MCARTHUR, Ohio — State and federal officials will spend Oct. 21 reviewing damage assessments across Vinton County, a step toward determining whether the county qualifies for a state or federal disaster declaration tied to this fall’s flooding.
The state of Ohio and the federal Small Business Administration will conduct the review during the day, according to a post from Vinton County EMA. Residents who are home are welcome to speak with the assessment team, and assessors may have follow-up questions for those who are available, but being home is not required. The team will not visit every residence where a damage assessment has already been completed.
Vinton County EMA said the review is one step in determining the extent of the damage and whether it may meet the criteria for a disaster declaration, cautioning that the review itself does not guarantee one will follow.
Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency Sept. 22 for 19 Ohio counties hit by severe weather and flooding, including Vinton County, after touring flooding there that he said caused significant damage. Vinton County EMA had thanked local first responders earlier that week for their work during several days of flash flooding.
Vinton County EMA is encouraging residents to share information about damage to their homes or property if they have the opportunity to speak with an assessor Oct. 21.
The information contained in this story was obtained from Vinton County EMA.
