Chillicothe, OH -- In just over two weeks since Ohio was declared a major disaster area on March 14, $1,147,560 in grants and low-interest loans has been approved for victims of the severe winter storm.

Federal, state, local and voluntary agencies are working in partnership to help Ohioans following the February severe winter storm. This is an update of recovery activities as of close of business April 1, according to figures released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

• 1,657 individuals from the seven disaster declared counties have called to apply for assistance
• 807 of 933 home inspections issued have been completed
• 143 temporary rental assistance grants approved, totaling $115,803
• 334 emergency essential repair grants approved, totaling $589,092
• 359 Other Needs Assistance grants approved, totaling $360,465 - these may include grants for medical, dental, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses
• $82,200 in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans approved
• 649 SBA low-interest disaster loan applications issued: 520 to homeowners, 129 to business owners
• 258 people visited the Disaster Recovery Centers in New Boston and Ironton

Persons in the declared counties of Adams, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike and Scioto who suffered damage or loss to a home or business in the severe winter storm beginning February 14 are encouraged to apply for assistance by calling a toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment should call, TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.