FEMA Aid Opens for Franklin County August Storm Losses
A federal disaster declaration covers storm and flood damage from August 10 to 22 in seven Ohio counties. Status: Applications open; deadline December 1.
Franklin County households that took damage in the August storms can now apply for federal help. In an October 2 release, FEMA said a major disaster declaration for Ohio covers losses from severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding and landslides between August 10 and August 22. Franklin is one of seven counties named, alongside Licking, Clermont, Hamilton, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry.
The aid is aimed at people rather than city budgets. FEMA lists grants for temporary housing and home repairs plus low-cost loans for uninsured property losses. File an insurance claim first, the agency says, because it cannot pay for anything a policy already covers. Then apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app or by calling 800-621-3362.
The application window is not open-ended. A resident notice the City of Gahanna posted on October 5 gives December 1, 2026, as the last day to apply, and adds rental help, replacement of personal property, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment benefits, legal aid and Small Business Administration loans to the list of possible programs.
Expect a follow-up after you file. The disaster page for DR-4945 explains that FEMA reviews each request to decide whether an inspector should look at the house and belongings, and it may write asking for more paperwork. A decision letter then spells out approval, the dollar amount, how the money has to be spent and how to appeal.
One gap is worth knowing. FEMA's declaration records list the program for individuals and households in these counties, but not Public Assistance, the track that reimburses local governments for public repairs. The release says more designations can come later if damage assessments support them. Until then, park and building fixes such as the Barack Community Center roof stay on the city's own books.
Storm cleanup is still under way across Columbus and suburbs like Gahanna. If downed limbs and torn-up turf are part of your claim photos, our Best Lawn Services list is a starting point for the yard work that follows.
