Orrville begins to dry out after Aug. 8 flooding
The rains that fell in Orrville on Aug. 8 dumped 7.6 inches of rain on the city in only an hour.
Aug. 8, 2024, will long be remembered in Orrville after Hurricane Debby, making its way across the northeastern portion of the United States, managed to stall over the city that evening, dumping 7.6 inches of rain in an hour.
Overwhelmed storm drains couldn’t handle the deluge of water, and within an hour of the start of the rain, streets became rivers, backyards became ponds and drivers got stuck in the increasingly fast-rising water. Trash cans floated down the streets as it had been garbage day, and many hadn’t had time to bring their trash cans back in before the rains began.
On Aug. 12 Orrville City Schools announced the wood floor of the Bob Knight Gym had been damaged.
“The massive rain caused water damage to the Hall of Fame area and the gym floor,” said Dr. David Toth, superintendent of Orrville City Schools. “Thanks to our custodial and maintenance staff, we could clean and dry the Hall of Fame area, but the gym floor, with its wood floor, suffered damage. We are working with our insurance company and the gym floor manufacturer to address the situation. All activities previously scheduled for the facility will be rescheduled to our old gym at the high school.”
Orr Pool also suffered damage due to the flooding and remains closed, although the splash pad located in Orr Park was not damaged and is open for use. Many residents also suffered damage to their homes and basements. Residents in an apartment complex in town reported a few basement walls had collapsed.
The community has rallied around the flood victims. The day after the flood, Orr Pizza and Subs, located on High Street in Orrville, offered free food, and Sure House Coffee Roasters on Market Street in Orrville had free coffee.
The Orrville Area United Way and Orrville Salvation Army set up a donation and distribution site on Aug. 10 for collecting and distributing cleaning supplies, clothes, food, hygiene products, gift cards and essential household items.
Orrville Police, Orrville Fire Department and the city wastewater treatment employees all worked to assist residents and to prevent a bad situation from becoming even worse, and Mayor Matt Plybon announced the city would place dumpsters throughout the city to assist Orrville residents trying to remove furniture, clothing and other items from their damaged homes.
For those who have suffered property damage, there are several additional options for assistance. The American Red Cross may be able to assist those who suffered structural and home damage. Anyone seeking to make a claim must do so within 14 days from the flood by calling 1-800-RedCross, which will trigger the appropriate Disaster Action Team.
Additionally, the Wayne County Auditor’s Office has indicated those whose property was severely impacted by the flood may qualify for a value reduction that would reduce property taxes. Those who believe their property may qualify can visit or call the Wayne County Auditor’s Office to obtain form DTE 26 or DTE 49.
State and local officials also were working to secure a disaster designation that would open up additional avenues of assistance at both the state and federal level.