Cuyahoga County County-Wide Hazard Mitigation Plan - City of ...

FINAL REPORT
Countywide All Natural
Hazards Mitigation Plan
for Cuyahoga County
Prepared for
Cuyahoga County Emergency Services
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
December 2003

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 FOREWORD .......................................................................................................................1
1.1 CUYAHOGA COUNTY NATURAL DISASTER BACKGROUND ......................................................1
2.0 COUNTY INFORMATION....................................................................................................3
2.1 CUYAHOGA COUNTY PROFILE AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION..............................................3
Cleveland Metroparks..........................................................................................................3
Watershed Organizations ....................................................................................................6
Chagrin Region....................................................................................................................7
1. Hunting Valley.............................................................................................................7
2. Woodmere Village.......................................................................................................7
3. Orange Village ............................................................................................................8
4. Moreland Hills .............................................................................................................8
5. Chagrin Falls Village ...................................................................................................9
6. Chagrin Falls Township...............................................................................................9
7. Bentleyville..................................................................................................................9
Cleveland Region ..............................................................................................................10
1. Cleveland ..................................................................................................................10
2. Linndale Village.........................................................................................................11
3. Village of Bratenahl ...................................................................................................11
Cuyahoga Region..............................................................................................................12
1. Newburgh Heights.....................................................................................................12
2. Cuyahoga Heights.....................................................................................................12
3. Brooklyn Heights .......................................................................................................13
4. Seven Hills ................................................................................................................13
5. Independence ...........................................................................................................14
6. Valley View ...............................................................................................................14
7. Broadview Heights ....................................................................................................14
8. Brecksville.................................................................................................................15
Heights Region ..................................................................................................................16
1. East Cleveland ..........................................................................................................16
2. Cleveland Heights .....................................................................................................16
3. University Heights .....................................................................................................16
4. Shaker Heights..........................................................................................................17
Hillcrest Region .................................................................................................................18
1. Euclid ........................................................................................................................18
2. Richmond Heights.....................................................................................................18
3. Highland Heights.......................................................................................................19
4. Mayfield Village.........................................................................................................19
5. South Euclid..............................................................................................................20
6. Lyndhurst ..................................................................................................................20
7. Mayfield Heights........................................................................................................20
8. Gates Mills Village.....................................................................................................21
9. Beachwood ...............................................................................................................21
10. Pepper Pike.............................................................................................................22
Southcentral Region ..........................................................................................................22
1. Brooklyn ....................................................................................................................22
2. Parma .......................................................................................................................23
3. Parma Heights ..........................................................................................................23
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4. North Royalton ..........................................................................................................24
Southeast Region ..............................................................................................................24
1. Garfield Heights ........................................................................................................24
2. Maple Heights ...........................................................................................................25
3. Highland Hills ............................................................................................................25
4. North Randall ............................................................................................................26
5. Warrensville Heights .................................................................................................26
6. Bedford Heights ........................................................................................................27
7. Bedford .....................................................................................................................27
8. Walton Hills ...............................................................................................................28
9. Oakwood Village .......................................................................................................28
10. Glenwillow...............................................................................................................29
11. Solon.......................................................................................................................29
Southwest Region..............................................................................................................29
1. Olmsted Township ....................................................................................................29
2. Olmsted Falls ............................................................................................................30
3. Brook Park ................................................................................................................30
4. Berea ........................................................................................................................31
5. Middleburg Heights ...................................................................................................31
6. Strongsville ...............................................................................................................32
Westshore Region .............................................................................................................32
1. Bay Village ................................................................................................................32
2. Westlake ...................................................................................................................32
3. North Olmsted...........................................................................................................33
4. Lakewood..................................................................................................................34
5. Rocky River...............................................................................................................34
6. Fairview Park ............................................................................................................35
2.2 CENSUS INFORMATION .....................................................................................................36
2.3 CUYAHOGA COUNTY AUTHORITY TO ADOPT PLAN..............................................................39
2.4 ADOPTION OF THE PLAN ...................................................................................................39
2.5 CUYAHOGA COUNTY LAND USE AND FUTURE LAND USE ....................................................40
2.6 OTHER EXISTING PLANS...................................................................................................44
3.0 ALL NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLANNING PROCESS....................................45
3.1 MISSION STATEMENT .......................................................................................................45
3.2 MITIGATION CORE GROUP.................................................................................................45
3.3 ADJACENT COUNTY NOTIFICATION ....................................................................................47
3.4 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION PROCESS AND INVOLVEMENT ..........................................................47
3.5 MEETINGS .......................................................................................................................47
Introduction of the Planning Process – Meeting 1 ..............................................................48
Development of Problem Statements – Meeting 2 .............................................................48
Problem Statements.......................................................................................................48
Determination of Overall Goals and Action Items – Meetings 3 and 4................................50
Severe Storms ...............................................................................................................50
Flooding .........................................................................................................................50
Coastal and Streambank Erosion...................................................................................51
Tornadoes......................................................................................................................51
Earthquakes...................................................................................................................51
Drought ..........................................................................................................................51
3.6 MATRIX DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................................51
3.7 PUBLIC REVIEW ...............................................................................................................52
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3.8 FINALIZATION...................................................................................................................53
4.0 STATE OF NATURAL DISASTERS AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR CUYAHOGA
COUNTY ..................................................................................................................................54
4.1 INITIAL HAZARD DETERMINATION FOR CUYAHOGA COUNTY ................................................54
4.2 SEVERE WEATHER HISTORY IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY ..........................................................55
Significant Events ..............................................................................................................56
Winter 2003 .......................................................................................................................59
Severe Thunderstorms ......................................................................................................59
Winter Storms....................................................................................................................59
Wind Chill ..........................................................................................................................60
Winter Storm Watches and Warnings ................................................................................60
Cuyahoga Severe Weather Mitigation Efforts ....................................................................60
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure....................................................................................60
Current Development Trends.............................................................................................60
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses/Potential Dollars Lost..............................60
Matrix Results for Severe Storms ......................................................................................61
4.3 HISTORY OF FLOODING IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY..................................................................62
Significant Events ..............................................................................................................64
Flash Flooding ...................................................................................................................65
River Flooding ...................................................................................................................65
Infrastructure and Critical Facilities ....................................................................................67
Repetitive Loss Flooding....................................................................................................71
At-Risk Structures..............................................................................................................73
Non-Flood Zone Flooding ..................................................................................................75
Cuyahoga County Flood Mitigation Efforts.........................................................................75
Past Mitigation Efforts........................................................................................................75
Current Development Trends.............................................................................................75
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses / Potential Dollars Lost ............................77
Matrix Results for Flooding ................................................................................................81
4.4 TORNADO HISTORY IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY.......................................................................84
What is a Tornado? ...........................................................................................................84
Cuyahoga County Events ..................................................................................................86
Tornado Path Map.............................................................................................................88
Tornado Mitigation Efforts..................................................................................................88
Current Development Trends.............................................................................................89
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses / Potential Dollars Lost ............................89
Matrix Results for Tornadoes.............................................................................................89
4.5 COASTAL AND STREAMBANK EROSION ..............................................................................90
Streambank Erosion ..........................................................................................................90
Coastal Erosion .................................................................................................................91
Ohio Lake Erie Erosion Statistics by County ..................................................................92
Mitigation Efforts................................................................................................................94
Ohio Coastal Management Program..................................................................................94
Coastal Erosion Area Program.......................................................................................94
Current Development Trends.............................................................................................95
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Assessment / Potential Dollars Lost .......................95
Matrix Results for Erosion..................................................................................................97
4.6 EARTHQUAKE HISTORY IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY .................................................................98
Cuyahoga County Risk Zone .............................................................................................98
Monitoring of Earthquakes .................................................................................................99
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Earthquake Occurrence in Cuyahoga County ..................................................................101
Cuyahoga County Earthquake Mitigation Efforts..............................................................101
Current Development Trends...........................................................................................101
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses ..............................................................101
Potential Dollars Lost.......................................................................................................102
Matrix Results for Earthquakes........................................................................................102
4.7 DROUGHTS AND WILD LAND FIRES HISTORY IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY.................................102
Droughts Precursor to Other Disasters ............................................................................103
Cuyahoga County Drought Mitigation Efforts ...................................................................103
Current Development Trends...........................................................................................105
Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment..............................................................................105
Potential Dollars Lost.......................................................................................................105
Matrix Results for Droughts .............................................................................................106
4.8 OTHER HAZARDS – DAMS...............................................................................................107
Hazard Assessment / Vulnerability Assessment ..............................................................108
Action Item ......................................................................................................................108
5.0 HIGHEST RATED ACTIVITIES AND ACTION PLAN .....................................................109
5.1 HIGHEST RATED ACTIVITIES ...........................................................................................109
5.2 ACTION ITEMS SCHEDULE...............................................................................................111
6.0 CUYAHOGA COUNTY ALL NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN MAINTENANCE
...............................................................................................................................................112
APPENDIX 1 – CORRESPONDENCE SENT OUT TO COMMUNITIES ................................113
INITIAL LETTER OF CONTACT / NOTIFICATION (COPY) ..............................................................113
MATRIX LETTER (COPY) ........................................................................................................115
LAST CHANCE LETTER (COPY)...............................................................................................116
ACTION ITEMS SURVEY LETTER (COPY) .................................................................................118
APPENDIX 2 – MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEMBERS .....................................................119
APPENDIX 3 – NOTIFICATION TO ADJACENT COUNTIES................................................122
LETTER TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY DIRECTORS (COPY) ......................................122
LETTER TO SURROUNDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (COPY) .................................................124
APPENDIX 4 – PUBLIC NOTIFICATION ...............................................................................127
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES......................................................127
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER – COMMUNITY NEWS....................................................................129
APPENDIX 5 – MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEETING MINUTES.......................................130
FEBRUARY 26 TH , 2003 - KICK-OFF MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEETING SUMMARY...................130
MARCH 31 ST , 2003 - SECOND MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEETING SUMMARY..........................132
APRIL 14 TH , 2003 - THIRD MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEETING SUMMARY................................136
MAY 19 TH , 2003 - FOURTH MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEETING SUMMARY ..............................140
APPENDIX 6 – REGIONAL MEETING SUMMARIES ............................................................144
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS MARCH 13 TH MEETING SUMMARY .............................................................144
MAPLE HEIGHTS MARCH 19 TH MEETING SUMMARY..................................................................146
CLEVELAND MARCH 31 ST MEETING SUMMARY.........................................................................148
PARMA APRIL 10 TH MEETING SUMMARY..................................................................................150
FAIRVIEW PARK APRIL 14 TH MEETING SUMMARY .....................................................................152
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APPENDIX 7 – PROBLEM STATEMENTS AND MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES .................154
MITIGATION CORE GROUP DEVELOPED PROBLEM STATEMENTS ..............................................154
Severe Storms.................................................................................................................154
Flooding...........................................................................................................................154
Coastal and Streambank Erosion ....................................................................................155
Tornadoes .......................................................................................................................156
Earthquakes ....................................................................................................................156
Drought............................................................................................................................156
MITIGATION CORE GROUP DEVELOPED ACTION ALTERNATIVES...............................................157
Severe Storms.................................................................................................................157
Flooding...........................................................................................................................157
Coastal and Streambank Erosion ....................................................................................158
Tornadoes .......................................................................................................................158
Earthquakes ....................................................................................................................158
Drought............................................................................................................................159
APPENDIX 8 – SEVERE STORM HISTORY..........................................................................160
APPENDIX 9 – SNOW AND ICE EVENTS.............................................................................169
APPENDIX 10 – METHODOLOGY FOR CREATING EROSION HAZARD MAP...................171
2.0 PROBLEM QUANTIFICATION.............................................................................................171
2.1 Erosion .....................................................................................................................171
2.1.1 Observed Erosion Problems...............................................................................171
2.1.2 Predicted Erosion Potential ................................................................................171
2.1.3 Overall Erosion Ranking.....................................................................................172
2.1.4 Erosion and Capital Projects ..............................................................................173
