FEMA to tally tornado damages, possibly help uninsured

May 31-- May 31--To determine whether people who lost property in Monday's record-setting tornadoes -- especially the uninsured -- are eligible for government assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will survey the damage in 10 counties, including Greene and Montgomery counties, among the hardest-hit in a Memorial-Day outbreak ending in 20 tornadoes.

"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," said Sima Merick, Ohio Emergency Management Agency executive director.

A complex set of damage thresholds determines eligibility for federal assistance, low-interest loans or programs for state assistance.

A key element is how much storm 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, according to the Ohio EMA.

FEMA assessors will be on the ground in the state beginning Wednesday, said Jay Carey, Ohio EMA spokesperson.

The team will also survey damage in Auglaize, Darke, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Muskingum, Perry and Pickaway counties.

Renters who lost property in the tornadoes may also be eligible for assistance, Carey said.

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