The Summit County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging county residents and businesses to self-report if they experienced damage from the Aug. 8 flash flooding in the Akron area. The deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 14. (Editor’s note — the deadline was extended to Aug. 21.)
Verified damage reports will be sent to the Ohio EMA to determine if any supplemental financial assistance will be provided to communities and/or residents. Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency in Summit and six other counties on Saturday.
Follow the steps below:
- Download the Summit EMA app. Scan the QR code in the attached graphic or click here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a49644308
- In the app, click on Damage Report.
- Fill out the form completely to self-report damage.
If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, visit https://tinyurl.com/Summit-Aug082024 to fill out the same form and self-report your damage.
Summit County Fiscal Office offers tax relief
The Summit County Fiscal Office is offering tax relief for property damage caused by this week’s storms.
Property owners are eligible for a deduction on their appraised property value. The reduction will be 50% of the value of the damaged property. For example, if a homeowner sustains $10,000 in damages, there will be a $5,000 reduction in the new appraisal value.
Damage to trees, landscaping, fencing and personal items is excluded from the tax relief.
Those interested can download the form online and mail it to the Fiscal Office at 175 S. Main Street, Room 304, Akron, OH 44308. Anyone without access to a computer can call 330-643-2704 to request a form.
The filing deadline is Dec. 31, but the fiscal office recommends filing as soon as possible.
How can I stay safe during a flash flood?
The American Red Cross says to never walk, swim or drive through flood water, as even 12 inches of water can carry your car away. Stay away from flood water as much as possible because it may contain sewage, debris, sharp objects or chemicals.
It is also important to avoid electrocution and stay away from fallen power lines, poles and wires.
Who should I contact after the flood?
Contact your insurance agent or company to arrange an inspection of the damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends, prior to cleaning up the damage, taking photos and videos of the area and noting the make, model and serial number of large household appliances (washers and dryers, water heaters, kitchen appliances, televisions and computers). Any large appliances that were submerged in flood water should be checked by a professional before being used again.
Uninsured individuals and households may be eligible for financial assistance through FEMA. For losses not covered by the FEMA program, individuals can apply for a loan through the Small Business Association, which also provides disaster loans for businesses.
How should I go about cleaning the flood damage?
Drying out your home as quickly as possible should be one of your first priorities, according to the American Red Cross. If your home has been flooded for more than 24 hours, “you should assume you have mold growth,” the website says. Even if it has been less than 24 hours, any items that are not thoroughly dried can sprout mold and mildew
Pumping out the water should be done gradually, about one third of the water per day, to avoid structural damage.
Once the water is removed, clean hard surfaces with hot water and soap, then disinfect with bleach or a commercial disinfectant. Be sure to wear gloves while cleaning. Soft items such as couches, rugs and bedding can be brought outside to dry faster, if possible.
Objects that should be thrown away if they have absorbed water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected include:
- Mattresses
- Carpeting
- Cosmetics
- Baby toys
- Stuffed animals
You should also dispose of all food, beverages and medicine that were exposed to flood waters and mud.
Other tips:
If you need to report a downed tree, call Akron’s 311 line.
If you believe you have sewage back up in your basement, call 311 — city crews will work to respond and inspect the situation. Crews can also drop off gloves and sanitizer for minor back ups, according to a post on X from Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
Call 211 to get connected with local organizations that provide crisis resources, including housing, food, and other social services. Since a state of emergency was declared by the governor Saturday, more resources will become available for individuals, small businesses and local governments.
Avoid scams and don’t make critical decisions quickly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers resources to help spot, avoid, and report scams. To contact the FTC to inquire about or report a potential scam, visit ftc.gov/weatherrelatedemergencies.