3.1 Problem Priority Ranking Methodology .....................................................................173
3.3 Scoring System for Erosion.......................................................................................173
APPENDIX 11 – OHIO COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ...........................................175
APPENDIX 12 – HIGHEST RATED MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES FOR EACH COMMUNITY
...............................................................................................................................................176
BAY VILLAGE ........................................................................................................................176
BEACHWOOD........................................................................................................................176
BEDFORD .............................................................................................................................177
BEDFORD HEIGHTS ...............................................................................................................178
BENTLEYVILLE ......................................................................................................................178
BRATENAHL..........................................................................................................................179
BRECKSVILLE .......................................................................................................................180
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS ...........................................................................................................180
BROOKLYN ...........................................................................................................................180
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS .............................................................................................................181
BROOK PARK........................................................................................................................181
CHAGRIN FALLS....................................................................................................................181
CLEVELAND ..........................................................................................................................181
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS ............................................................................................................182
EAST CLEVELAND .................................................................................................................182
FAIRVIEW PARK ....................................................................................................................182
GARFIELD HEIGHTS...............................................................................................................183
GATES MILLS........................................................................................................................183
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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS ..............................................................................................................183
HUNTING VALLEY..................................................................................................................187
INDEPENDENCE.....................................................................................................................187
MAPLE HEIGHTS ...................................................................................................................188
MORELAND HILLS .................................................................................................................188
NEWBURGH HEIGHTS ............................................................................................................188
OAKWOOD VILLAGE ..............................................................................................................188
OLMSTED FALLS ...................................................................................................................189
ORANGE VILLAGE .................................................................................................................189
PARMA .................................................................................................................................190
PARMA HEIGHTS...................................................................................................................190
RICHMOND HEIGHTS .............................................................................................................190
ROCKY RIVER.......................................................................................................................190
SHAKER HEIGHTS .................................................................................................................191
SOLON .................................................................................................................................191
SOUTH EUCLID .....................................................................................................................192
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS............................................................................................................192
VALLEY VIEW........................................................................................................................192
WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS ......................................................................................................193
BEREA .................................................................................................................................193
CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS.............................................................................................................193
LAKEWOOD...........................................................................................................................194
MAYFIELD VILLAGE ...............................................................................................................194
MIDDLEBURGH HEIGHTS........................................................................................................194
NORTH ROYALTON................................................................................................................194
OLMSTED TOWNSHIP ............................................................................................................194
PEPPER PIKE........................................................................................................................195
WESTLAKE ...........................................................................................................................195
APPENDIX 13 – EXISTING PLANNING DOCUMENTS / ORGANIZED WATERSHED
GROUPS................................................................................................................................196
APPENDIX 14 – ADDITIONAL CRITICAL FACILITIES.........................................................199
APPENDIX 15 – SUMMARY TABLE OF PARTICIPATION ...................................................225
APPENDIX 16 – TORNADO EVENTS ...................................................................................226
APPENDIX 17 – INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MAPS ......................................227
BAY VILLAGE ........................................................................................................................227
BEACHWOOD........................................................................................................................228
BEDFORD HEIGHTS ...............................................................................................................229
BEDFORD .............................................................................................................................230
BENTLEYVILLE ......................................................................................................................231
BEREA .................................................................................................................................232
BRATENAHL..........................................................................................................................233
BRECKSVILLE .......................................................................................................................234
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS ...........................................................................................................235
BROOK PARK........................................................................................................................236
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS .............................................................................................................237
BROOKLYN ...........................................................................................................................238
CHAGRIN FALLS VILLAGE.......................................................................................................239
CLEVELAND ..........................................................................................................................240
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CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS.............................................................................................................241
EUCLID.................................................................................................................................242
FAIRVIEW PARK ....................................................................................................................243
GARFIELD HEIGHTS...............................................................................................................244
GATES MILLS........................................................................................................................245
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS ..............................................................................................................246
HUNTING VALLEY..................................................................................................................247
INDEPENDENCE.....................................................................................................................248
LAKEWOOD...........................................................................................................................249
MAPLE HEIGHTS ...................................................................................................................250
MAYFIELD.............................................................................................................................251
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS..........................................................................................................252
MORELAND HILLS .................................................................................................................253
NORTH OLMSTED..................................................................................................................254
NORTH ROYALTON................................................................................................................255
OAKWOOD............................................................................................................................256
OLMSTED FALLS ...................................................................................................................257
OLMSTED TOWNSHIP ............................................................................................................258
ORANGE...............................................................................................................................259
PARMA HEIGHTS...................................................................................................................260
PARMA .................................................................................................................................261
PEPPER PIKE........................................................................................................................262
RICHMOND HEIGHTS .............................................................................................................263
ROCKY RIVER.......................................................................................................................264
SEVEN HILLS ........................................................................................................................265
SHAKER HEIGHTS .................................................................................................................266
SOLON .................................................................................................................................267
SOUTH EUCLID .....................................................................................................................268
STRONGSVILLE .....................................................................................................................269
VALLEY VIEW........................................................................................................................270
WALTON HILLS .....................................................................................................................271
WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS ......................................................................................................272
WESTLAKE ...........................................................................................................................273
APPENDIX 18 – DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT..............................................274
COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM HUNTING VALLEY POLICE CHIEF .................................................274
COMMENTS FROM BEACHWOOD CHIEF OF FIRE, PATRICK KEARNS ..........................................274
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1.0 Foreword
The Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners
received a grant from the Ohio Emergency
Management Agency in November of 2002 to
support the development of an All Natural
Hazards Mitigation Plan for the County, including
all 59 jurisdictions. Cuyahoga County was one of
the first counties in the State of Ohio to undertake
this planning process.
The All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan will allow
Cuyahoga County to:
• Locate its areas of risk and assess the
cost and magnitude of the risk;
• Develop strategies and priorities to mitigate risk from natural hazards and identify action
steps or projects to reduce the risk;
• Guide the communities in their risk management activities and minimize conflicts
between agencies responsible for mitigation; and
• Provide eligibility for future mitigation program funds.
There was a great amount of effort put into obtaining a100% response rate for all 59
jurisdictions. Municipalities were contacted numerous times about the importance of their
participation in the planning effort. Copies of the letters sent out can be found in Appendix 1.
Participating communities can adopt the plan created by the County and will be eligible for
federal disaster mitigation funding. There were three ways of participating in the planning
process: 1) completing the Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Survey; 2)
completing the matrix; and 3) completing the at-risk structure inventory. There were 56
municipalities that completed and returned the survey, 37 municipalities completed the matrix,
and 42 completed the at-risk inventory. (Eight communities had no at-risk structures within their
boundaries and thus were not required to complete an at-risk inventory.) There were 33
communities with full participation. Details of each community’s participation can be found in
the table in Appendix 16 of this Plan. There were 3 communities that did not participate at all,
the Village of Glenwillow, the Village of Linndale and the Village of Woodmere. These three
communities will not be eligible to adopt the Plan, nor will they be eligible for federal disaster
mitigation funding.
1.1 Cuyahoga County Natural Disaster Background
Cuyahoga County is susceptible to several natural hazards including severe storms, flash
flooding, 100-year floodplain flooding, non-flood zone flooding, coastal and streambank erosion,
tornadoes, earthquakes and drought. The primary natural hazard risk in Cuyahoga County is
severe storms, which includes winter storms.
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The following are historical Presidential Declarations of Disaster for Cuyahoga County:
Type of Incident Date of Presidential Declaration
Heavy rain and floods March 24, 1964
Tornado April 14, 1965
Heavy rain and floods July 15, 1969
Storms and flooding July 1972
Storms and flooding April 27, 1973
Floods September 11,1975
Severe blizzard conditions January, 26, 1978
Heavy Rains and Floods July 21, 2003
Regional Power Outage August 14-15, 2003
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2.0 County Information
2.1 Cuyahoga County Profile and Community Information
Cuyahoga, named for the Native American word “crooked,” describes the Cuyahoga River
where many of these first residents lived. When the County was established by an Act in 1807,
the population was approximately 1,400. By 1846, only a few Native American settlements
remained. The population of Cuyahoga County peaked in 1970 at 1,721,300. Over the last ten
years, the County experienced a slight decline in population from 1,412,140 in 1990, to
1,393,845 in 2000.
Employment by major industries shows that the service industry represents the largest segment
of jobs at over 30%, followed by the trades, manufacturing, government, real estate financing,
insurance and banking.
With 59 political subdivisions, Cuyahoga County is the
largest county in the State. The largest cities within
the county based upon the 2000 census are:
• Cleveland 478,459
• Parma 85,655
• Lakewood 56,646
• Euclid 52,717
• Cleveland Heights 50,769
• Strongsville 43,858
• North Olmsted 34,113
• Westlake 31,719
• Garfield Heights 30,734
• Shaker Heights 29,405
Based upon the 2000 Census statistics, Caucasians make up 67.4% of the population of
Cuyahoga County, African Americans make up 27.4%, Hispanics 3.4%, Asians comprise 1.8%,
Native Americans make up 0.2%, and Other at 1.5%. Data for the demographic profiles of each
community was obtained from the University of Akron, Center for Policy Studies, Institute for
Health and Social Policy, Census 2000.
Coinciding with changing dynamics such as fewer children per family and declining population
trends, regional growth dynamics have contributed to the decline in population of communities
in Cuyahoga County. This factor is known as negative growth and began in the City of
Cleveland and its inner ring suburbs and has now continued to affect many of the suburbs in the
southeastern region, which include Bedford, Bedford Heights Maple Heights, North Randall,
Warrensville Heights, Oakwood and Walton Hills. Suburban communities such as Solon and
Orange Village, as well as communities outside of Cuyahoga County, have experienced
population growth from 1970 through the 1990’s.
Cleveland Metroparks
American Indian Education Center's
2002 Competitive Powwow
The Cleveland Metroparks System of Cuyahoga County includes Lake Erie and the public
access to beaches in Cleveland at Edgewater State Park, and in Bay Village at Huntington
Park, and the Emerald Necklace Trail. The system features 14 woodland park reservations and
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the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This Park District comprises over 20,000 acres of various
landscapes and attractions for park visitors to enjoy. Information on these natural recreational
areas that include natural rivers, lakes and streams, and ravines has been included for the
potential impact on surrounding communities and neighborhoods.
The park reservations include Bedford, Big Creek, Bradley Woods, Brecksville, Brookside,
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Euclid Creek, Garfield Park, Hinckley, Huntington, Mill Stream
Run, North Chagrin, Ohio & Erie Canal, Rocky River, and South Chagrin. Fishing, hiking
trails, boating, wildlife sanctuaries, horticulture, biking and picnic areas offer visitors year round
recreation. For further information on the reservations and maps see:
http://www.clemetparks.com/visit/index.asp
Discussions of participating communities who are in watershed protection or planning areas
where partnership organizations have been developed are included in the relevant regional
sections that follow.
Rocky River Reservation is part of
the Cleveland Metroparks System
and is located in the following
communities: Olmsted Township,
Berea in this region and Brook Park,
Fairview Park, Lakewood, North
Olmsted and Rocky River in the
Westshore Region. The first land
purchased for Cleveland Metroparks
can be seen from the Stinchcomb-
Groth Memorial in Rocky River. The
character of this reservation is
influenced by Rocky River. Massive
shale cliffs and many trails wind
through the valley’s deep floodplain
forests and meadows. The
reservation includes three golf
courses.
The Rocky River Valley was settled
early in this area’s history and
reflects many of the sights common to the first settlers. Frostville Museum, an affiliate of
Cleveland Metroparks, illustrates how the 1800s settlers lived and worked in the Rocky River
Valley.
Mill Stream Run Reservation is located in Strongsville, Berea and Middleburg Heights in this
region, North Royalton in the Southcentral region. Several 19 th Century communities like
Albion, Sanderson’s Corners, and Slab Hollow sprang up to take advantage of the waterpower
from the east branch of the Rocky River and its tributaries. After sawmills and gristmills were
established, basket factories, taverns, blacksmith’s shops and tailors followed. Artifacts have
been found here that indicate Native American tribes frequented this area over 8,000 years ago.
A major component of The Cleveland Metroparks is the Big Creek Parkway and
Reservation. The parkway is a refreshing alternative to the standard suburban commuter
routes to Cleveland. The reservation runs parallel to Pearl Road from Valley Parkway to Brook
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Park Road through the following communities: Brooklyn, Parma and Parma Heights in the
Southcentral Region and Middleburg Heights and Strongsville in the Southwest Region. The
highlight of the reservation is Lake Isaac, which is classified as a glacial pothole created
thousands of years ago, and is a migrant waterfowl refuge. A hiking trail follows the northern
side of the lake and passes through marshes, a floodplain, pine plantation woodlands and an
orchard. The wildlife includes fox, mink, deer, and opossum and is one of the most active
wildlife corridors in Cuyahoga County.
The West Creek Management Plan adopted a strategy in 2001 entitled “A Watershed
Approach for the Future,” which was prepared by the Cuyahoga County Planning
Commission. The participating communities included Parma, Brooklyn Heights, Seven Hills and
Independence. Located just south of the City of Cleveland in the south central section of
Cuyahoga County, West Creek travels nine miles through these four suburban communities.
The watershed encompasses 14 square miles between State Road to I-77 (east to west), and I-
480 to just south of Pleasant Valley Road (north and south).
The first goal of this watershed protection strategy is to achieve future viability as related to
stormwater/water quality, green space protection, education and organization of a watershed
advisory council. The second goal is to create the first connection for recreational access from
suburban communities west of the Cuyahoga River Valley to the Ohio and Erie Canal, the
Cuyahoga River, and the Towpath trail, which are part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The Bedford Reservation occupies several communities in the southeast region and includes:
Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood, Valley View and Walton Hills. Bedford Reservation gives
the appearance of a continuous forest of large trees and challenging terrain, which discouraged
early logging operations. The reservation offers trails, picnic areas, and a golf course. Flowing
through the reservation is Tinkers Creek, named for a member of the Moses Cleaveland
surveying party. The stream drops 220 feet over a course of two miles and has cut a steep,
walled gorge. The gorge, declared a National Natural Landmark, is a unique area with
numerous horticulture species. The Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook on Gorge Parkway
offers a spectacular vista, especially in the fall.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in Cuyahoga and Summit Counties, features a
variety of natural, cultural and historical resources and attractions along the Ohio Erie Canal and
includes bike trails, winter sports, fishing and hiking trails through the communities of Newburgh
Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Valley View and Independence in the Cuyahoga Region.
The North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks System occupies several of
the communities in the Hillcrest Region including, Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills and Gates
Mills. Since the 1920s, the North Chagrin Reservation has been a special combination of
outdoor recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. An interesting feature of the reservation is
Squire’s Castle, built at the turn of the century by F.B. Squire, which was to serve as the
gatehouse of his country estate, but plans for the remainder of the estate never materialized.
Euclid Creek Reservation is named for the Euclid Creek that runs through the entire park. The
communities that are located within the Reservation include Euclid, South Euclid, and Richmond
Heights. The southern portion of the reservation is the site of a “ghost town.” The ghost town,
formally known as the Village of Bluestone, flourished in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when
its populace quarried the blue-gray siltstone for use in building sidewalks and other construction.
The bluestone is still exposed in the Quarry Picnic Area.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 5
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

