Excessive Rain and Flooding in Southern Clinton County: What You Need to Know

The following letter provides a summary of the recent excessive rainfall event that

affected southern portions of Clinton County on Saturday, 28 June 2025. It outlines observed impacts, available recovery resources, insurance information for residents, and options for local jurisdictions to request assistance. Clinton County EMA is committed to working with local officials to identify unmet needs, assess damages, and coordinate volunteer support where appropriate.

1.  Weather Summary.

During the two to three days leading up to Saturday, 28 June 2025, much of Clinton County received rainfall amounts comparable to a full month’s average. On June 28, a localized and intense storm system delivered an additional 1.0 to 2.8 inches of rain in under an hour along a narrow corridor extending from just south of Clarksville eastward to just south of Martinsville.

This rainfall significantly affected the southern portion of the county. Already saturated soils and elevated stream levels meant water had nowhere to go, resulting in localized flooding. The Villages of Blanchester and Midland experienced the most notable impacts, primarily due to overwhelmed drainage systems and limited runoff capacity.

2a.  Insurance Information for Residents.

Insurance is the primary means for residents and business owners impacted by the flooding will primarily need to rely on their individual insurance coverage. It is important to understand the distinctions between policies:

Flood Insurance:

Required for mortgaged properties in FEMA-designated flood zones. Typically covers structural components such as foundations, electrical systems, and HVAC equipment. Personal belongings (e.g., furniture, appliances, clothing) are not covered unless the policyholder has an additional contents rider.

Standard Homeowners Insurance:

Does not cover flood damage caused by water entering from outside the home. Some policies may include limited water backup protection (e.g., sump pump failure or interior plumbing issues), but this does not substitute for flood coverage.

Examples:

• Typically Covered: Foundation damage, circuit breaker panels, HVAC units

• Not Covered Without Rider: Carpet, furniture, personal electronics, drywall replacement

Residents are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance providers directly to verify policy coverage and initiate claims.

2b.  State Consumer Assistance – Ohio Department of Insurance (https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers)

The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) offers robust support and educational resources to help residents navigate insurance claims and recovery after severe weather events:

• ODI's mission is to safeguard Ohio consumers through regulatory oversight, educational outreach, and enforcement of fair insurance practices. Their efforts include monitoring insurer solvency, investigating complaints, and helping consumers resolve disputes.

• The Consumer Services Division provides a toll‑free hotline (800‑686‑1526) staffed by specialists who can assist homeowners and businesses with questions about flood and property insurance, claims timelines, coverage limits, and appeals.

• ODI publishes a Severe Weather Preparation and Recovery Toolkit, which includes guidance for documenting damage (photos, home inventory), tips for safe temporary repairs, avoiding contractor fraud, and understanding homeowners and flood insurance claims processes.

• Residents can access additional consumer education materials, FAQs, agent licensure checks, and complaint forms on ODI’s website.

Local jurisdictions should advise impacted residents to:

• Contact ODI’s Consumer Services team at 800‑686‑1526 if they have questions about policy coverage, claims delays, denied claims, or receive unsatisfactory service.

• Use ODI’s toolkit and publications to properly document losses before cleanup and to safeguard against contractor scams.

• Remember insurers typically reimburse for certain temporary emergency repairs—proper documentation and provider selection are key.

3. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Assistance.

Several disaster response organizations may be able to provide assistance to impacted households:

American Red Cross (800-733-2767)

• May assist households with floodwater in the first-floor living area (typically up to 18 inches).

• Capable of deploying Disaster Assistance Teams to provide case management and support services.

• Assistance may include cleanup kits, temporary shelter, and basic recovery supplies.

Samaritan’s Purse (Assessment team requested thru EMA)

• Offers no-cost volunteer assistance with mud-outs, debris removal, and home restoration.

• Prioritizes support for low-income, elderly, or uninsured households.

• Works closely with local EMA and churches to identify and assist impacted families.

American Regulators (513-456-2806)

• Ohio-based disaster volunteer group with experience in Clinton County.

• Provides hands-on support including chainsaw crews, interior demo, and debris removal.

• Known for fast response following weather-related damage.

Masters of Disaster (Teams requested thru EMA)

• Faith-based national group providing muck-outs, mold remediation, and rebuilding assistance.

• Coordinates with local officials to prioritize vulnerable populations.

• Offers extended support beyond the initial disaster period.

Team Rubicon (Teams requested thru EMA)

• Veteran-led organization specializing in rapid disaster deployments.

• Teams support damage assessments, debris clearing, and homeowner recovery efforts.

• Focuses on underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

4.  Damage Assessment.

If you believe we can achieve the threshold, Clinton County EMA can initiate a formal damage assessment to determine if the county meets the state level of 25 or more uninsured properties with Major or Destroyed damage—a key requirement for potential state-level assistance. To support this effort, I can issue a countywide message via Orion requesting residents to report significant residential damage, allowing us to capture impacts beyond just Blanchester and gain a broader understanding of conditions across the county.

5. Conclusion and Coordination.

Clinton County EMA is actively monitoring conditions and maintaining contact with partner organizations to identify unmet needs. Jurisdictions may request NGO support where significant residential impacts have occurred or where residents may be unable to self-recover.

Please encourage impacted residents to:

• Document damage with photographs

• Retain all receipts for repairs and cleanup

• Contact their insurance providers promptly

• Notify local officials if additional support may be needed

For further assistance or to request volunteer support for your jurisdiction, please contact our office at (937) 382-6673 or via email at breckel.thomas@clintoncountyohio.us.