September 17, 2008

The President

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. President:

Under the provisions of Section 501 (a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.35, I request that you declare an emergency for the entire State of Ohio as a result of category one hurricane force winds over a sustained period of time throughout the entire state.

High winds, which were the remnants of Hurricane Ike, impacted the State of Ohio Sunday, September 14, 2008 with residual continuing effects. Massive power outages and incident-related debris continue to impact all 88 counties within the state. At the peak outage, an estimated 2 million residential and business customers were without power throughout the State and full power restoration is not expected until next week. Seven people have died as a result of the storm, five killed by falling trees and associated debris, one electrocution and one drowning.

In response to the situation, I have taken appropriate action under state law and directed the execution of the State Emergency Plan on September 14, 2008 in accordance with Section 501 (a) of the Stafford Act. Under my authority, a state of emergency was declared for all 88 Counties on September 15, 2008.

Pursuant to 44 CFR § 206.35, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. I am specifically requesting a statewide emergency declaration for all 88 counties for Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, that is necessary to save lives, protect public health and safety and prevent damage to public and private property.

A preliminary estimate of the type and amount of emergency assistance needed under the Stafford Act is tabulated in Enclosure A. As we continue to assess impacts of emergency protective measures statewide, we are also assessing widespread debris statewide associated with this wind event. A subsequent request for Category A, Debris Removal, may be submitted based on the outcome of damage assessments.

KEY STATE RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

The following State Agencies and organizations responded to the Ohio Emergency Operations Center and the impacted areas following the power outage: the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio Department of Agriculture, American Red Cross, Ohio Community Service Council, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio National Guard, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Homeland Security, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. Representatives from these entities are present in the State Emergency Operations Center and are surveying their county counterparts to determine the impacts and possible resources needed.

The following information is furnished on the nature and amount of state and local resources that have been or will be used to alleviate the conditions of this emergency:

Emergency Support Function #1: Transportation

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews have worked 24 hours a day since the event began on Sunday afternoon clearing debris from state and local roadways. At the height of this event, there were more than 46 roads maintained by ODOT that were closed or restricted due to wind storm damage. Officials estimate hundreds of locally maintained (county, municipal, township) roads have been impacted by debris. Power outages and physical damage to traffic lights continue to seriously impact the safety of citizens, emergency responders and repair crews. Peak outage of traffic signals under the jurisdiction of ODOT was over 490, more than one-third of signals controlled by ODOT. statewide traffic signal outages were in the tens of thousands. As power is slowly being restored those signals not damaged are becoming functional.

Emergency Support Function #2: Communications

There continues to be widespread usage of Ohio's 800-megahertz statewide communication system, the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS), by agencies and local departments that are experiencing power outages. Additionally, 50 MARCS sites are on generator power and 8 have experienced T-1 problems and are non-functional. Loss of electricity statewide has hampered state, local and non-profits' abilities to effectively communicate with the public, requiring alternate communication methods to dispel rumors and communicate emergency public information.

Emergency Support Function #3: Engineering and Public Works

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports numerous public water systems are on backup power or facing operational challenges. Additionally, one system lost both primary and secondary power and has issued a precautionary advisory. Water sampling is on-going to verify the safety of the water for that system.

Based on the loss of power to critical systems, multiple jurisdictions are providing bottled water to their citizens and ice to support critical needs.

Systems in southwest and central Ohio are dealing with issues of extended term operations on secondary power and/or obtaining water supplied from other systems. They are coordinating with the Dayton and Columbus offices which are monitoring the on-going challenges. EPA received a report that the public water supply in Twin City (Tuscarawas County) is without power and has no backup supply. A generator has been identified with transportation underway and delivery anticipated in several days. Once delivered, there will be additional significant costs incurred for the fuel that will need to be trucked in and provided to support the use of the generator. EPA staff will continue to conduct outreach to public water systems.

The EPA received numerous reports of sewage overflows and bypasses from the loss of power. The need for backup power is a recent requirement for system design; therefore, older facilities without backup or those who rely on alternate power service may also be impacted based on the extensive outage area. As outages continue, local officials are voicing concern about the length and amount of sewage overflows and bypasses.

Staff continues to survey sewage treatment facilities, assessing problems with loss of power to plants and pump stations.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is also reporting extensive power outages in 12 State Parks which resulted in the closure of the park facilities due to the loss of fire suppression systems in the buildings. The non-life threatening evacuation of visitors in these parks is being delayed due to debris-related issues and impacted roadways.

