Saturday, June 30, 2012

GOV. KASICH REQUESTS FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR OHIO

Response to Power Outages, Storm Damage May Exceed State Resources


COLUMBUS – In the wake of Friday’s severe storms and massive power outages across Ohio, Governor John R. Kasich today asked the President for an Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance so that Ohio could begin receiving badly-needed generators and water from the federal government. The governor spoke to the President today to make the request, and also spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate.

“I shared my concerns with the President that we have a serious situation and will need extra federal help. Massive power outages combined with severe heat create dangerous conditions, especially for the elderly and those with medical needs. The state has been working closely with local emergency management officials to meet immediate needs and going forward we need to make sure we have every available asset to protect Ohioans,” said Kasich.

Earlier in the day the governor declared a statewide emergency so that Ohio resources could begin flowing to local officials and aid their efforts to help Ohioans respond to and recover from the storms.

The governor’s request for federal assistance can be viewed here.

Chronology
June 30: Gov. Kasich spoke to the President and requested federal assistance to respond to the storm. He also spoke with utility company CEOs and local elected officials to make state resources available to expedite recovery activities.
June 30: Gov. Kasich declared an emergency for the entire state of Ohio so state agencies can assist local government response and recovery efforts. The National Guard was activated to help deliver needed supplies and conduct door-to-door checks in select areas to identify vulnerable Ohioans threatened by the severe heat.
June 29: Ohio’s Emergency Operations Center in Columbus was activated to coordinate state and local storm recovery efforts. The state contacted Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to let them know federal assistance may be needed.
June 29: Severe storms and high winds during evening rush hour knocked out power for approximately one million homes and businesses across two-thirds of the state.

Residents without power can call their local 211 numbers for information and assistance, or 911 in an emergency. Information is also available online at www.ema.ohio.gov and on Twitter at #OHwx and #severeweather

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