Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security is asking Hilliard-area residents, businesses and property owners who suffered damage in the Aug. 11 derecho to file formal storm damage reports through an online portal at franklincountyohio.gov/fcemhs.

The agency said the reports will help document the storm's full impact across the community and could support requests for state or federal disaster assistance. Franklin County was added to Gov. Mike DeWine's state of emergency declaration on Aug. 13, a formal prerequisite for pursuing that aid.

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners said in an Instagram post on Aug. 14 that reporting damage helps the county identify where resources and assistance may be needed.

FCEM&HS first issued the call on Aug. 14 and repeated it Aug. 17, urging anyone whose home, property or business was affected to take a moment to submit a report. No deadline for submissions has been announced.

What the storm did

The Aug. 11 derecho brought wind gusts of 82 mph recorded at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, downed trees and power lines across Hilliard, and closed the railroad crossing at Avery Road after a train was stopped by debris. AEP Ohio reported approximately 170,000 outages statewide and 110,000 in central Ohio at peak, according to WOSU.

Other recovery resources still available

Property tax relief: Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano announced Aug. 12 that homeowners with storm-damaged properties may apply for a temporary reduction in assessed value, potentially lowering real estate tax bills until repairs are complete. We covered that option in our storm-damaged homes property tax relief report.

Chipper service: As of the city's most recent update, Hilliard crews had completed the Blue Zone and moved into the Purple Zone, Britton Farms and Carrington Place neighborhoods, with the Green Zone next. Residents in areas already serviced can submit a Hilliard Helps ticket for additional pickup.

Non-emergency storm issues: Call 614-876-7321 to report non-hazardous tree damage blocking a roadway. Dial 911 for emergencies.

How to file

Visit franklincountyohio.gov/fcemhs and follow the storm damage report link. The form asks about damage to homes, businesses and other property. No deadline has been posted, but FCEM&HS urged residents not to wait.