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FAQs; Frequently Asked Questions:
We can not answer every question, but we certainly can address the questions that are asked over and over again. Here are some of them and the answers that we are aware of at this time. Please be aware that some answers may change over time, so this is only advisory in nature and should not be considered information chiseled in stone. Verify the facts for yourself, with the appropriate agencies before making any choices or decisions based on these questions and answers.
Q: Is everything back to "normal" in Ottawa, Ohio?
A: No. This is a very long process. It may look OK around town, but many people (hundreds) have been displaced out of their homes. Some homes will need to be remodeled extensively/completely. And, others need their homes raised.
Q: Why were so many homes and cars flooded, didn't they know that the flood was coming?
A: No, most everybody was caught off guard by the excessive level of the flooding. The combination of several very rare weather related events, combined, caused this massive flood level that we have not seen since 1913.
Q. What is the Long Term Recovery Task Force (LTRTF)
Q: As a volunteer, do I need to register at the ESC building or Volunteer Connections?
A: Yes. If you know before the date you are coming to town, such as, how many volunteers you have and the type of people (builders, electricians, plumbers, hang drywall, muddying), we can assign jobs to you before that date. Please call 419-523-3288.
Q: How do you get to the ESC building?
A: The Putnam Co. ESC/SLC is located at 124 Putnam Parkway (on SR 109) Ottawa (across from the Putnam County YMCA) link to the YMCA map, goto YMCA and go across the street and look for signs to various services (http://www.putnamymca.org/info.html)
or:
or:
From the intersection of State Route 224 and State Route 65 in downtown Ottawa, OH near Burger King: On State Route 65 head North and turn left at the 2nd stop light onto State Route 109 (by Ottawa-Glandorf High School) (heading North) (~ 0.5 miles). Turn left on Putnam Parkway (heading West). The YMCA will be on your left; The ESC / Skilled Learning Center will be on the right. (Putnam Parkway has no outlet past the ESC building.) Do Not use Mapquest or any other web based maps!!! Putnam Parkway is a new road in Ottawa—Mapquest will mistakenly take you to Putnam Street in Kalida, Ohio, a village about 10 miles west of where you want to go!
Q: What is happening with the Disaster Relief Funds?
A: The Disaster Relief Funds that continue to come in through various donations are collected and will be dispersed through the combined determination and evaluation of the Caseworker and the Long-Term Relief Task Force (LTRTF). In order to be eligible for Direct Relief Funds, recipients must first register with FEMA and complete a Release of Information Form (ROI). Funds will only be paid directly to vendors, supplies or contractors for services or materials provided.
Q: When is the last time that I can apply for FEMA?
A: FEMA pulled out of the local Ottawa Office on September 27, But the last day to register for aid with FEMA will be:
October 26, 2007.
The FEMA Representatives have all stressed to register with FEMA if there is any doubt of water damage and if you live in any of the Counties that have been declared and not just in the river flooded areas. It is better to register and not need the assistance, than the alternative, to have not registered and then need the assistance.
Over and over again, it is said that if FEMA or SBA denies any benefit, you should ALWAYS follow up, often times their are circumstances or incorrect information or paperwork causing issues that cause the denial. The officials will gladly go over the paper work with you, so don't give up on the first try, try again, and again if you need to.
Q: What do you know about increased cost to compliance? ICC?
A: No Answer Yet. Please send answers to the "contact" page on this site.
Q: When is the last day to register with FEMA?
A: October 26th
Q: Where or How can I do this?
A: Call the FEMA 1-800 number or go to Findlay, Ohio to register in person.
Q: If I think I might have damage due to the flood, should I register with FEMA?
A: Yes. If you do not do it by October 26th, then you cannot receive FEMA assistance.
Q: Do I have to apply for an SBA loan?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I have to accept the SBA loan?
A: No. If you do not accept the loan, then all help is stopped with FEMA.
Q: Can I get other financial loans?
A: Yes--such as the banks, USDA etc.
Q: Will that change my SBA loan help?
A: NO.
Q: If I get a denial letter from FEMA, SBA, or Insurance, than I won't receive further assistance?
A: No. Be persistent and keep all the letters to reference back to in the future.
Q: Do I need to keep receipts for items purchased?
A: Yes. FEMA could audit people in the future on how they spend their money.
Q: How do I seek help from Volunteers?
A: You can call 419-523-3288 or stop in at the Educational Service Center (ESC) building to place a work order.
Q: How do I get to see the caseworker?
A: You can call 419-523-3288 or stop into the Educational Service Center (ESC) to set up an appointment. She works part time, so she will return telephone calls.
A: Terri Samuelson
Q: Does she live in Putnam County?
A: Yes. She has lived in Putnam County for 16 years.
Q: Will she come to our house?
A: Yes. We need people to register with FEMA/SBA prior to our visit.
Q: How old do I need to be to Volunteer?
A: Call Volunteer Connection for details.
Q: What are the hours/days to volunteer?
A: Volunteer Connection is open Monday -Saturday, 8-6PM and Sunday as needed.
Q: Can I donate furniture?
A: Yes. This can be taken to the United Way by the GOODWILL store.
Q: Can I receive furniture from the United Way?
A: Yes, you can go to the center and pick up supplies. The person must show and ID to receive items.
Q: What are the hours of the distribution center?
A: M, W, F--10-7 Sat. 10-4, Sun 12-4 and closed on Tues./Thurs.
Q: Can I donate clothing?
A: Yes--at the Council on Aging building.
A: M-F; 10AM - 2PM
Q: Can flood victims still get clothing?
A: Yes--at NO CHARGE!
Q: Will the Thrift Store be open soon?
A: They are hoping to be open by November.
Q: What if I have a Legal issue? Is there help?
A: Yes. Legal Aid will be at the courthouse on 10/11/2007 from 4-6. See the
Q: What if I can't come physically and volunteer, what can I do?
A: Prayers, gift cards and money are always appreciated.
Q: Insert your question here.
A: Receive your answer here.
Please send us any questions OR ANSWERS you have and we will try to address them in a group way. We will do our best to answer the question or at least get you pointed in the right direction. Goto the Contact page on this website and send us your question or send it to:
OttawaFlood.com
Attn: FAQs
PO Box 4
Ottawa OH 45875
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