FEMA declares Hancock natural disaster area

FINDLAY — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated 11 Ohio counties as primary natural disaster areas after tornado damage that occurred March 14, including Hancock. The presidential disaster declaration allows the USDA's Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to agricultural producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. The local North Central Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross had contacted homeowners of several damaged houses in Orange Township on March 15 to see if the occupants needed emergency assistance at the time. Chapter Director Todd James said no one had needed help from the organization then. "There were several homes in Hancock County that suffered major damage, but all the residents, when contacted about our services, said they appreciated the offer, but they were okay due to insurance, family, etc., and didn't need our help at (the) time," James said. "Another nine homes had minor damage and all (occupants) responded the same." Emergency loans from the USDA can be used to meet various recovery needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts, a release from the USDA states. The loans are offered specifically for losses incurred by severe weather in the region on March 14. The FSA reviews the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. The deadline for producers in designated primary and contiguous counties to apply for loans is January 2, 2025. Producers in contiguous counties are also eligible to apply for emergency credit, including those in Allen, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Marion, Seneca, Van Wert, Wood and Wyandot counties. Other Ohio counties deemed primary natural disaster areas by FEMA are Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union. The website farmers.gov provides a number of tools to help people decide program and loan options, such as the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet and Loan Assistance Tool. To file a notice of loss or for questions about available programs, contact the Findlay USDA Service Center, 7868 County Road 140, at 419-422-5438. Small Business Administration loans The Small Business Administration also offers disaster loans, for homeowners and renters as well as small business owners. SBA disaster loans offer fixed interest rates with terms up to 30 years, no payment or interest expected in the first 12 months after disbursement and the ability to apply before insurance claims have been settled, among other potential perks. To learn more about what's on offer from the SBA, call the Columbus office, which serves Hancock County, at 614-427-0407 or visit sba.gov/disaster.