Montgomery, Blue Ash and Sycamore Township residents who suffered damage from August's severe storms can get in-person help applying for federal aid at a disaster recovery center in Bond Hill.

The Hamilton County Disaster Recovery Center opened Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Hamilton County Central Campus, 1701 Patricia McCollum Way, Cincinnati, according to Hamilton County's emergency management page. No appointment is needed. Representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Ohio Emergency Management Agency and Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency are on site to answer questions and walk visitors through applications.

Hamilton County EMA confirmed on X on Friday, Oct. 9, that Montgomery, Blue Ash and Sycamore Township are among the communities eligible for assistance. The center serves anyone who sustained losses from severe weather between Aug. 10 and Aug. 22.

A derecho tore through Hamilton County on Aug. 11, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The National Weather Service confirmed one EF-1 tornado in the county. Duke Energy reported more than 180,000 customers lost power that day, and about 94,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity a full day later, WVXU reported.

President Trump approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Hamilton County and six other Ohio counties on Friday, Oct. 2. The declaration activated FEMA's Individual Assistance Grant program and SBA disaster loans.

Nick Crossley, director of Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, told county commissioners on Tuesday, Oct. 6, that the declaration was rare. "I couldn't find a time in the last 30 years when Hamilton County has had a disaster that's risen to the level that's gotten a presidential [declaration] for individual assistance …" Crossley told WVXU. He said the center is expected to remain open for two to four weeks.

In the same Tuesday, Oct. 6, remarks, Crossley advised homeowners to document all damage, noting that FEMA assistance primarily covers uninsured losses such as insurance deductibles for tree removal or relocation costs.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is Dec. 1. SBA physical damage loan applications are also due Dec. 1. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications have a later deadline of July 2, 2027.

Residents can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or through the FEMA app. SBA loan applications are available at sba.gov/disaster.

What to bring: insurance policy number and company name, a current phone number and email, your address at the time of the disaster and your current address, Social Security number, a general list of damage and losses, banking information for direct deposit, and receipts for disaster-related purchases.

Center hours:

  • Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents displaced by severe weather who need shelter can call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For general assistance, call United Way at 211.

Upcoming community events:

  • Montgomery's Holiday in the Village returns Dec. 5.
  • Blue Ash and Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO) free holiday concert in Montgomery on Dec. 6.
  • Blue Ash 34th Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.