South Chagrin Reservation is located in Bentleyville, Solon and Moreland Hills, and features
an arboretum, polo field, lodge and trails.
Watershed Organizations
The Euclid Creek Watershed and the Chagrin River Watershed occupy many of the
communities in Cuyahoga County. In 2000, the ten municipalities in the Euclid Creek
Watershed organized informally with the assistance of the Northeast Ohio Area Wide
Coordinating Agency (NOACA), to form the Euclid Creek Watershed for the purpose of
addressing common environmental, storm water and development concerns in the area. In
2001, NOACA obtained a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund to develop a regional
storm water program model for USEPA’s Phase II program, and to undertake a demonstration
of the use of this model with the Euclid Creek communities. Each of the communities agreed to
provide matching funds for the effort and to cooperate with it. The Cuyahoga Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD) is serving as the coordinating agency for this demonstration
effort.
In 2002, the SWCD obtained a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to serve
as a Watershed Coordinator for Euclid Creek, to facilitate development of a watershed plan for
Euclid Creek and to assist member communities of the watershed in complying with the Phase
II Storm Water Program.
The participating communities of this effort are:
• City of Beachwood
• City of Cleveland (Region V)
• City of Euclid
• City of Highland Heights
• City of Lyndhurst
• City of Mayfield Heights
• City of Richmond Heights
• City of South Euclid
• City of Willoughby Hills (Lake County)
• Village of Mayfield
Advisor to the Euclid Creek Watershed Council: John Beeker, Environmental Planning
Director, NOACA
1299 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 – (216) 241-2414 ext. 250
E-mail: jbeeker@mpo.noaca.org
The Chagrin River Watershed Partners is another non-profit organization that serves a
coalition of community members in a four county area. The members share information and
work collectively to solve local and watershed wide problems in a manner that ensures a
sustainable future for the Chagrin River Watershed. Cuyahoga County communities that are
members include:
• Beachwood
• Bentleyville
• Chagrin Falls Township
• Chagrin Falls Village
• Gates Mills
• Highland Heights
• Hunting Valley
• Lyndhurst
• Mayfield Village
• Mayfield Heights
• Moreland Hills
• Orange Village
• Pepper Pike
• Solon
• Woodmere
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 6
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The contact information for this non-profit organization is Chagrin River Watershed Partners,
Inc., P.O. Box 229, Willoughby, Ohio 44096-0229 – (440) 975-3870
In the 1970’s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Dike 14, a dredge spoil disposal area at
the mouth of Doan Brook. The Brook had already been confined to a culvert when I-90 was
built. This culvert was extended for approximately 2,000 feet under the dredge spoil area
completely cutting off the stream from Lake Erie. In 1974, the cities of Cleveland Heights,
Shaker Heights and Cleveland formed the Joint Committee on Doan Creek Watershed to
facilitate coordinated work to protect and preserve Doan Brook. In 2001, the Joint Committee
on Doan Brook Watershed evolved into the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, a 501 © (3)
nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop and implement a watershed management
plan for the preservation of Doan Brook.
Chagrin Region
1. Hunting Valley
Originally part of Orange Township, the area was incorporated as a village in 1924. Primarily a
residential village of private estates, farm acreage, and large suburban homes, Hunting Valley is
located adjacent to the Chagrin River, bordered on the north by Gates Mills, on the south by
Moreland Hills, on the east by Geauga County, and on the west by Pepper Pike. The township
was settled in 1815 and established in 1820. Some of the first families laid out farms in the
1820s in the area where the Chagrin River and Fairmount Boulevard now intersect.
Orange was a thriving farming community at the beginning of the 20 th century, when Cleveland
industrialists such as Jeptha Wade II, and O.P. and M.M. Van Swerigen began to purchase
property in this area for their country homes. Jeptha Wade ll bought 455 acres on Fairmount
Road and called it Valley Ridge Farm. In 1913, Andrew Squire developed a working farm and a
horticulture and landscape gardening center, where Mather College of Western Reserve
University students studied horticulture and pharmaceutical experiments in the 95-acre garden
and arboretum. In 1934, Squire bequeathed the Squire
Valley View Farm Estate to Western Reserve University.
In 1940, the population was 336. Descendants of the
early families lived on subdivided private estates. In
1970, University School established a 175-acre campus.
The population peaked in 1992, at 780.
Demographics
Land area: 8 sq. mi.
Population: 735 (including residents located in Geauga
Co.)
Former town hall in Hunting Valley
2. Woodmere Village
In 2003 this Village celebrates its 58 th year since becoming incorporated. Woodmere Village is
less than one square mile and is located along Chagrin Boulevard. It began as a rural
community along a country road by African Americans from the City of Cleveland in search of a
quiet community with a small town atmosphere. The Village’s former main street was the twolane
dirt Kinsman Road, which is now called Chagrin Boulevard. On a weekly basis, 200,000
people travel through Woodmere Village on their way to and from work. In 1999, the Village
obtained a grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners to hire a traffic/consulting
firm to lead a community process and develop a master plan to address pedestrian and
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 7
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

vehicular traffic concerns. Woodmere Village’s Master
Plan recommends creating a tree-lined boulevard on
both sides of Chagrin Boulevard, developing property
easements to provide pedestrian walkways, new
sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic signalization at
intersections.
Demographics
Land area: 0.3 sq. mi.
Population: 828
3. Orange Village
Orange Village was originally part of Orange Township formed in 1820, which also included the
communities of Moreland Hills, Woodmere, Pepper Pike, Hunting Valley and part of Chagrin
Falls. Sereus Burnett was the first settler in the area, arriving in 1815. The name Orange was
chosen because several of the settlers had migrated from Orange, Connecticut. The area grew
into a thriving agricultural community and by 1820 the population was nearly 300. Prior to 1850
log homes existed. After 1850 frame homes replaced log houses. Steam sawmills and cheese
factories developed into major businesses by the turn of the century. The main road, S.O.M.
Center Road derived its name from Solon, Orange and Mayfield Townships.
In the early 20 th Century, Oris P. and Mantis Van Swerigen began
buying farmland as part of their plan to develop the entire district from
Shaker Heights to the Chagrin River. As population increased, the
desire for separate governmental representation led to the creation of
the various and separate communities.
Demographics
Land Area: 3.6 sq. mi.
Population: 3,236
4. Moreland Hills
Moreland Hills is the historic birthplace of James A. Garfield, the 20 th President of the United
States, who was born in a log cabin near S.O.M. Center and Jackson Roads in 1831. He was
raised on a farm, worked as a driver and bowman on the Erie Canal, and attended school at
Geauga Seminary and Hiram Electric Institute. He left the area in 1869, when he was elected to
the Ohio Senate.
Settlement began in 1815, where the road that became
Ohio Rt. 87 crosses the Chagrin River. The families of
Serenus Burnett, C.L. Jackson and Seth Mapes were
among the early settlers. During the 19 th century, the
area was known for its steam sawmills, cheese factories
and productive farms. Beginning in 1897, the Cleveland
Chagrin Falls Railway contributed to the suburban
development of Moreland Hills, which brought residents
back and forth to employment in Cleveland. It also
brought visitors to an amusement park built by John
Stoneman adjoining Crystal Lake.
Historical marker in Moreland Hills
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 8
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

In 1935, residential developer Robert Stem began constructing new subdivisions. The Village
was incorporated in 1929, and a village charter was adopted in 1972. The South Chagrin
River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks System runs through the Village along the
Chagrin Valley.
Demographics
Land area: 7.2 sq. mi.
Population: 3,298
5. Chagrin Falls Village
Named by its early settlers for its clear river, large and small waterfalls, the Village of Chagrin
Falls was incorporated in 1844. The waterfalls along the river were harnessed to run a variety
of enterprises including a woolen and paper mill, a foundry, and factories making axes and
woodenware. Today, one paper mill still exists. As the mill owners prospered, they replaced
modest homes with more elaborate ones. Through historic preservation, many of these homes
have been restored and are listed on the State of Ohio Historic Inventory. Chagrin Falls evolved
from a manufacturing town, to a farming community, to
the prosperous residential community of today. It has a
rich history of early artists that began here, including
Henry Church Jr., born in 1836, who was a blacksmith
in the Village known for his paintings – many of which
are in national museums.
Demographics
Land area: 2.2 sq. mi.
Population: 4,024
6. Chagrin Falls Township
Chagrin Falls Township was created by the Board of
Commissioners of Cuyahoga County in March 1845, a year after Chagrin Falls Village was
incorporated. It is not one of the original townships of the Western Reserve. The government
was put in place at a meeting at Griswold’s Tavern on April 7 th , 1845. Although not
documented, it is possible that residents petitioned for a township to unify the area. Since
Chagrin Falls Village lies wholly within the township of Chagrin Falls, property owners of the
village are subject to the real property tax levied by the township, in addition to that levied by the
village. That gives property owners beyond the boundaries of the village, but within the
township, a tax advantage.
Demographics
Population: 4,159
Henry Church Jr.’s “The Monkey
Picture” – Cleveland Museum of Art
7. Bentleyville
This residential village is bounded by Moreland Hills to the north and the west, and to the south
by Solon. The South Chagrin Reservation of the Metroparks System occupies significant
acreage of the Village. Bentleyville was originally part of the Chagrin Falls Township.
In 1831, Adamson Bentley, a minister of the Disciples of Christ, came to the area and bought
land at the junction of the Aurora Branch of the Chagrin River. He built a sawmill and a gristmill
and in 1836, a clothing store. He and his followers met in a log schoolhouse. Other early
settlers built a triphammer (metal forging) shop, a tannery shop and developed a stone quarry
along the river. A chair and rake factory and various general stores and shops were developed.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 9
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

One of the historic early settlers was Ralph Russell, founder of the North Union Shaker
community in 1822.
In 1928, various proposals were suggested by the
Village of Chagrin Falls to annex all of Chagrin Falls
Township. Some residents opposed to the annexation
wanted to separate and join the Moreland Hills area.
However another group of residents circulated petitions
for the formation of another village, voted to secede
and created Bentleyville as a separate incorporated
village in 1929.
The population has grown from 80 in 1950, to 301 in
1960, 338 in 1970 and 381 in 1980. There have been
numerous proposals to annex the Village to Chagrin
Falls, Solon, or Moreland Hills, but its residents have
remained independent.
Demographics
Land area: 2.6 sq. mi.
Population: 947
Cleveland Region
1. Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is one of the largest cities in the State of Ohio. Currnetly 478,403
residents populate one of 21 wards. The City has been subdivided into 36 neighborhoods as
Statistical Planning Areas (SPA’s) for census analysis and planning purposes.
The origin of many Cleveland neighborhoods can be traced to the early and middle portions of
the nineteenth century. Shortly after the City’s founding by Moses Cleaveland in 1796,
settlement began around the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, northwest of Public Square, near
the area now known as the warehouse district. Due to the existence of swampy conditions and
the resulting outbreaks of malaria, settlements moved to higher ground. By 1820, the area’s
largest white settlement had 756 residents located near the intersection of Broadway and
Harvard Avenues, which was known as the Village of Newburgh. Only 600 residents lived in the
nearby Village of Cleveland that same year. Newburgh was annexed by the City of Cleveland in
1873.
Other areas of very early settlement included Ohio City,
which was incorporated in 1836 and was annexed to
Cleveland in 1854, and Old Brooklyn (formerly Village of
South Brooklyn), which began developing in the 1830’s
and was the site of the first greenhouse. Later in the
nineteenth century, industrial development along the
Cuyahoga River led to settlement of such areas as
Tremont and Slavic Village. Settlement spread out to the
east side development of Hough, which was incorporated
as the Village of East Cleveland in 1866 and annexed to
Cleveland in 1872. Edgewater was incorporated as the
Village of West Cleveland in 1871 and was annexed to
Cleveland in 1894. Glenville was incorporated as a
Location of Bentleyville within
Cuyahoga County
Lakefront stadium and Rock Hall
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 10
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

