As Lorain County cleans up from recent storms, disaster declaration remains unlikely

While it is unlikely that the state of Ohio will declare a state of emergency in response to the severe storms that hit Lorain County Aug. 23-25, a private disaster relief organization is expected to set up in the county by the end of next week. In emails to elected officials last week shared with The Chronicle-Telegram, Lorain County EMA and Homeland Security Director Dave Freeman wrote that most of the damage caused by three days of storms is limited to basement flooding and downed trees, "which unfortunately, don't contribute to loss totals." "An emergency declaration by any individual community often creates the expectation of financial compensation which may not occur and is not recommended," he wrote. "FEMA only considers costs beyond those covered by insurance. In addition, we must have a presidential declaration of disaster to open funding which only occurs when requested by the governor AND thresholds for damage are met." Lorain County and the municipalities in it can help residents by adding extra garbage and bulk item pickups — many have already done so — and also keep a list of tree services and disaster restoration companies that can be put on municipal websites or social media, Freeman suggested. He also asked officials to track damaged infrastructure that could benefit from federal assistance, including roads, bridges, wastewater facilities and public property. The United Way of Greater Lorain County's 211 service also is tracking residential damage and is doing follow-ups with residents in need, Freeman wrote, while the American Red Cross is doing damage assessments and helping with cleanup of flooded basements. Freeman said his staff of two — himself and Emergency Operations Manager Hope Bonos — have toured the county to track storm damage. "This is being done not only for the current event but also for inclusion in hazard mitigation plans and grant requests," he wrote. Freeman also is coordinating disaster response efforts with the Ohio EMA, and has asked elected officials for a list of affected homeowners to present to state officials. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, normally doesn't take basement flooding into account when determining criteria for a disaster declaration, "but since we have so many (and most have never experienced this issue), the only way to see if we can make something happen at the state and federal level is by being able to paint the picture of impacts," Freeman wrote. In the meantime, the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Organization is sending staff to assist with flood cleanup, tree removal, sanitation and mold/mildew prevention, Freeman told elected officials. The organization will be staying in an Elyria-area church and should have a more full response in place by Sept. 10, Freeman said. In response to an email by Commissioner Michelle Hung to the EMA director, County Administrator Jeff Armbruster and her fellow commissioners David Moore and Jeff Riddell sent Thursday, Freeman said that a local disaster declaration would not have much effect. Hung told her fellow officials she was seeking their support on a resolution declaring a local state of emergency pertaining to the rains and flooding, according to her email. "At this time, I am seeking the support of my colleagues to move this forward and support Lorain County residents should the county be able to obtain state or federal relief dollars," she wrote. "This is promoting the health, safety and welfare of our residents while proactively pursuing any assistance that may be available." Freeman replied that he "would strongly advise against this action." "Only a governor's declaration can be used by FEMA to secure funding and we are unlikely to see that happen," he wrote. "FEMA rules are very specific and that is why I supplied that information to all of our elected officials. I appreciate the sentiment and believe that we are currently doing everything we can for the good of the county." Moore agreed with Freeman's assessment. "Best thing for elected officials to do is to let the experts do their jobs at (EMA) and stay out of the way," he said in a text message to a Chronicle reporter. "Freeman is doing great with his team." Riddell agreed that a local disaster declaration wouldn't be effective and wasn't necessary. "Best thing we can do for the people is to facilitate getting their claims down to Columbus and let the state EMA director and the governor make their decision," he said Friday. Read the sidebar: 211 received 1,500 calls and emails after storms hit Lorain County on Aug. 23 Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.