TAFT DECLARES PROCLAMATION OF EMERGENCY FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Erie and Huron Counties Eligible To Receive Assistance

COLUMBUS (June 24, 2006) - Governor Bob Taft today issued a proclamation of emergency due to severe storms, flooding and high winds which impacted the state June 21 and 22, 2006. Counties included within the proclamation are Erie and Huron. The Governor's proclamation allows state resources to be used to assist local governments in response and recovery efforts.  

"Now that the worst of the weather is over, local and state agencies have united to begin to assess damages and identifying needs," Taft said. "Ohioans whose homes, business and communities were impacted by the recent severe weather have begun the process of recovery."

This morning, Taft toured damage from this week's severe storms, flooding and high winds and met with EMA and local officials in the Norwalk (Huron County) and Perkins Township (Erie County) areas.

As a result of the Governor's emergency proclamation, disaster assistance is also available for residents of the declared counties through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Families in these counties may qualify for up to $1,500 in disaster assistance, and certain elderly and disabled individuals may qualify for up to $750 in disaster assistance. Individuals and families may apply for this assistance at their local county department of job and family services.

In order to be eligible for up to $1,500 in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (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 disaster 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 severe weather and provide evidence of an economic need to the county department of Job and Family Services.

Each year, ODJFS reserves at least $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding for disaster victims in counties declared in a state of emergency.

Since June 22, 2006, joint teams of local officials and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency have been conducting preliminary damage assessments throughout the affected areas.

 # # #