village in 1870 and annexed to Cleveland in 1902 and 1905. Cleveland continued its expansion
in the twentieth century by annexing the adjacent communities of Collinwood in 1910, Euclid-
Green in 1914 and 1926, West Park in 1923 and Miles Heights in 1928 and 1932.
Post War development emerged in portions of Cleveland neighborhoods in Riverside, Kamms
Corners, Puritas-Longmeade on the far west side, and portions of Lee-Harvard Miles and Euclid
Green neighborhoods on the southeast side of Cleveland.
Demographics
Land area: 77 Square Miles
Population: 478,403
2. Linndale Village
This small village nestled just southeast of the City of Cleveland’s Bellaire Puritas neighborhood
and bounded to the east by Brooklyn has 117 residents and 71 households. The Village was
important to Cleveland’s early industrial development, as it was one of two stops for freight
transfer along the Cleveland Belt and Terminal Railroad Company in 1889. From this mainline,
Cleveland Akron and Canton Southern Railroad was located two miles from the passenger
station at the Terminal Tower and connected two important freight transportation yards, which
were the Clark Avenue stockyards station and the Linndale yards. (www.railsandtrails.com,
Ohio Railway report, December 31, 1902.)
Linndale Village was incorporated in 1902.
The village is noted for its role in the historic
migration of African Americans, who were
recruited in this area from the south by the
railroad companies to work at the Linndale yards.
Many of these early settlers worked repairing the
engines at the Linndale yards turn around station
and established churches, which remain part of
the community today.
Demographics
Population: 117
Land area: .9 mi.
3. Village of Bratenahl
Located just east of downtown Cleveland, Bratenahl was incorporated in 1905. The Village of
Bratenahl was originally part of the Villages of Glenville and Collinwood. In 1902, when
Glenville was anticipating annexation by the City of Cleveland, residents decided to form their
own independent village. The Village began as a summer colony for Cleveland’s wealthy
families such as the Britton, Corning, Garfield, Mather,
Hanna and Rockefeller families.
In 1903, the portion north of Lake Shore Boulevard and
Michigan Southern Railroad, extending from Gordon
Park to Coit Road, seceded and was incorporated into
the Village of Bratenahl. In 1901, the Village of
Collinwood was annexed to Cleveland.
Cleveland Union Terminal Electric Engine
#1050
Shoreline view in Bratenahl
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 11
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Known for its quiet, country-like atmosphere, beautiful trees and lakefront views, historic
mansions and large estates coexist with older traditional homes, and two high-rise condos are
on the lakefront. Cluster homes and townhouses, private clubs and a private marina have also
been developed in the last few years.
Primarily a senior citizen community, the Village maintains its own city services while 72% of its
taxes collected are paid to the City of Cleveland.
Demographics
Land area: 1 sq. mile
Population: 1,337
Cuyahoga Region
1. Newburgh Heights
The Ohio legislature created Cuyahoga County in 1807.
In 1809, Cleveland was named as the county seat, over
the objections of its more populous neighbor, Newburgh.
Early eastern Slavic immigrants principally from Poland
and Czechoslovakia found work here in the Cleveland
Rolling Mills Company that operated a steel plant. In
1867, Cleveland annexed portions of Newburgh
Township, which was referred to as the “iron ward.” In
1904, Newburgh Heights was organized and
incorporated as a village. The community remains
historically connected to the historic Warszawa district in
Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood that includes the
Parishes of St. Stanislaus and Our Lady of Lourdes
Churches.
Today Newburgh Heights continues to celebrate at
Washington Park with its historic greenspace that now
has a horticulture center, arboretum and recreation fields
that are maintained by the Cleveland Metroparks
System. In the vicinity of Washington Park is Burke
Brook, a wetland part of the Ohio Canal Heritage Trail
and Corridor.
Demographics
Land area: 0.6 sq. mi.
Population: 2,389
2. Cuyahoga Heights
Cuyahoga Heights Village became a separate political
subdivision after severing political relations with
Newburgh Heights in 1918. Samuel Clapp, who
became the clerk of the Village in 1918, gave this
account of the controversy, which was published in the
Plain Dealer in 1936.
“The residents of what is now Cuyahoga Heights
were paying higher taxes but improvements were
St. Stanislaus Church Sanctuary
Entered in the National Register of
Historic Places in 1976
The Cuyahoga River winds its way
through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 12
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

eing made in other sections of town near Washington Park.”
An election was held on February 2, 1918 and 59 persons turned out in the bitter cold to vote for
secession, with four trustees elected. Today many of its residents have been living there for
generations.
Demographics
Land area: 3.2 sq. mi.
Population: 599
3. Brooklyn Heights
Incorporated as a village in 1903, this residential / industrial community is bounded by
Cleveland on the north and west, on the east by the Cuyahoga River and Independence, to the
south by Seven Hills and to the west by Parma. In 1920, the population was 605. The
Cleveland Growers Marketing Company was established and the community developed into a
national leading vegetable greenhouse area with over 100 acres under glass. In 1927, the area
west of Brook Park Road, representing about 2/3 of the area of the Village and about half the
population, was annexed to Cleveland. The remaining
413 people rebuilt the community and grew to 1,600
people in 1958. Industry began to replace agriculture
and in 1984, the population reached 1,653 and had over
100 industries. Development over the past 10 years
along Tiedeman Road includes the production facilities
for the Plain Dealer, Ohio’s largest newspaper, several
restaurants and retail shopping.
Demographics
Population: 1,558
Land area: 1.73 sq. mi.
4. Seven Hills
Seven Hills is located in central Cuyahoga County, 13 miles south of Cleveland, and is bounded
by Brooklyn Heights to the north, Independence to the east, Broadview Heights to the south and
Parma on the west. Its early development is tied to the two neighboring communities of
Independence and Brooklyn. Independence was known for its orchards, vineyards and stone
quarries. The stone business was prominent in the area before the Civil War. Later, large
areas of land were cleared and used for farming. In 1914, the eastern portion of Independence
Township was incorporated as the Village of Independence. In 1927, the remainder of the
township became the Village of Seven Hills and began operating under the mayor-council form
of government.
The hilly terrain and natural setting probably gave rise to
the name, but the early residents may also have referred
to the ancient area of Rome known as “The Seven Hills
of Rome”. Through the years, Seven Hills has remained
primarily a residential community. Because of early
suburban development in the community, only 12 farms
remained by 1938.
The population grew from 333 in 1938, to 555 in 1940,
1,350 in 1950, 5,708 in 1960, and over 16,000 in 1980.
Seven Hills is distinctive because it has no central
View of down town Cleveland
from Brooklyn Heights.
Seven Hills City Hall
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 13
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

usiness district or town square. Seven Hills became a City in 1961.
Demographics
Population: 12,080
Land area: 4.86 sq. mi.
5. Independence
Independence became a City in 1814. Located south of Brooklyn Heights and Cuyahoga
Heights, and bounded by Seven Hills to the east, Valley View to the west and Brecksville to the
south, the residential and commercial City of Independence has an economic corridor with more
than 50% of the suburban commercial properties in the Cleveland area. With more than 1,400
businesses located on Rockside Road, over 35,000
employees work in, and/or travel to, Independence. The
business crossroads of Northeast Ohio, Independence,
is accessible to every major residential suburb. The
Airport is just 15 minutes west and downtown Cleveland
is just 10 minutes north. The National Parks System,
which is adjacent to the city, offers its residents a great
amenity.
Demographics
Land area: 9.6 sq. mi.
Population: 7,109
6. Valley View
Located along the historic Erie Canal and now part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the
village of Valley View is located on Canal Road, 3.5 miles south of Rockside Road. Constructed
in 1825, the same year that the northern section of the Ohio and Erie Canal was built, it is a
historic example of federalist style architecture and features exhibits relating to the architectural
styles and construction techniques of that time as well as exhibits on the Frazee family.
Also located in this community is the Canal Visitor
Center, 1.5 miles south of Rockside Road, which serves
as a visitor center and museum. Permanent exhibits
illustrate the 1,200 years of natural history in the valley,
including the history of the Erie Canal. The first German
settlement was located here and later Irish immigrants
built the canal. This building once served canal boat
passengers waiting to pass through Lock 38. Tinkers
Creek Road, which travels along the Bedford
Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks System, is
accessible from Canal Road in Valley View.
Demographics
Land area: 5.6 sq. mi.
Population: 2,179
Upscale development along
Rockside Road.
7. Broadview Heights
The Chippewa Indians originally occupied the land that is now Broadview Heights. The first
white settler was Seth Paine who in 1811, was sent as a surveyor by Colonel John Breck.
Colonel Breck’s land included what is now known as Brecksville, Broadview Heights and North
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 14
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Royalton. In 1926, the residents of what is now Broadview Heights petitioned for and received
incorporation for the Village of Broadview Heights. Descendants of some pioneer families still
live in Broadview Heights. Due to prime,
open, rural and developable land, between
1990 and 2000 Broadview Heights was one
of the fastest growing residential
communities in Cuyahoga County,
increasing over 30% during this ten-year
period. In 2002, the Cuyahoga County
Planning Commission published an update
of the City’s 1996 Master Plan that identifies
existing land use, natural features and
potential for future development.
Demographics
Population: 15,967
Land area: 13 sq. mi.
8. Brecksville
Brecksville borders Independence on the north and Broadview Heights on the west. Breck
Township was incorporated as the Village of Brecksville in 1922, and achieved city status on
December 16 th , 1960. It currently operates under the mayor-council form of government.
Seth Paine left Williamsburg, Massachusetts with his family and Melzer Clark for the Western
Reserve. A land surveyor, Paine began work in the current Brecksville area in 1811 and also
acted as a land agent for the Breck family, owners of a substantial tract of land in the area.
Paine selected 200 acres of flat land for himself and became known as the first white settler in
Breck Township, named after the Breck heirs.
Brecksville remained an agricultural community throughout the nineteenth century. The
construction of paved roads and the introduction of the automobile made Brecksville more
accessible to Cleveland residents. In 1937-38, many farms in the village were uprooted to
make room for the construction of Ohio Route 82. Post World War II migration from the City of
Cleveland to the suburbs contributed to the growth of Brecksville. In 1960, the population
reached 5,345, enabling it to be incorporated as a city. By 1970, the population nearly doubled
to 9,137.
The Brecksville City School District operates six schools and
Cuyahoga Community College also has a branch there. The
city’s largest employers include the Brecksville Veterans’
Administration Hospital, Ohio Bell, B.F. Goodrich and the
Brecksville Board of Education. Brecksville Reservation, which
is part of the Cleveland Metroparks System, is located here and
includes Chippewa Creek cut by seven gorges left behind by the
glaciers that once covered this area.
Demographics
Land area: 19.6 sq. mi.
Population: 13,382
Broadview
Heights has
a countrylike
atmosphere.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 15
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Heights Region
1. East Cleveland
Formerly known as the Hamlet of Collamer and originally part of East Cleveland Township, East
Cleveland was organized in 1895 and became a city in 1911. An earlier village of the same
name was annexed to Cleveland in 1872. Located 7 miles from downtown Cleveland, it is
bounded on the north and west by Cleveland, and by Cleveland Heights on the east and south.
The population reached 10,000 in 1910. In 1916, the City rejected annexation by the City of
Cleveland. In 1916, the City charter provided for women’s suffrage in municipal elections – then
the only such charter provision east of Chicago. In 1920, the population reached 27,000. In
1911, National Electric, which would become the lamp division of General Electric Company,
began the construction of Nela Park on Noble Road, and other light industries developed along
Nickel Plate Road and New York Central Railroads during World War II.
In 1929, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. began a 600 unit residential development on the Forest Hill
estate that belonged to his father, but due to the depression only 80 homes were completed. In
1938, he donated Forest Hill Park to the cities of East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. In
1916, the Rockefellers and Andrew Carnegie donated the land and funding for the East
Cleveland Public Library.
In 1990, the population was 33,000. In an effort to stem
maintain or increase population in 2003, the Cuyahoga
Metropolitan Housing Authority broke ground for the first
of 80 planned new homes at East 125 th Street and
Phillips Avenue.
Demographics
Land area: 3.1 sq. mi.
Population: 27,217
2. Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights was home to Native American tribes such as the Erie and Seneca. In the
late 18 th and early 19 th centuries, pioneers established settlements in the area of Mayfield and
Superior Roads. By the mid 1800’s the area that was to become Cleveland Heights was a farm
community whose lands were originally part of East Cleveland, Euclid, Newburgh, and
Warrensville townshops. In 1891 Patrick Calhoun, grandson of Vice President John C.
Calhoun, created the Euclid Heights subdivision which was north of Cedar Road and west of
Conventry Road. Cleveland Hts. was established as a
village in 1903. In 1921 it was incorporated as a city. It
is located twenty minutes from downtown and close
proximity to University Circle. Over 135 acres of
parkland are located in this community.
Demographics
Land area: 8.1 sq. mi.
Population: 49,958
Rockefeller Building, c., 1930s
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
3. University Heights
University Heights was incorporated as Idlewood Village in 1908. The present name was
adopted in 1925 when John Carroll University moved to the heights. During the 19 th century,
the township’s primary occupation was farming. Close to World War I, farming began to give
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 16
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

way as residential growth expanded. The population grew from 500 in 1925, to 2,237 in 1930
and almost 6,000 in 1940, when University Heights was incorporated as a city.
Among the factors contributing to the City’s success as a residential suburb has been its
aesthetic appeal. Tree lined streets twice earned the Tree City USA award. Historic Bellefaire
Jewish orphanage established in 1868 relocated to
University Heights and exemplifies the campus concept
of Institutional Planning. In 2003, this community’s high
standard for community planning and development
celebrate the grand opening of a new town center
shopping complex on Cedar Road. The careful design
and attention to architectural details will ensure the longterm
viability and aesthetics of this community.
Demographics:
Land area: 1.8 sq. mi.
Population: 14,146
4. Shaker Heights
Shaker Heights is home to four lakes, plentiful parklands and is the only eastern suburb that has
two rapid transit lines connecting it to downtown and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. It
was Ohio’s first planned garden city and has a regional Nature Center identified as a National
Environmental Education Center. 70% of Shaker Heights is located within a historic district that
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Doan Brook has remained the focal point of the community for 200 years. In 1799, Nathaniel
Doan settled his family there and built a tavern at a ford. The Doan’s Brook Village around
Doan’s Tavern rivaled the City of Cleveland for more than 100 years.
In 1812, 20 members of Jacob Russell’s family established their homestead upstream near
what is now the intersection of South Park Boulevard and Lee Road. A few miles upstream, the
North Union Shakers made a living from the brook and used it as a spiritual place of worship.
The Shakers built the two Shaker Lakes to power their sawmills, gristmills and woolen mill.
During the 1900s, Doan’s Corners and the North Union Shakers thrived and the surrounding
areas became farms and villages, including the Village of Glenville, located near the brook
valley between Doan Creek and Lake Erie.
In 1900, Doan’s Corners merged with the City of Cleveland and became University Circle, and
Glenville had become the affluent garden suburb. By 1930, nearly all of the land around Doan
Brook watershed was developed as Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Cleveland.
As Cleveland grew, philanthropists such as Jeptha
Wade, William Gordon and John D. Rockefeller planned
and donated a series of parks to provide respite for city
people. It was reported that on one Sunday in 1896,
44,000 people either walked or drove along the brook in
Rockefeller Park.
Demographics
Land area: 6.3
Population: 29,405
John Carroll University
Shaker Lakes
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 17
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hillcrest Region
1. Euclid
The township of Euclid was one of the first communities to be established in the Western
Reserve. Moses Cleaveland and four employees of the Connecticut Land Company, formed a
contract and created Euclid (named after the Greek mathematician) Township. The township
consisted of more than 35 square miles of land.
David Dille, a Virginia Company Lieutenant from the Revolutionary War, is credited as the
founder of Euclid. He built a log cabin on the west bank of Euclid Creek. The early community
was a farming area, subsisting on cash crops such as wheat and table grapes. Early industries
included saltworks, sawmill and shipbuilding. In 1850, the Cleveland, Painesville and Ashtabula
Railroad built tracks through the township. The Village was incorporated in 1877, rescinded a
year later and reincorporated again in 1903, when the boundaries were changed. By the end of
the nineteenth century, several companies were quarrying much sought after Euclid blue stone
for building.
The community is a partner in the Euclid Creek
Watershed Partnership. Businesses and institutions
such as Lincoln Electric Company, Argo Tech
Corporation, Reliance Turbine Engine, Park Ohio
Industries, Chesterfield Steel and Euclid Hospital helped
to establish a strong and diverse tax base.
Demographics
Land area: 10.83 sq. mi.
Population: 52.717
2. Richmond Heights
Richmond Heights was the last portion of Euclid Township to be incorporated as a village.
Originally incorporated as the village of Clairibel in 1917, it became Richmond Heights in 1918.
It is bounded on the north and west by Euclid, on the east by Highland Heights, on the south by
Lyndhurst and southwest by South Euclid.
The area developed slowly. It was principally a farming community, and the only major early
industry was a series of charcoal pits that provided fuel for the growing iron industry in
Cleveland. Its population was 265 in 1920, and grew to 891 in 1950. Major expansion followed
the installation of gas and water mains in 1953.
The City remains primarily residential with a strong retail
sector located at the Hillcrest Square Shopping Center
at Richmond and Wilson Roads. The Cuyahoga County
Airport also provides the region with a great resource for
business and cargo air transportation.
Demographics
Land area: 4.4 sq. mi.
Population: 10,944
Euclid City Hall
Richmond Heights City Hall
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 18
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

