COLUMBIANA COUNTY Flood relief center sees low turnout of residents

The FEMA center closes at 6 tonight.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- So far around 45 people have visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood relief center at Columbiana High School.
FEMA officials have been at the school since Monday so Columbiana County residents seeking assistance to repair flood damage could check on the status of their applications and have questions answered.
Although the center closes at 6 tonight, FEMA spokesman Leo Skinner said people can still apply for assistance or check status of pending applications by calling (800) 621-FEMA. He said after centers close, the toll-free number serves as a hotline and people can call to check on their applications.
Low turnout
Columbiana police Chief John Krawchyk expected residents to flock to the FEMA center, so was surprised at the relatively low turnout.
He said his department received around 100 calls regarding flooding in the city after May 22 storms.
Skinner said FEMA and state and local emergency management agency officials are on hand at help centers to offer assistance and answer questions. People applying for help aren't required to visit a site, he said.
Any county resident who would still like to speak personally with a FEMA representative, however, can do so Friday and Saturday at a FEMA center in Summit County. Anyone seeking FEMA assistance should first apply by calling the FEMA toll-free number, then visit the help center, he said.
FEMA representatives will be in Summit County 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave.