Data story · FEMA disaster DR-4945-OH
Columbus Water Damage From the August Storms: FEMA Aid Is Open Until December 1
On October 2, 2026, the President declared a major disaster for the August 10–22 storms and flooding in Ohio. Homeowners in 7 counties, including Franklin (Columbus) and Hamilton (Cincinnati), can now ask FEMA for money for home repairs. The last day to apply is December 1, 2026.
- Counties
- Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry
- Storm dates
- August 10–22, 2026
- Declared
- October 2, 2026
- Help for
- Grants for home repairs and temporary housing, and low-cost loans for losses insurance does not cover
- Deadline
- December 1, 2026 ·
- Apply
- DisasterAssistance.gov, 1-800-621-3362, or the FEMA App
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, disaster 4945, read October 7, 2026.
What to do first
FEMA asks you to file with your insurance company first, then apply. Take photos of the damage before you throw anything out, and keep every receipt. Your insurer and FEMA will both ask for them.
In Hamilton County, a Disaster Recovery Center opened on October 7 at the Hamilton County Central Campus, 1701 Patricia McCollum Way, Cincinnati, OH 45237. Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
What flood cleanup costs
Restoration companies class floodwater from rivers or groundwater as Category 3 (“black”) water, the most expensive kind to clean. Published price guides put water removal and drying for it at $7 to $12 per square foot. A 500 sq ft basement comes to about $3,500–$6,000 for cleanup and drying alone, before new flooring or drywall. If mold has started, budget another $1,200–$3,800.
Get a written estimate before you apply. Many restoration companies will document the damage for your claim.
Price your water damage
Enter the wet area and the water type. You get a low-to-high price for cleanup, flooring, drywall and mold, with a source for every rate.
Open the cost calculator 48 restoration companies in Columbus 52 in CincinnatiSources
- FEMA, major disaster declaration for Ohio (October 2, 2026): counties, types of help, how to apply.
- FEMA, OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, disaster 4945: incident dates, last day to apply (lastIAFilingDate: December 1, 2026).
- Hamilton County, Ohio, Disaster Recovery Center opens in Bond Hill (October 5, 2026): address, hours, deadline.
- Cleanup rates: Forbes Home and HomeGuide price tables; mold add-on: Angi. Full list on the calculator’s sources section.
Cite this page
Disaster Recovery Directory, “Columbus Water Damage From the August Storms: FEMA Aid Is Open Until December 1,” October 7, 2026, https://restoration.contractorsestimates.com/ohio-flood-fema-aid-2026/
This page is not FEMA and does not take applications. Check fema.gov/disaster/4945 for changes to the deadline or the county list.