Assistance available for infrastructure, not for individuals and businesses

COLUMBUS (July 1, 2012) ? In order to ddress information regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency?s emergency declaration, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency is clarifying the nature of the federal assistance that Ohio has been granted.

The emergency declaration granted Saturday evening is for direct federal assistance only. Resources, particularly generators, are not available for individuals and businesses at this time. The declaration also does not make available reimbursements to state or local governments for emergency response costs or damage to public buildings.

Direct federal assistance is focused on response assets and resources such as gas, water and fuel to assist with infrastructure such as water or sewage treatment plants and emergency telecommunications.

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