The Associated Press

FINDLAY, Ohio - People who lost homes and other property in severe storms and tornadoes that hit northern Ohio this month can find the status of their federal aid applications at three disaster recovery centers opening on Monday.

Victims of the Nov. 10 storms also can go to the centers in three cities for referrals for temporary rental assistance, help completing low-interest loan applications, unemployment information, tax help and crisis counseling.

Center staff also can provide information about wind-resistant home construction and referrals to other agencies.

"Right now people want information about the status of their applications for assistance, or help filling out their disaster loan application," said Ron Sherman, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "They want to know what their options are for rebuilding."

Both state and federal disaster areas were declared in parts of the 100-mile path the storm took from Van Wert near the Indiana state line to Port Clinton along Lake Erie.

The centers will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice, FEMA spokesman Russ Edmonston said, but they will close from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Friday in observance of Thanksgiving.

The centers are at Anthony Wayne School, 641 N. Jefferson in Van Wert; Arcade office building, 125 W. North St. in Fostoria; and Ottawa County Courthouse, 315 Madison St. in Port Clinton.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is operating a toll-free number for storm victims, (800) 621-3362, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.