3. Highland Heights
The City of Highland Heights is located 18 miles northeast of Cleveland, and is bounded by
Mayfield Village on the east, Mayfield Heights and Lyndhurst on the south, and Richmond
Heights on the west. Originally part of Mayfield Township, it was formed in 1819, together with
Gates Mills, Mayfield Village, Mayfield Heights and a portion of Lyndhurst. Settlement began in
the area in 1805, when several families migrated from the State of New York. The first settler
was Rufus Mapes.
Development of the area was slow until 1877, when a plank road was built from East Cleveland
through Euclid and Mayfield Townships, along what is now Mayfield Road. In 1899, the
development of the Cleveland and Eastern Interurban Railway between Cleveland and Chardon
contributed to the growth of this community. By the 1920s, the automobile made the Township
even more accessible. Highland Heights became a village in 1920, when the township was
divided into four villages. It became a city in 1967.
Several major businesses helped to establish a strong tax base for this community including the
Allen Bradley Company, Picker International and Cole
National Corporation. The community was the first in
Cuyahoga County to require all new subdivisions to
have underground wiring and ornamental street
lighting. In 1996, the City adopted a Master Plan for
future commercial, recreational and residential land
use recommendations that identified the federally
Designated Wetland areas, preservation of its 96 acres
of recreation area/uses; which includes the Airport
Greens Golf Course and Whiteford Park.
Demographics
Land area: 7 sq. mi.
Population: 8,082
4. Mayfield Village
In 1819, the Township of Mayfield was founded with the first town hall meeting. The township
consisted of Mayfield Village, Gates Mills, Mayfield Heights, Highland Heights, and a small part
of Lyndhurst. By the mid 1800s, a blacksmith shop, a school, a church and a general store
were located at the intersection of the S.O.M. Center and Wilson Mills Road. On March 21 st ,
1921 Mayfield Village became incorporated. Today, much of the rustic charm remains in this
residential community. The North Chagrin
Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks System
covers nearly one quarter of the 4.2 square mile village.
Sunset Pond, picnic and hiking trails are located in this
preserve. The Mayfield Township Historical Society is
located in the Bennett VanCuren Home, adjacent to
Wiley Park.
Demographics
Land area: 4.2 sq. mi.
Population: 3,435
Location of Highland Heights
Historical charm in Mayfield Village
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 19
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

5. South Euclid
The area encompassing South Euclid, along with East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights,
Lyndhurst, Richmond Heights and Euclid was formed into the township of Euclid in 1809. It was
named Euclid in honor of the Greek mathematician and patron by one of the Connecticut land
surveyors. When surveyors began to lay out the proposed roads, they followed existing Indian
trails. The intersection of what are now Mayfield and Green Roads was the intersection of two
Indian trails and was called South Euclid by early settlers.
South Euclid became a village in 1917, and was
incorporated as a city in 1941. The community remains
principally residential, owner occupied single-family
homes. The history of South Euclid has been preserved
by the South Euclid Historical Society Museum on the
grounds of the South Euclid – Lyndhurst Library on
Mayfield Road. Retail shopping districts developed at
the intersection of Cedar and Warrensville Center and
Green and Mayfield Roads. A 26-unit market rate
residential unit is planned for 2003.
Demographics
Land Area: 4.7 sq. mi.
Population: 23,537
6. Lyndhurst
Incorporated in 1917, the area was originally part of Euclid Township, and was renamed
Lyndhurst (from Lyndhurst, New Jersey) in 1920, during a high school contest. The region was
settled by German immigrants and was principally agricultural before World War I. The
population was 288 in 1920. In 1922, water mains were
installed and the increase in automobile transportation
helped to promote suburban growth. In 1923, a resident
protest about combining Lyndhurst schools with those in
South Euclid led to a 1924 landmark court decision that
ruled that the broad interests of education prevail over
other considerations, and the schools were combined.
Major growth took place after World War II, and the
population reached 18,092 in 1980. The City has a
strong retail business base.
Demographics
Land area: 4.4 sq. mi.
Population: 15,279
South Euclid Library
Lyndhurst City Hall
7. Mayfield Heights
Mayfield Heights is located east of Cleveland, bounded by Highland Heights and Mayfield
Village on the north, Lyndhurst on the west, Pepper Pike on the south, and Gates Mills on the
east. It was originally part of Mayfield Township, which was formed in 1819 and also included
Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield Village and part of Lyndhurst. Some of the city’s early
homes are still intact and remain part of the community’s historic past. The community adopted
a residential zoning code to maintain integrity in design and building standards. Approximately
60% of the City’s households are single-family homes, 42% are apartments. Mayfield Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 20
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

was incorporated as a city in 1950. Population increased
after 1950, peaking in 1970 at 22,139. The City has
more than 20 acres of park and recreational land,
including parks located on Chelmsford, Belrose and
Oakville Roads.
Demographics
Land areas: 4.2 sq. mi.
Population: 19, 386
8. Gates Mills Village
Gates Mills is located in the Chagrin Valley and is
bounded by Mayfield Heights on the west, Geauga
County on the east, and Hunting Valley on the south. Originally part of Mayfield Township,
Gates Mills was founded in 1826 by Holsey Gates, who bought 130 acres of Chagrin River land
from the Connecticut Land Company to ensure that he would have a good water supply for a
sawmill. The excellent location and abundant water supply led to the construction of several
more mills that gave the area its name.
Agriculture flourished here, and potash, cheese
and rake factories were established. By 1850,
Gates Mills was a thriving community exporting
manufactured products.
During the post Civil War period, the water
powered mills languished and the vitality of the
Village declined. In the 1890s, Cleveland’s
professional business leaders, S. Prentiss
Baldwin, Frank Ginn and Frank Walker,
established country retreats here. They
supported the development of the Cleveland and
Eastern Interurban Railway, which connected the
Village to the City of Cleveland in 1899. In 1905,
Gates Mills was incorporated by landowners to Working Mill in Cuyahoga County in the
preserve the well-to-do-New England character
1850s
of the community, which has remained
residential. The Village of Gates Mills was incorporated in
1920.
Demographics
Land area: 9.1 sq. mi
Population: 2,493
9. Beachwood
Beachwood is named for the beech trees that populated this
area, which was part of one of the original townships of the
Western Reserve known as Warrensville. Warrensville
Township lost land over the course of a century to seven cities
and villages, including Beachwood. Beachwood became a
village in 1915, when it seceded from Warrensville Township
after township officials decided to close a school in this area.
Mayfield Heights historical home
design.
Beachwood Publication
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 21
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

In 1927, Beachwood School was built, which was later renamed Fairmount School.
In 1884, Centenary Church was constructed next to Beachwood Village Hall. The stone
foundation came from a small quarry on the Bleasdale farm, near Harvard and Richmond
Roads. At the corner of Green Road and Halburton Road is the Warrensville East Cemetery,
now owned by the City. The site has gravestones that mark early settlers beginning in 1813.
The Village became a City in 1960, when the population was 6,089.
Demographics
Land area: 4.6 sq. mi.
Population: 12,186
10. Pepper Pike
In 1815, sixteen pioneers settled in the area called Orange, which included the present cities of
Pepper Pike, Orange, Moreland Hills, Hunting Valley and Woodmere. A township was
established in 1820 with 36 voters. By the late 1800s, there was a village hall at Orange
Center, now the intersection of Pinetree and S.O.M. Center Road. There were nine one-room
school elementary schools in the area. High school students went to nearby towns at a cost of
50 cents per year, per pupil.
In the late 1880s, the area benefited from the
successful cheese factories that had become the
primary industry. In 1924, the residents of the northern
Orange Township voted to separate and the Village of
Pepper Pike was incorporated. This primarily
residential community is home to Ursuline College, and
Brentwood, Suburban and St. Luke’s Hospitals were
also established here.
Demographics
Land area: 7.1 Sq. mi.
Population: 6,040
Southcentral Region
1. Brooklyn
Brooklyn is located contiguous to Cleveland on its east,
north and west borders, and the city of Parma to its
south. Brooklyn Township was organized in 1818, and
occupies a significant part of Cleveland’s early west side
territory, which was bounded on the north by Lake Erie
and on the east by the Cuyahoga River, Rockport was to
the west and on the south was Parma and
Independence townships. The incorporation of these
separate municipalities, along with the annexations by
the City of Cleveland throughout the 19 th and early 20 th
century of Ohio City, Old Brooklyn, Linndale and
Brooklyn Heights left only a small area in the southwest
corner of the original Brooklyn Township. That portion of
the former township became Brooklyn Village in 1927,
and was chartered as the City of Brooklyn in 1950.
Eaton Collection Mall in Pepper Pike
Brooklyn, Ohio location
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 22
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

In 1966, Brooklyn became the first community in the nation to mandate use of seatbelts. In
1994, the Plain Dealer opened a 200 million dollar printing and distribution center on Tiedeman
Road, adjacent to I-480 on Brooklyn’s south side. Big Creek Parkway, which is a component of
Big Creek Reservation runs parallel to Pearl Road from Valley Parkway to Brook Park Road and
is located in 6 communities, including Brooklyn.
Demographics
Population: 11,586
Land area: 4.3 sq. mi.
2. Parma
Parma, the 9 th largest city in the State of Ohio, is bounded by Cleveland and Brooklyn on the
north, Brooklyn Heights and Parma Heights on the west, Seven Hills on the east and North
Royalton and Broadview Heights on the south. Parma was originally part of Parma Township,
created in 1826. The first settlers were the Beniah Fay family from New York State, who settled
along the Cleveland-Columbus road in 1816. The name was taken from Parma, New York,
where it was probably derived from the early 19 th century fascination with classical Italy. During
the 19 th century, Parma remained largely agricultural, with the sole manufacturer in the area
being Dudley and William Humphrey’s clock shop. In 1912, a portion of the township seceded
to form the Village of Parma Heights.
In 1924, Parma was incorporated as a village. In 1931, a proposition to annex it to the City of
Cleveland was defeated, and Parma became a city. Between 1950-1980, population soared
from less than 20,000 to 110,000. Major industries such as General Motors, Modern Tool and
Die, Union Carbide, Cox Cable Television and 25 smaller
industries provide economic stability to the City.
Cuyahoga Community College’s western campus,
Parmatown Shopping Center and Mall, Parma
Community General Hospital, Kaiser Permanente
Medical Center and 90 acres of the Big Creek
Reservation of the Metroparks System are also located
in the city.
Demographics
Population: 85,655
Land area: 20.9 sq. mi.
Stearns House Homestead /
Museum
3. Parma Heights
Parma Heights is located southwest of Cleveland and is bounded by Brook Park and
Middleburg Heights on the west, and Parma to the north, east and south. The early settlers
were predominantly German and lived on family farms, with a few commercial establishments
and country inns located along Wooster Pike, which is now Pearl Road, the main road from
Cleveland to Columbus. The Village of Parma Heights was separated from the original Parma
Township in 1911 because residents perceived a lack of representation. The population count
was 300 in 1915, 900 in 1920 and 1,330 in 1940.
Natural gas and electric utilities were introduced in the area in 1915. Population growth was
slow and the area remained rural until after World War II. Parma benefited from the post World
War II exodus from Cleveland when housing construction boomed. By 1950, the population had
increased to 3,901. In 1953, a new charter was adopted, modifying the mayor-council form of
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 23
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

