Governor grants disaster declaration after Crawford County hailstorm; county schedules disaster assistance meeting

Crawford County emergency management reported that a severe hail storm last week produced golf‑ball‑size hail and damaged residences in multiple townships. Zach (Emergency Management) told the Board that initial damage assessments found damage to more than 30 homes and that Chair Craig Dozark had signed a local disaster proclamation to activate county response resources.

The governor issued a state disaster proclamation covering Crawford County, which triggers state resources and access to disaster case advocacy and, for eligible low‑income households, individual assistance. Zach said, “we had about 30 over 30 homes damaged,” and county staff posted that a disaster case advocate would be available at the courthouse to meet affected residents the next day.

What residents should do: Emergency management asked residents with damage to gather photographs, insurance information and any documentation of loss and to meet with disaster case advocates during the outreach session; staff said they will also accept calls and follow‑up appointments for residents unable to attend the initial session.

Why it matters: The state declaration opens channels for case management, referrals to contractors and limited FEMA‑style individual assistance (income limits apply). The county emphasized the importance of affected residents documenting damage and meeting the advocates to establish eligibility and identify unmet needs.

Next steps: Emergency management will continue damage assessment, maintain a rolling list of affected properties and coordinate with state disaster case advocates to deliver on‑site and phone assistance. The proclamation remains in place while recovery efforts and case advocacy continue.