person must be at least 55 years old and childless or receiving certain disability benefits, impacted by the storms in one of the counties declared an emergency by the Governor and provide evidence of an economic need to the county department of job and family services.

Applications will be accepted at the following county departments of job and family services:

In addition to ODJFS, about a dozen other state agencies are coordinating state assistance to southern and east-central Ohio counties.

Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio National Guard snow clearance and debris removal crews are assisting local officials throughout southern Ohio, and Civilian Conservation Corps crews from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources are helping clear roads in Gallia, Meigs and Scioto counties.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio reports that about 22,000 customers in southern Ohio remain without electric service. In the Portsmouth, Ironton and Point Pleasant areas, a majority of customers are expected to have their service restored by Saturday.

At least seven shelters remain open in the area - Portsmouth, McDermott, New Boston, Minford, South Webster, Rubyvlle and Gallipolis - operated by volunteer agencies or the Red Cross.

Disaster recovery officials from the Guard and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency are based throughout southern Ohio to help coordinate local requests for assistance with the state Emergency Operations Center in Columbus, which will remain in 24-hour operation again this weekend.

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