government and providing for a greater degree of home
rule. By the mid 1970s, 98% of the residential and 96%
of the commercial acreage had been developed. Parma
Heights has little industry but has many businesses and
more than 200 office structures. There are 97 acres of
city parks and 136 acres are a part of Big Creek
Reservation of the Metroparks System.
Demographics
Population: 21,659
Land area: 4.3 sq. mi.
4. North Royalton
Originally part of Royalton Township established in 1818. The township was named after the
Vermont town of early settlers David and Knight Sprague. Knight Sprague built the first town
hall. In 1881 from Royalton township was changed to North Royalton. It is bounded to the north
by Parma, to the east by Brecksville, to the south by Medina County, and to the west by
Strongsville. Sometime between 1880-1890 the name was changed to North Royalton.
Melzer Clark was the first settler, in 1811, in the Southeast part of the township, which was then
known as Brecksville. In 1816, his widow married Lewis Carter and their first son, Lorenzo, was
the first child born in the township.
In 1816, John Coates from New York, age 67, bought 3,500 acres of land and built an
aristocratic style mansion. The following year another New Yorker, Jonathan Bunker acquired a
tract of 150 acres and established the first fruit tree
orchard in North Royalton.
In 1927 it was incorporated as a Village. In 1950, Civil
Services were established for police officers. The
population at that time was 3,939. In 1961 it received it’s
City Charter.
Demographics
Population: 28,648
Land area: 21.2 sq. mi.
Southeast Region
Fall foliage in Big Creek
Reservation
Apple picking in North Royalton.
1. Garfield Heights
Garfield Heights was originally part of the Village of Newburgh, but split off in 1907 as the
Village of South Newburgh, and incorporated as the City of Garfield Heights in 1919. It was
known as the “City of Homes.” The City took its name from Garfield Park, the former Newburgh
Park, renamed in 1897 in memory of President James Abram Garfield.
Local farmers supplemented their income by producing black salt, which is a mixture of lye and
potash from burned timber, and was more profitable than grain. Developers began to promote
the area as a residential community in the late 1920s. The population jumped from 2,550 in
1920, to nearly 16,000 by 1930. Whereas early residents were Germans, immigration after
1920 included working class Poles, Slavs and Italians. The population in 1990 was 31,739.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 24
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The Garfield Park Reservation of the Metroparks System
is located here. The reservation features a picnic area,
marsh, trails and a nature center. In 1894, the City of
Cleveland purchased three farms, a half mile south of
the city limits as a site for a new south side park. It
officially opened in 1895, as Newburg Park, and most of
the original stonework is still intact. The park was leased
to the Metroparks System in 1996.
Demographics
Land area: 7.2 sq. mi.
Population: 30,734
2. Maple Heights
Maple Heights was originally the northwest part of
Bedford Township, established in 1823. The early history of Maple Heights is synonymous with
that of Bedford. Benjamin Fitch, of Connecticut, was the first known settler, in 1813, of what
would later become Maple Heights. John Dunham, who arrived in 1817, built the road known as
Dunham Road, which allowed access to the Ohio Canal after 1827. By the turn of the century,
immigrants from Bohemia, Slovenia and Lithuania began to settle in the area to work in the
nearby Rolling Mills steel-rolling factory in Newburgh Heights. The first Czech settlers were the
Uhlik, Hodus and Tesnicka families and the first Slovenian families were the Potisek and Rybak
families, between 1906 and 1909.
In 1914, residents of the Maple Grove area voted to form their own community when annexation
to Bedford Village seemed imminent. Maple Heights Village was incorporated in 1915 with a
population of 1,000. It was named for the maple trees in the area. The Village continued its
growth principally by immigrants from southern and eastern Europe.
In 1930, the population was 5,950, charter through a vote of the residents adopted a mayorcouncil
form of government. Between 1930-1940, the population grew from 5,950 to 6,728.
The Mapletown Shopping Center was built in
1947 at Libby and Broadway Roads, and the
giant shopping, recreational, housing and
medical center of Southgate began in 1951. The
population increased from 15,586 in 1950, to
31,667 in 1960. The 50 th anniversary of the City
was celebrated in 1982, when its population
reached 34,093.
Demographics
Land area: 5.2 sq. mi.
Population: 26,156
Garfield Park Reservation All
Purpose Trail.
The valley of the Cuyahoga in 1846 (from A
History of the City of Cleveland: Its
Settlements, Rise and Progress, 1796-1896, by
James Harrison Kennedy)
3. Highland Hills
Incorporated in 1990, the community was formerly part of Walton Hills Township. The 3 square
mile community is located between Shaker Heights, Beachwood, Orange and Warrensville
Heights. The community participated in a 2001 Ohio Restoration Project for urban watersheds
to develop a plan for mitigating flooding, erosion and loss of property from Mill Creek.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 25
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Highland Park Golf Course and the Eastern Campus
of Cuyahoga County Community College are
conveniently located on Richmond Road.
Demographics
Population: 1,618
Land area: 3.0 sq. mi.
4. North Randall
Urban stream in need of restoration
North Randall was incorporated as a village in 1908,
and operates under the mayor-council form of government. Originally part of Warrensville
Township, North Randall was known as Plank Road Station in the early 1800s. The
construction of the Cleveland and Mahoning Railroad nearby in 1857 opened the farming
community to neighboring areas and resulted in rapid growth and development. In 1908, the
North Randall Park racetrack was opened and became known as the “Saratoga of the West.”
From 1909-1938, it was part of the Grand Harness Racing Circuit and gained national
recognition for its meets. Organized horse racing was introduced in Ohio in 1937, when
thoroughbreds were recruited from Kentucky to race in Cincinnati. As the demand for the sport
increased, North Randall provided an ideal site for northern Ohio racing enthusiasts at
Thistledown Race Track, which originally opened as Thistledown Park in 1925.
In 1975, Randall Park Mall was developed, which is one of the biggest shopping and
commercial complexes in the country.
In 1999, the Village completed its Master Plan, which
was prepared by the Cuyahoga County Planning
Commission. The purpose of the master plan was to
inventory existing conditions, provide recommendations
to improve its regional shopping, and redevelopment
options for a hotel at Northfield and Emery roads and
other opportunities for development at other vacant sites.
Demographics
Land area: 0.8 sq. mi.
Population: 906
Thistledown Race Track
5. Warrensville Heights
Originally part of Warrensville Township, Warrensville Heights was incorporated as a separate
village in 1927, and as a city in 1960. It is bounded by Warrensville Township and Shaker
Heights on the north, Bedford Heights and Maple
Heights on the south, Cleveland on the west and
Orange on the east. The township was named
after its early settler, Daniel Warren. During the
late 1920s and early 1930s, the Village was
recognized as the “geranium center of the U.S.,”
due to the existence of 8 large greenhouses on
Emery and Richmond Roads. By 1985, only two
greenhouses remained. This agricultural region
evolved into a residential suburb after World War
II. Between 1940 and 1960, the population
increased from 1,175 to 23,000. The population Location of Warrensville Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 26
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

peaked in 1970 at 18,925. In the 1980s, the City had over 100 light commercial and industrial
businesses along the Emery Industrial Parkway, engaged primarily in metal fabrication and
petroleum by-products, and food services.
In 2002, the City, in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, published the
City’s Master Plan. Community Goals identified include image, neighborhoods and housing,
community services, economic development, commercial and natural resources.
Demographics
Land area: 4 sq. mi.
Population: 15,109
6. Bedford Heights
Bedford Heights is located just west of Bedford, and the area’s early history is synonymous with
its neighbor of the same namesake. Bedford Heights was originally part of Bedford Township,
which was established in 1823. The decade of the 1960s marked the largest period of growth.
Between 1960 and 1970, the population of Bedford Heights grew 148%, which coincided with
the City’s rapid build out of residential development.
Called “Service City USA,” the City adopted a Master
Plan in 1998 to identify goals that describe the overall
views of the community. The master plan identified
goals with policy recommendations that included the
preservation of residential areas, economic development,
and planning of vacant land and future land use.
Demographics
Land area: 4.5 sq. mi
Population: 11,375
7. Bedford
Incorporated in 1837 as a town and as a city in 1930, Bedford is bounded by Maple Heights to
the northwest, the Bedford Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks System to the southwest,
Oakwood Village on the south and Bedford Heights on the east. The area was originally part of
Bedford Township, which was established in 1823. The waterfall of Tinker’s Creek is a tributary
of the Cuyahoga River and powered the first gristmill in 1815, as well as other industries. In
1816, Benjamin Fitch arrived and began making splint-bottom chairs, developing the industry
that eventually became the Taylor Chair Company, which was established in 1885.
Daniel Benedict named Bedford after his hometown in
Connecticut. The population in 1840 was 2,021.
Hezekiah Dunham, whose own home still remains
opposite the town square, planned the town center, town
hall and a school. In 1881, the ConnottonValley Railroad
opened through Bedford, and the Akron, Bedford &
Cleveland Interurban line operated between 1895 and
1932. Local industries included the B.L. Marble Co. Inc,
Gate’s Bedford Roller Mill, The McMyler
Interstate Company (designed, developed and
manufactured ore and coal handling equipment), Owen
Tire & Rubber and the Bedford Distillery.
Forested valley of Tinker’s Creek
Tinkers Falls at normal flow
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 27
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

By 1940, the population was 7,390, and by 1995 the population was 14,882. In 1999, the
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission published the City of Bedford Master Plan for short
term and long-term development opportunities and quality of life recommendations. The “Small
Town Atmosphere” was ranked as the City’s number one strength by resident survey
responses.
Demographics
Land area: 5.3 sq. mi.
Population: 14,214
8. Walton Hills
Walton Hills is home to one of the earliest pioneers of the Western Reserve, named Nobles,
who built a log cabin near Tinker’s creek that was part of the original Bedford Township. One of
the town’s first structures built was Walton School Building, which still stands on Walton Road.
In 1951, Walton Hills broke away from Bedford Township and was incorporated as an
independent village. The 1950s were a boom era for Walton Hills when the population doubled
from about 800 to 1,976 in 1960.
The Village boasts two natural attractions: Tinker’s Creek
and the Bridal Veils Falls. Another attraction is the
historic Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area on
the Village’s southwestern border. Several
manufacturers including the Ford Stamping Plant, Ferro
Chemical Corporation and Noran Transtar Industries,
Inc. help stabilize the economic tax base of this semirural,
planned community.
Demographics
Land area: 6.9 sq. mi.
Population: 2,400
9. Oakwood Village
One of the smaller communities of Cuyahoga County, Oakwood Village was originally part of
Bedford Township and was incorporated as a village in 1951. It is bounded on the north by
Bedford, on the south by Summit County, on the east by Glenwillow, and on the West by Walton
Hills. In 1962, residents unsuccessfully petitioned to have Oakwood annexed to the City of
Solon, in an effort to thwart public housing. The population increased slowly from 3,283 in
1960, to 3,392 in 1990. The Oakwood Village Booster
Club was formed to raise funds through the sale of
promissory notes and other projects to enable the
purchase of land to house municipal offices. In 1955, a
service building was built, and in 1960 a police
department was created. The Conrail and Norfolk
Southern Railroad lines cross the Village.
Demographics
Land area: 3.8.7 sq. mi.
Population: 3,667
Bridal Veil Falls
Conrail train
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 28
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

10. Glenwillow
In 1883, the Connotton Valley Railway Company built Falls Junction at Cochran Road and the
tracks, which served Chagrin Falls. The Austin Powder Company relocated to northeastern
Ohio and founded a company town, naming it Glenwillow, and moved the depot there. The
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway used the depot until 1974.
In 1993, the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway
donated this historic depot to the Midwest
Railway Preservation Society. In 2002, to
celebrate the history of this Village and “how
railroads built Cleveland,” the Preservation
Society hosted a historic 106-mile train ride for
passengers aboard 1930 and 1950 passenger
coaches through three Northeast Ohio Counties,
which passed through Tinkers Creek and
Cuyahoga River watersheds.
Demographics
Land area: 2.9 sq. mi.
Population: 449
11. Solon
The first settlers in the area were sea captain Jason Robbins and merchant Issac Samuel Bull,
who chose land on either side of what is now Aurora Road near Grantwood Golf Course, in
1820. They helped to found the township of Solon in 1825, with the consent of 8 votes. The
name Solon was derived from the middle name of one of Issac Bull’s sons.
The first school was established in 1822, with seven pupils. In the early 1950s,
Mayor Edwin Carter acted on his vision of what the then sleepy town of Solon
could be. He persuaded voters to pass strict zoning codes to control
expansion and to set aside 2,200 acres of land for industrial use. The town
became a city in 1960. By 1970, the population reached 11,147 and grew to
14,341, in 1980. The City of Solon has adopted another progressive initiative
with its recently formed Bikeway Commission, to develop a bikeway/pedestrian
master plan for existing and proposed bikeway routes in the City.
Demographics
Land area: 20.4 sq. miles
Population: 21,802
Southwest Region
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Station
1. Olmsted Township
Olmsted Township is located in the southwestern corner of Cuyahoga County. It borders North
Olmsted on the north and Brook Park and Berea on the east, and surrounds Olmsted Falls on 3
sides, and is part of Rocky River Reservation.
3 trustees, who are elected at large, govern the township. The area was originally named Plum
Creek Township. Aaron Olmstead, a shareholder in the Connecticut Land Company, bid on and
purchased the northern half of the area in 1807. In 1814, the James Greer family became the
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 29
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

first white settlers in the area, which they called Kingston in memory of their former home in
Vermont.
In 1823, Kingston was organized as the Village of Lenox in honor of settlers who had emigrated
from New England. In 1829, village officials agreed with Charles Olmstead, the son of Aaron
Olmstead, to accept the name to Olmstead in exchange for a library, which was the first library
west of the Allegheny River. By 1950, the population reached 1,216. Increased population led
to the development of North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls.
Demographics
Population: 10,575
Land area: 10 sq. mi.
2. Olmsted Falls
Located on the southwestern border of Cuyahoga County on the border of Lorain County, the
early history of this residential community is tied closely to those of North Olmsted and Berea.
Olmsted Falls was carved out of the original Olmsted Township, the name derived from the
early settler, Aaron Olmstead, in 1829.
During the 1820s, a sawmill and gristmill were built at the waterfalls of the west branch of the
Rocky River. In 1843, the town of Norris Falls was created in the center of the township, and in
1845, the town was renamed Olmsted Falls after the larger falls used for the mills. In 1857, the
Village of Olmsted Falls was incorporated and a mayorcouncil
government was adopted.
In 1849, the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati Railroad
was built through Olmsted Falls, and the Village
benefited significantly until expansion of the area slowed
at the turn of the century. After World War II, highway
development and suburban migration contributed to post
war growth, and Olmsted Falls became a city in 1961.
Demographics
Population: 7,962
Land area: 4 sq. mi.
Olmsted Falls
3. Brook Park
Originally part of Middleburg Township, residents voted to establish their own municipality in
1914. The first elected mayor, William J. Sifleet, referred to as the father of Brook Park, named
the community for the brook that ran through the western portion of the area. Between 1915-
1916, Brook Park had a short-lived gas well boom, and the city council passed an ordinance to
grant the Berea Pipe Line Company and the East Ohio Gas Company the right to operate and
maintain pipelines for the purpose of supplying natural gas to residents.
In 1925, Cleveland City Manager, William R. Hopkins, selected the northwest
quadrant of Brook Park as the site for the Hopkins Airport. In 1941, the National
Advisory Committee for Aeronautics research laboratory broke ground for what
would become NASA Lewis Research Center in 1958, which is NASA’s primary
installation for the development of rocket propulsion.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 30
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