Emergency Support Function #4: Firefighting

There have been increases of fires as a result of using alternate sources of light or power. To date, all fire needs have been met by local fire departments. The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal is reporting damage to the roof of its main building as a result of high winds.

Emergency Support Function #5: Emergency Management

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) September 14th and continues to monitor response activities. Ohio EMA staff has provided support to the County Emergency Management Directors and is coordinating local Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) surveys in impacted areas. Currently, Ohio EMA has received a total of 31 missions for the following types of support: generators, cell tower power restoration, debris removal and clean up, fuel support, ice, mass care shelters, and potable water haulers and containers.

Schools all across the state continue to be closed as a result of the extended outages. Major school systems in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton have been closed since Monday, creating concern among officials about the impact on Ohio's school children.

Emergency Support Function #6: Mass Care

The Ohio Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) in Clark County has activated volunteers to help with damage assessment and is providing tetanus boosters for injuries. In Champaign County, the MRC has contacted volunteers to be on alert in case the EMA opens a shelter for special needs. Approximately fifteen medical special needs patients on oxygen have lost power and if it is not restored by September 17, they will need to be sheltered. Franklin County MRC has reported activation with ARC shelters. In Greene County the MRC has been contacted by the EMA Director about supporting an ARC shelter at Xenia - Edison with one licensed practical nurse and one registered nurse per shift.

The American Red Cross (ARC) has opened the Greene County Xenia - Edison shelter. Following is additional information regarding shelters that are open or plan to open. Decisions to open will be dependent upon shelter surveys and the need due to long-term power outages.

• Hamilton County: 4 shelters

• Montgomery County: 2 shelters

• Knox County: 2 shelters

• Licking County: 1 shelter

• Fairfield County: 1 shelter

• Franklin County: 1 shelter

The Salvation Army, in conjunction with Ohio Volunteers Active in Disasters (OH VOAD) is overseeing the feeding and care of eighty-five seniors in a Salvation Army high rise residence in Cincinnati. Also, the Salvation Army has established a canteen and is working with the Area Office on Aging/Meals on Wheels program. In Coshocton County, a facility is ready to be opened for sheltering and showers.

The OH VOAD is conducting a survey to determine the need of food pantries throughout the state to determine if there are sufficient food supplies and any shortages projected within the next five days. This information is essential to obtain food for local food pantries, especially those in blacked out areas. Food distribution may become a critical issue in the next few days.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will replace food stamps for those customers already receiving food stamps that were without power for over four hours and have a need for replacement food. Also, ODJFS has experienced wind damage to one facility located at 4020 East Fifth Avenue in Columbus (Franklin County). Damage does not pose an immediate threat to staff. Additionally, 9 ODJFS offices throughout the state are closed due to the lack of electricity. As of this morning ODJFS has been experiencing network connectivity and telephone outages in eighteen counties.

The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) is providing public service announcements to consumers regarding the process for documenting any damage and calling their insurance agents to begin the claims process. Also, consumers being are advised to be cautious of scams. ODI has contacted insurance companies to begin to gather information about the impact to insured losses. However, due to the extensive requests from Texas and other states impacted by Hurricane Ike, information will probably be delayed.

Emergency Support Function #7: Resources Support

The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has received numerous requests for generators that have subsequently been provided. Additionally, there have also been requests for water containers, water transport and fuel.

Emergency Support Function #8: Public Health

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Environmental Health division has provided assistance to six counties and two city health departments.

Emergency Support Function #9: Search and Rescue

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) completed recovery operations for a boater reported missing at the Lake Milton State Park.

Emergency Support Function #10: Hazardous Materials

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responding to several reports of leaking pole-mounted electrical transformers, and one report of a residential fuel storage tank spill due to fallen trees and wind.

Emergency Support Function #11: Agriculture

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is working with local health departments assisting grocery stores to determine what food may need to be discarded. Forty (40) of one hundred sixty (160) poultry facilities have been inspected and have generators in operation. Inspectors continue to the check status of remaining facilities.

The Division of Meat Inspection is reporting a number of establishments scattered throughout Central, Southwest, West Central (Dayton, Springfield), and East Central (Tuscarawas) without power. A number of meat inspection establishments are using backup generators with several looking for backup generators. Several establishments are closed in East Central (Strasburg Meats, Strasburg, Tilton's, Newcomerstown). A concern at this time is the loss of power and the impact to perishable products unless establishments can find portable refrigeration or find an establishment that has refrigerators to hold products.

ODA will be working with Farm Service Agency and Ohio State Univeristy Extension Service for crop and agribusiness damage reports based on reports of significant crop damage.

