“The PDA will enable the State to determine whether the impact and magnitude of this event warrants a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act,” Ohio EMA  Executive Director Sima Merick wrote to James Joseph, FEMA Region V Administrator.

There is a complex set of damage thresholds that determines eligibility for federal assistance, low-interest loans or programs for state assistance. The first step in determining what assistance would be available is to assess the extent of damages.

One key element is how much storm-related damage is covered by insurance and how much is uninsured. Damages from wind events, such as tornadoes, are typically covered by homeowners or business insurance, while flood-related damages are often uninsured.

“If individuals or businesses have uninsured losses due to the severe storms, they need to make sure to share that information with their county emergency management agency,” Merick said.

If the state’s request for the joint PDA is approved, the surveys will begin June 4 in the following counties: Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway.

Between Memorial Day evening and Tuesday morning, 20 tornadoes hit Ohio, including three EF-3s and four EF-2 tornadoes. One of the ESF 3 tornadoes in Beavercreek was on the ground for 20 minutes in both Montgomery and Greene counties.