Today in session, the Delaware County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring a disaster and state of emergency in wake of the severe weather that occurred March 14. The National Weather Service has determined in its preliminary assessment that an EF1 tornado touched down in Delaware County last Thursday night.
Buildings and other property sustained significant damage in Scioto Township, Delaware Township, the City of Delaware, Berlin Township, Berkshire Township, the Village of Galena and Trenton Township. Over the weekend, the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DCOHSEM) mobilized damage assessment teams. They observed damage to at least 254 homes and businesses with 25 of these sustaining major damage and 14 being uninsured. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities.
According to DCOHSEM Director Alex McCarthy, the local declaration of disaster and state of emergency serves several purposes:
- Administratively, it raises bidding thresholds on some departmental procurement policies while the county is in a state of emergency.
- It ensures that emergency management volunteers are provided coverage if they get injured while volunteering.
McCarthy added, “It is also a statement to the public that we are taking this seriously and are doing everything we can to support communities as they recover.”
This action follows Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s proclamation Sunday, which declared a state of emergency in 11 counties, including Delaware. DeWine’s declaration allows state agencies to provide services and supplies to the impacted counties.
For more information about Delaware County’s emergency management operations, please go to: https://ema.co.delaware.oh.us/.