This industrialization trend continued with other major industries including Fisher Aircraft
Assembly Bomber Plant in 1943, and Ford Motor Company’s Engine Plants #1 & #2. Brook
Park became a city in 1961. It is also part of Rocky River Reservation.
Demographics
Population: 22,218
Land area: 8 sq. mi.
4. Berea
Berea was founded in 1836. John Baldwin, one of
Berea’s founding fathers, prospered with his invention
of the lathe that cut slabs of stone into grindstones to
sharpen tools for home, farm and industry. Baldwin is
also credited for establishing Baldwin Institute, which
later became Baldwin Wallace College. The
sandstone found along the Rocky River shoreline was
used as building stone for many prestigious buildings
in the region, the United States and abroad.
Immigrants found work in the quarries early in the 19 th
century. Major employers in Berea are Southwest
General Medical Health Center and Baldwin Wallace
College. Berea is also part of Rocky River
Reservation.
Demographics
Land area: 5.3 sq. mi.
Population: 18,970
Coe Lake is situated behind Berea's
City Hall and the Cuyahoga County
Library.
5. Middleburg Heights
The first settler in the area was Jared Hickox who arrived in 1809 after accepting a free 58 acre
track of land. Low wet terrain and numerous swamps hindered agricultural growth. During the
mid 1800s, 75% of Middleburg Township remained dense, unsettled woodland. The
construction of railroads in the late 1840’s opened the area to neighboring communities,
particularly Olmsted Falls and Berea.
In 1842, the sandstone quarry industry developed along the river, which attracted many German
and Polish settlers. The incorporation of Berea in 1850 led to the partitioning of the township,
and Berea took the quarry industry with it. An attempt by Berea to annex Middleburg Township
in the 1920’s led to the incorporation of Middleburgh Hts.
as a village in 1927. In 1925, many farms were taken
when the City of Cleveland developed the municipal
airport. The depression and the appropriation of 294
acres by the United States government in 1942 for a
bomber plant further altered the development of the
township. Middleburgh Hts. was incorporated as a City
in 1961.
Demographics
Population 15,542
Land area: 8 sq. mi.
Middleburg Heights City Hall
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 31
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

6. Strongsville
In 1816, John Stoughton Strong of Vermont led a party along a trail along the Rocky River to
what was known as Township No. 5, where they cleared about an acre and built log cabins for
shelter. Strong purchased 7 lots of 160 acres each at
approximately $1.50 an acre, and moved his family to
Ohio in 1818, and the area was named Strongsville. In
1819, a log cabin was built that served as a schoolhouse,
church and town hall. In 1822, the township was divided
into five school districts, and later into ten districts. By
1826, the township had increased to 89 households.
Strong built the first gristmill and sawmill. He died in
1863 at age 92. Strongsville became a village in 1923,
and became a city in 1961. Today, major employers
include: Van Dorn Demag, Avery Denison Automotive,
Central Reserve Life Insurance, and Hy Level Industries
machine parts.
Demographics
Land area: 24.6 sq. mi
Population: 43,858
Westshore Region
1. Bay Village
Lake Road, which runs through Bay Village along the Lake Erie shoreline, was once an Indian
trail for the Erie Indians. In 1799, Joseph Cahoon visited the area and wrote to his wife in
Vermont how beautiful the area was. The Cahoon Family was the first to settle there, in 1810.
In 1818, they built their four-bedroom home, which currently serves as the Ros Museum and
houses memorabilia of the early settlers who were farmers, millers, shoemakers and
blacksmiths.
John Huntington, a founder of Standard Oil, built a summer home in 1880 on 100 acres along
Lake Erie, which is now part of the Huntington Reservation. Huntington Reservation is one of
the oldest reservations in Cleveland Metroparks System and remains a vital and aesthetic park
in the community that features the only public beach with a picnic pavilion between Cleveland
and Lorain. Also located there is Huntington Playhouse,
a community theatre.
In 1901, residendts voted to create the area known as
Bay Village. In 1903, the trustees incorporated the area
as Village of Bay. The present day charter of Bay Village
became effective as the City of Bay Village in 1950,
when the population was 6,917 persons.
Demographics
Land area: 4.6 sq. mi.
Population: 16,087
Landmarks in Strongsville
Bay Village Common House.
2. Westlake
The Cahoon and Porter families were the first settlers in this area in 1810, which began as
Township 7 of the Connecticut Western Reserve. It was then incorporated as Dover Township
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 32
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

y the state legislature, in 1811. In 1812, eighteen voters met in Philo Taylor’s log cabin to form
the first township government.
The Cahoon family built the first gristmill in 1813, just east of Cahoon Creek, where they also
built a sawmill and distillery for making peach brandy. The abundance of timber fostered the
development of other sawmills and asheries that were used to drain burned wood of lye and boil
it into potash. The northern border of the area, which slopes down to the Lake Erie shoreline,
was cleared for planting crops and providing pasture for livestock. Dover Township agriculture
grew with truck farming, especially the cultivation of grapes. By the latter half of the nineteenth
century, Dover was the second largest point for grape production in the United States.
As a township, Dover was much larger than the present day Westlake. By the end of the
nineteenth century, the area to the south (now North Olmsted) and the area to the north (now
Bay Village) both split from Dover and became independent municipalities. In 1911, Dover
Township was incorporated as Dover Village.
By 1900, the population of Dover grew to 2,233. In 1910, the census recorded 1,550 persons.
In 1940, the Village changed its name to Westlake. 75% of land is residentially zoned. Major
employers include St. John’s Westshore Hospital and
Clinic, and outpatient facilities for health care providers
including Cleveland Clinic; the Lakewood Country
Club; and the recently built Promenade Shopping
Center at Crocker and Detroit, near the I-90
interchange. Bradley Woods Reservation is located
here.
Demographics
Population: 31,719
Land area: 16.5 sq. mi.
3. North Olmsted
North Olmsted is located on the western edge of Cuyahoga County, 12 miles southwest of
Cleveland. The Village of North Olmsted was formed in 1908 from portions of Olmsted and
Dover townships. James Greer was the first settler to arrive, in 1814. Other families followed
him from New England, and organized the Village of Lenox in 1823. In 1829, the Village was
renamed after early settler Aaron Olmstead. Olmstead remained a small rural farming
community until the 1920s, when it began to prosper as a truck gardening and greenhouse
center.
In the 1930s, North Olmsted remained a quaint, neighborly village that reminded many of its
New England origins. In 1931, under the leadership of Mayor Charles A. Seltzer, the North
Olmsted Municipal Bus Line was organized to provide service that had been lost when the
interurban rail lines were discontinued. When some citizens and certain
public utilities opposed the concept of a municipal owned bus line in
local courts, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Village, and
determined the claim that North Olmsted’s bus line established the
precedent for the entire nation.
North Olmsted was incorporated as a city in 1960, and remains
primarily residential with almost no industry. It is part of Rocky River
and Bradley Woods Reservation. Bradley Woods Reservation is
located on a massive formation of Berea sandstone and is
Lakewood Country Club Golf Course
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 33
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

characterized by deep forests of red maples, sour gums, tupelos, yellow birches and pin oaks.
Bunns Lake, dedicated in 1986, was created to provide waterfowl habitat and fishing
opportunities. North Olmsted is home to the Great Northern Shopping Center and Mall.
Demographics
Population: 34,113
Land area: 11.62 sq. mi.
4. Lakewood
Located on the shore of Lake Erie adjacent to the City of Cleveland on the east and Rocky River
on the west, originally part of Rockport Township since 1819, Lakewood became a village in
1903, and was incorporated as a city in 1911.
The discovery of natural gas and oil in the area supported the community’s development. Wells
were drilled as early as 1883 and additional natural gas wells were discovered in 1911, but were
depleted a few years later. The construction of a municipal light plant in 1896 and a streetcar
line in 1903 facilitated the village’s growth. A real-estate boom followed the opening of the
Detroit Superior Bridge, which crosses the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, and
lakefront properties increased to $15,000 an acre. By 1920, the population exceeded 40,000.
Lakewood’s facilities include Lakewood Hospital, established in 1907. Lakewood is part of the
Rocky River Reservation.
In 1994, the Buckeye Center for Public Policy Solutions,
a non-profit think tank based in Dayton and composed of
Ohio Professors, ranked Lakewood tops in economic
climate among Ohio’s 19 largest cities. The study
evaluated taxes, crime and the regulatory burden of
government. As a mature community in an inner ring
suburb with high-density development, it has not
contributed to the broader, regional problems attributed
to exurban sprawl.
Demographics
Population: 56,646
Land area: 5.5 sq. mi.
5. Rocky River
The first permanent settlers arrived in 1810. The name of the settlement has changed from
Granger City, to Riverbank, to Rockport, and finally to Rocky River Hamlet. It was incorporated
as a hamlet in 1893, and became a village in 1903, when
the first mayor, Mark Mitchell, and a council were
elected. In 1960, a charter adopted the mayor-council
government. Rocky River is named for the river, which
was named by American Indians who camped and
stored their canoes on the island at the mouth of the
River, which is now the home of the Cleveland Yachting
Club. The river is part of the Cleveland Metroparks
System and Rocky River Reservation.
Demographics
Population: 20,735
Land area: 4.8 sq. mi.
Lake Erie shore
The Rocky River
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 34
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

6. Fairview Park
Overlooking scenic Rocky River Valley, which is part of Cleveland Metropolitan Park System’s
Rocky River Reservation, the Village of Fairview was established by ordinance in 1911.
Originally, the Village was a rural area, home to truck gardens and orchards. In 1948, Fairview
Village changed its name to Fairview Park to avoid confusion with other towns of the same
name. In 1950, the Village became incorporated as the City of Fairview Park with an estimated
population of 9,000.
In 1997, the new Fairview Park Regional Library became the hub of community activity with its
collection that includes genealogy, a children’s section, a spacious meeting room and computer
terminals. In 2001, the new 47,000 square foot McGowan Building, located at the western end
of Lorain Road, took occupancy. The City is currently
developing additional parcels east of the McGowan
building for a 43,000 square foot medical building facility.
Other items of interest include the recent membership to
the First Ring Consortium, a 14-city membership nonprofit
organization that fosters community and economic
development.
Demographics
Population: 17,572
Land area: 4.7 sq. mi.
Fairview Park City Hall
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 35
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