Emergency Support Function #12: Energy

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) reports peak statewide power outages at over 2 million customers, which is historic for Ohio. 1.45 million customers remained without power on Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

American Electric Power of Ohio (AEP)

There are scattered outages throughout the state impacting a total of 447,520 customers. This represents 34% of customers served by AEP. Assessment is on-going with initial reports indicating full restoration estimated within seven (7) days.

Dayton Power and Electric (DP&L)

The utility is still receiving outage reports with over 150,000 reported out of service, as of September 15th. All 24 counties in the DP&L service area have reported damages and power outages. There are over 50 large transmission poles down. To date, there is no final total on number of distribution poles that have been knocked down. Additional crews are reporting from Indiana to support local efforts. Restoration is expected to continue into the weekend.

Duke Power

There are over 6,600 outages reported that are affecting approximately 469,987 customers. Currently there are 175 circuit lockouts across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky which are preventing restoration of power. A total of 700 workers will be in the field today restoring service, assessing damage and clearing trees. Additional crews will be arriving tonight from North and South Carolina and contractors recalled from the Gulf Coast. A Duke Energy helicopter will fly lines throughout the area today to help assess the damage. Current estimated restoration time for all customers without power is Saturday, September 20, 2008.

First Energy

FirstEnergy has requested mutual aide assistance from partner power companies and contractors. FirstEnergy is moving personnel internally from unaffected areas to assist with restoration efforts. Additional crews are being brought in from Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to support FirstEnergy crews. The timetable for total restoration to all customers is unknown at this time. Approximately 277,202 customers are without power.

Rural Electric Co-Operatives (Co-Ops)

The Rural Electric Cooperatives are continuing to perform damage assessment. Estimated time for restoration of power to customers is within the next two or three days to the end of the week. The Co-Ops have requested additional support crews from Michigan and Illinois. Approximately 39,000 customers are without power.

Although the situation continues to improve, all utilities are estimating 100% restoration will not occur until the end of the weekend.

Emergency Support Function #13: Law Enforcement

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has reported road closures but no serious incidents have occurred.

The Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection reported a company, JCI Jones, in Barberton, Ohio (Summit County) that repackages chemical chlorine for use at municipal water treatment facilities and wastewater treatment facilities had been without power since the wind storm. JCI Jones had several chlorine deliveries scheduled in the next two days to municipal water facilities throughout Ohio. The Business Continuity Coordinator for First Energy was notified that the Company was without power, and repair crews are reportedly on scene at JCI Jones. If the deliveries are not made, several communities could be without potable water.

Emergency Support Function #14: Recovery and Mitigation

Ohio EMA staff has been in contact with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and has requested technical assistance regarding SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program for businesses that may have uninsured financial loss due to extended power outages.

Emergency Support Function #15: Emergency Public Information and External Affairs

The Joint Information Center is providing public safety advisories, conducting interviews and assisting with media inquiries. The Governor, Director of Public Safety and the Executive Director of Ohio EMA toured impacted areas in Dayton and Cincinnati Tuesday, September 16, 2008.

IMPACT TO THE STATE

The financial impact on Ohio is severe. Ohio's economy is already suffering and the state government has implemented $1.2 billion in spending reductions since the enactment of the biennial budget in June of 2008. The State has funded financial assistance for state-declared events this year which total over $1.4 million. The current event has resulted in additional costs to the state, including lost revenues due to the closure of 12 state parks. Additionally state and local governments have committed more than $5.5 million for the non-federal share of the most recent FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program activations as well as multiple millions of dollars for previous presidentially declared disasters which have impacted the State over the past five years.

The information provided in this letter is based on preliminary assessments of the impact to the 88 counties within the State. Based on the impact from the extended power outages, the State may also seek assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist the business community with financial recovery.

The State is seeking an emergency disaster declaration for FEMA's Public Assistance Program, Category B, Emergency Protective Measures statewide. A financial hardship does exist for recovery from this widespread historical disaster without supplemental federal disaster assistance.

I certify that for this emergency, the State and local governments will assume all applicable non-Federal share of costs required by the Stafford Act.

I am requesting direct Federal assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property. Due to the high demand for generators caused by the impact of Hurricane Ike and Gustav in the Gulf Coast region, there is a severe lack of available generators which are essential for restoration of power at critical facilities such as water treatment facilities, institutionalized populations, shelter centers and emergency service providers.

I have designated Nancy J. Dragani as the State Coordinating Officer for this request. She will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in damage assessments and may provide further information or justification on my behalf.

Sincerely,

Ted Strickland

Governor