AGENCY NEWS
SBA Disaster Loans Now Available for Fairfield County
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Ohio businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by the July 26–28 flooding.
Eligible applicants in Fairfield County may receive:
You can apply online at sba.gov/disaster, by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or in person at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Fairfield County
Location: Fairfield County Emergency Management, 240 Baldwin Drive, Lancaster, OH
Opening Day: Wednesday, September 17, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Regular Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Closed Sundays
Final Day: Wednesday, October 1 (closes at 4:00 PM)
Deadlines:
Physical damage applications: November 12, 2025
Economic injury applications: June 12, 2026
Apply online at lending.sba.gov
For more information, please see the Press Release and Fact Sheet from the SBA.
The EMA
Consider an emergency: a house fire, car accident, or a security breach. These emergencies can be handled by the resources of the county. The Law Enforcement and Fire Departments are highly trained and ready to respond and care for these emergencies. But what if the fire consumes a city block… this might be too much for any single fire department to handle. Well before these emergencies occurred, there are “Memorandums of Understanding” in place with other area fire and law departments where they have agreed to help each other out.
A disaster occurs, when the emergency is so large, that the resources in the county and with the help provided by Memorandums of Understanding, cannot cover the need for the situation.
This is when the EMA steps in to coordinate a response. If the emergency was a tornado that destroyed 100 homes, or if the power was out for a week in half the county, this would require resources that are more than our county could handle. We need additional help and support. By bringing the decision makers together at the Emergency Operations Center, we can coordinate with all the county resources to decide the best way to help our residents. This may include asking the state for assistance.
Winter is here... are you prepared for the Severe Weather?
CURRENT EMERGENCIES
We are in the process of collecting storm and flooding damage from the recent flooding. If you have any damage to your area, please complete the Storm Report below.
Storm Damage Reporting from Saturday, July 26, 2025 and Sunday, July 27, 2025
Flood Recovery Q&A
Fairfield County Flood Incident: July, 2025
Q: What's being done about the July flooding?
A: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has completed damage assessments for homes and businesses in Fairfield County. They are now reviewing their findings to determine if the county qualifies for SBA disaster assistance, which is in the form of low-interest loans. What's being done about the July flooding?
Q: What about FEMA?
A: Federal grants for individuals (from agencies like FEMA) only come with a Presidential disaster declaration, which requires damage levels beyond what Fairfield County experienced. SBA loans are the federal option for disasters like this. They are low-interest, designed to be affordable for recovery.
Q: What is the SBA?
A: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency. Despite the name, their disaster program is not just for businesses. Homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses may all qualify for loans to repair, rebuild, or replace what was lost.
Q: Has any other aid been approved?
A: Fairfield County was approved for the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) funds by Governor DeWine, which provides reimbursement for public infrastructure (specifically local government and critical non-profits).
Q: Could residents get other assistance?
A: After the SBA’s decision, the Governor will review whether residents may qualify for additional individual (home owners, renters) assistance through the SDRP.
Q: What happens next?
A: SBA is reviewing the county’s damage assessments. If approved, SBA's Disaster Loan Program will accept applications for loan assistance county-wide. The Governor’s office will then determine if residents can receive additional assistance through the SDRP. We will share updates as soon as they are available.
Q: How do I get updates about possible assistance?
A: If your home or business experienced flood damage and you have not yet reported, please do so at fairfieldema.com/stormreport. Those who submit reports will receive updates from Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
Amanda Township Fire Department
Basil Joint Fire District
Berne Township Fire Department
Bloom Township Fire Department
Bremen-Rushcreek Township Fire Department
Clearcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department
Greenfield Township Fire Department
Hocking Township Fire Department
City of Lancaster Fire Department
Pleasant Township Fire Department
Richland Township Fire Department
Walnut Township Fire Department
Violet Township Fire Department
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office
Village of Baltimore
Carroll Police Department
City of Lancaster
Lithopolis Police Department
Village of Millersport
City of Pickerington
Village of Pleasantville
Sugar Grove Police Department
Hunter's Run Conservancy District
Rushcreek Conservancy District
South Licking Watershed Conservancy District
Fairfield County Health Department
Fairfield County Fire Chief's Association
Fairfield Medical Center
American Red Cross
Fairfield County Amateur Radio Club
EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Healthcare Coalition:
The Healthcare Coalition is a group that integrate, coordinate and organize regional health care preparedness activities and response coordination. They're a key requirement in the 2012-2017 Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Cooperative Agreements.
In order to ensure that the Outdoor Warning Sirens will work during an actual Tornado Warning, all sirens are tested every Wednesday at 12 noon. If you do not hear a siren that you normally hear during these tests, please let us know as your feedback will help us ensure the system is operating properly. Call the EMA office at 740-654-4357 or send an e-mail to ema-lepc@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
Additional information on our county sirens can be found here - SIRENS!
Join the Siren Spotter Team! If you are interested in joining the team to inform the EMA office of sirens that do not sound on the Wednesday test, please considering signing up to be a member of our Siren Spotter Team, sign up here!