2.2 Census Information
The following table lists the population for each of the 59 jurisdictions of the County:
Jurisdiction
2000
Total Population
Cuyahoga County 1,393,978
Bay Village 16,087
Beachwood 12,186
Bedford 14,214
Bedford Heights 11,375
Bentleyville 947
Berea 18,970
Bratenahl 1,337
Brecksville 13,382
Broadview Heights 15,967
Brook Park 21,218
Brooklyn 11,586
Brooklyn Heights 1,558
Chagrin Falls 4,024
Chagrin Falls Township 135
Cleveland 478,403
Cleveland Heights 49,458
Cuyahoga Heights 599
East Cleveland 27,217
Euclid 52,717
Fairview Park 17,572
Garfield Heights 30,734
Gates Mills 2,493
Glenwillow 449
Highland Heights 8,082
Highland Hills 1,618
Hunting Valley 735
Independence 7,109
Lakewood 56,646
Linndale 117
Lyndhurst 15,279
Maple Heights 26,156
Mayfield 3,435
Mayfield Heights 19,386
Middleburg Heights 15,542
Moreland Hills 3,298
Newburgh Heights 2,389
North Olmsted 34,113
North Randall 906
North Royalton 28,648
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 36
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Jurisdiction
2000
Total Population
Oakwood Village 3,667
Olmsted Falls 7,962
Olmsted Township 10,575
Orange 3,236
Parma 85,655
Parma Heights 21,659
Pepper Pike 6,040
Richmond Heights 10,944
Rocky River 20,735
Seven Hills 12,080
Shaker Heights 29,405
Solon 21,802
South Euclid 23,537
Strongsville 43,858
University Heights 14,146
Valley View 2,179
Walton Hills 2,400
Warrensville Heights 15,109
Westlake 31,719
Woodmere 828
The following is a table of the number of residential home sales and average sales price for
residential homes in 2001 in the various communities in Cuyahoga County:
Community Number of Sales Average Selling Price
Bay Village 369 $185,900
Beachwood 179 $244,700
Bedford 234 $ 89,700
Bedford Heights 114 $117,600
Bentleyville 16 $568,000
Berea 334 $119,500
Bratenahl 59 $291,600
Brecksville 262 $238,500
Broadview Heights 364 $243,900
Brook Park 299 $113,100
Brooklyn 130 $119,900
Brooklyn Heights 19 $129,000
Chagrin Falls Village 103 $254,200
Cleveland E/R 4,245 $ 56,100
Cleveland W/R 3,461 $ 78,000
Cleveland Heights 856 $140,500
Cuyahoga Heights 7 $138,300
East Cleveland 368 $ 53,200
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 37
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Number of Sales Average Selling Price
Euclid 974 $ 94,100
Fairview Park 361 $143,000
Garfield Heights 577 $ 91,500
Gates Mills 49 $457,700
Glenwillow 13 $139,800
Highland Heights 163 $269,100
Highland Hills 2 $ 63,000
Hunting Valley 7 $759,300
Independence 102 $206,200
Lakewood 977 $131,800
Linndale 1 $140,000
Lyndhurst 357 $150,700
Maple Heights 506 $ 86,100
Mayfield Heights 265 $153,900
Mayfield Village 51 $193,100
Middleburg Heights 356 $138,300
Moreland Hills 95 $516,200
Newburgh Heights 35 $ 71,800
North Olmsted 620 $133,400
North Randall 8 $122,000
North Royalton 548 $156,800
Oakwood Village 65 $114,300
Olmsted Falls 246 $160,400
Olmsted Township 145 $182,700
Orange 66 $307,600
Parma 1,425 $119,700
Parma Heights 316 $114,300
Pepper Pike 105 $393,600
Richmond Heights 210 $169,600
Rocky River 497 $181,800
Seven Hills 194 $173,100
Shaker Heights 593 $221,200
Solon 522 $258,800
South Euclid 592 $109,100
Strongsville 907 $194,200
University Heights 292 $148,700
Valley View 14 $195,000
Walton Hills 27 $187,600
Warrensville Heights 176 $ 66,900
Westlake 700 $229,200
Woodmere 3 $ 60,400
Cleveland 7,706 $ 65,900
County All 24,583 $128,700
Suburbs 16,877 $157,300
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 38
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The following are housing stats for Cuyahoga County from the 2000 Census, obtained from the
U.S. Census web site.
Total Housing Units 616,903
Occupied 571,457
Owner occupied 360,988
Renter occupied 210,469
Vacant 45,446
Units in Structure 616,903
1, detached 354,973
1, attached 37,591
2 59,729
3 or 4 25,309
5 to 9 27,640
10 to 19 30,125
20 to 49 20,995
50 or more 57,272
Mobile home 3,214
Boat, RV, van, etc. 55
According to the Cuyahoga County Auditor, the three most commonly structured residential
buildings with their average cost are as follows:
Colonial $178,993
Bungalow $104,660
Ranch $ 85,389
2.3 Cuyahoga County Authority to Adopt Plan
The Cuyahoga County Board of Commissions has the authority to adopt the plan once it has
been approved by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA). Once the plan has been
adopted by the local jurisdictions, FEMA will formally approve the plan.
2.4 Adoption of the Plan
The adoption process will take place after all of the agencies that need to evaluate the plan
have done so. Multi-jurisdictional plans take much more coordination than single jurisdictional
plans. Therefore, the Mitigation Core Group will pursue adoption of these plans in a timely
manner after they receive approval by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA).
The communities that did not participate, Glenwillow, Linndale and Woodmere, will not be
adopting theCuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. These communities were
notified several times of the planning process that was taking place, and chose not to
participate. In order for these communities to be eligible for Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 39
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

funding in the future, they must go through the required mitigation planning steps, however they
may be able to utilize some of the information collected for this plan as part of their process.
2.5 Cuyahoga County Land Use and Future Land Use
According to the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, Cuyahoga County will soon become
the first “built-out” county within the State of Ohio. In 1948, nearly 26% of the County’s land was
developed. By 2002, nearly 90% had been developed. Please see the figures on the following
pages.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 40
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Source: 1981 Land Use/Land Cover from Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 41
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

1948 Land Use
Source: http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/green/
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 42
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

2002 Land Use
Source: http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/green/
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 43
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

For the past 50 years, the health of the County was based on economic growth and new
housing options at the edge of the urbanized area. The future health of the County will be
based on its attraction as a sustainable, desirable and healthy place to live and work.
The ultimate goal for Cuyahoga County is a balanced pattern of development that
accommodates both urbanization and land conservation. A Greenspace Plan is being
developed to promote a broad comprehensive vision for greenspace protection and restoration
within the County. Along with conservation, the plan will promote complimentary development.
The hope is that through planning, creating and managing greenspaces, Cuyahoga County will
be a place where:
• Natural places are an integral part of daily life;
• Natural processes are visible and instructional; and
• Waterfronts are cared for and accessible.
The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission has developed a greenspace vision for the County
that:
• Builds off of the County’s unique geography and natural history;
• Emphasizes the environmental, community and economic importance of greenspace;
• Intends to inspire decision makers to make greenspace a priority in the community;
• Promotes connecting neighborhoods in the County to greenspace and the County’s
natural resources; and
• Encourages the “regreening” of the more urban portions of the County to make them
more desirable places to live.
Source: http://planning.co.cuyahoga.oh.us/green
Basic elements of the plan include the creation of a system of natural corridors, a countywide
trail system, the preservation of scenic views, and the protection and restoration of critical
natural areas.
2.6 Other Existing Plans
The survey sent out to each of the 59 jurisdictions included a question regarding existing
planning documents. Each jurisdiction was asked to mark whether they had comprehensive
plans, floodplain ordinances, land use ordinances, or organized watershed groups. A table was
created of the results received from participating communities and can be found in Appendix 13.
The majority of these existing documents compliment mitigation efforts. For example, floodplain
ordinances serve to guide development away from hazardous areas while stormwater
management plans, as required in planning and zoning codes of many communities, reduce the
effects of erosion due to increased runoff. Community master plans also compliment mitigation
efforts by identifying environmentally sensitive areas, land use trends, etc., which is information
that can be used in future mitigation planning.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 44
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

3.0 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Planning Process
The Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners received a grant from the Ohio Emergency
Management Agency in November of 2002 to support the development of an All Natural
Hazards Mitigation Plan for the County, including all 59 jurisdictions. In their effort to meet the
mission of protecting lives, property, economic viability and quality of life for the people of the
County, Cuyahoga County sought the expertise of the engineering firm Fuller, Mossbarger,
Scott and May Engineers, Inc. to help them fulfill this task.
The approach undertaken in the creation of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for
Cuyahoga County can be described as both comprehensive and collaborative. The
comprehensive approach includes following the interim final rule guidelines enacted under the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
suggested guidelines for the creation of an All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Additional
items that Cuyahoga County chose to address as part of the comprehensive analysis of their
community were addressed as well. It should be noted that during this planning process, the
Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were
coordinating the preparation of a step-by-step guide to help communities prepare natural hazard
mitigation plans. Since this guide was in development, all attempts were made to coordinate
efforts to meet the suggested guidelines of the Ohio Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning
Guidebook.
3.1 Mission Statement
The mission of the Mitigation Core Group that has been assembled to create the Cuyahoga
County All-Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (CANHMP) is to develop a working document that
fulfills the mandates of the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and satisfies the
requirements of FEMA and the Ohio EMA, as well as meets the needs of all of Cuyahoga
County.
Further, by researching and planning for future natural hazards and implementing appropriate
mitigation techniques, Cuyahoga County can save lives and protect property, reduce the cost of
disasters, provide for a rapid and efficient recovery by coordinating response efforts, and
increase the educational awareness of natural hazard events and their effects on the people,
property and resources of the County.
3.2 Mitigation Core Group
Obtaining support from the whole community required a comprehensive approach to preparing
the Mitigation Plan. Identifying those persons, community leaders and government agencies
with the knowledge and authority to help a community organize a plan is key to the planning
effort. A core group of leaders was necessary in order to give this task validity. Those that
participated in the Mitigation Core Group included:
Cuyahoga County Emergency Services Staff
Various Community Emergency Coordinators and Fire Chiefs
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Staff
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency Staff
Cuyahoga County Department of Development
Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office
Cuyahoga County Board of Health Staff
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 45
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

FMSM Staff Members
The group consisted of the following members:
Cuyahoga County Emergency Services Staff
Murray Withrow
Jeanne Schmotzer
Community Emergency Coordinators/Fire Chiefs
Bay Village: Lt. John Dixon
Beachwood: Chief Patrick J. Kearns
Bedford: Chief Ken Rybka
Bedford Heights: Chief Ken Ledford
Brecksville: Chief Ed Egut
Broadview Heights: Chief Lee Ippolito
Brooklyn: Chief Paul Duchoslav
Brooklyn Heights: Chief Mark Schrade
Cleveland: Asst. Chief Timothy O’Toole
East Cleveland: Acting Chief Ron Jonovich
Fairview Park: Chief David Simon
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission
Paul Alsenas
Dan Meaney
Cuyahoga County Floodplain Administrator
Richard Sicha (with Cuyahoga County Planning Commission)
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Howard Maier
Ron Eckner
Garfield Heights: Chief Anthony Collova
Highland Hills: Chief Lloyd Noles
Independence: Chief Peter Nelson
Lakewood: Chief Lawrence Mroz
Mayfield Village: Chief David Mohr
Olmsted Falls: Chief William Fisher
Orange: Chief Fred Fritz
Chris Kostura (Police Department)
Rocky River: Chief Chris Flynn
Strongsville: Chief Paul Haney, Alan
Finkelstein
Westlake: Chief Richard Pietrick
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) – 100- year sewer flooding survey
Rich Connelly
Jeff Duke
Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office
Rich Lavery
Cuyahoga County Department of Development
Tracey Nichols
Harry Conard
Chagrin River Watershed Partners
Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells
City of Independence – Economic Development
Ron White
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 46
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

OEMA
Brigitte Bouska
Community Development Directors
Rocky River: Kory Koran
Cuyahoga County Board of Health (also representing Cleveland, Lakewood, and Shaker
Heights Boards of Health)
Terry Allan
Martin Baier
Cleveland Department of Public Service
Mark Ricchiuto
Mayors/City Managers Association Representative
Mayor Deborah Sutherland
Orange Village
Bruce White
City of Brook Park
Michael Von Duhn – Public Works Director
3.3 Adjacent County Notification
As required, adjacent counties were notified of the hazard mitigation planning process taking
place in Cuyahoga County. County Commissioners and Emergency Management Agencies
were sent a letter informing them of the process. Please see Appendix 3 for copies of the letter
sent.
3.4 Public Notification Process and Involvement
A press release was issued to announce the development of the hazard mitigation plan and to
invite residents to participate in the process. An article was also run in The Cleveland Plain
Dealer and the Sun Times notifying the public of the planning process and inviting them to
participate. Please see Appendix 4 for copies of both press releases.
A 30-day public review period was provided for during the planning process. This included a
copy of the draft plan that was posted on the County’s web site and a hard copy that was
available for review at the Cuyahoga County Division of Emergency Services. A public hearing
was held during that 30-day public review period at which comments and questions were
welcomed. Documentation of the public comments received is included in Appendix 18.
3.5 Meetings
Throughout the planning process, there were four Mitigation Core Group meetings and five
regional meetings throughout the County, open to the public. Minutes of these meetings can be
found in Appendices 5 and 6. Summaries of the core group meetings are provided below.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 47
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Introduction of the Planning Process – Meeting 1
The primary focus of the first meeting was a discussion of the process to be followed in the
creation of a Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and established a timeline for the
project. The core group members also reviewed a draft of the Cuyahoga County All Natural
Hazards Mitigation Plan Survey.
Development of Problem Statements – Meeting 2
The core group determined a prioritized list of hazards for Cuyahoga County. The core group
then developed problem statements for each hazard.
Problem Statements
Below are some examples of problem statements that were created for the hazards associated
with Cuyahoga County. Please note: All problem statements associated with each hazard can
be found in Appendix 7.
Severe Storms
Severe storms are the number one hazard facing Cuyahoga County in terms of frequency of
occurrence. Severe storms occur throughout the year and historically have had dramatic,
repetitive effects on the communities of the County.
• Due to the location and elevation of Cuyahoga County, susceptibility to severe weather
can differ dramatically based on location within the County. This makes it difficult to
release appropriate warnings and notices of severe events.
• Due to the unpredictability of storm events, reaction time and relay of information to the
general public is lacking.
• All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to communicate with each
other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular community (i.e.
actual equipment used, radios, etc).
Overall goal: To reduce the effects of severe storms on Cuyahoga County by better preparation
for each severe storm event.
Flooding
Flooding is the second highest ranked hazard for Cuyahoga County due to its frequency of
occurrence although the dollar value of loss associated with this hazard is not as high as the
other hazards for the County. This hazard was subdivided into three categories for assessment:
flash flooding, 100-year floodplain flooding and non-flood zone flooding.
Flash Flooding
• The undersized infrastructure is unable to handle the storm water in some areas of
Cuyahoga County.
• Youth play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods. There needs to be
further education focused on youth about the potential for danger.
• There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some areas of
Cuyahoga County.
Overall goal: To concentrate on making the general public more aware of flash flood events
and those areas of high hazard potential.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 48
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

100-Year Floodplain Flooding
• Most communities in Cuyahoga County follow the minimum NFIP and still allow new
structures to be built in the 100-year floodplain.
• Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities, which means 59
interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a communication problem among the
communities about what other districts are doing and how there can be more continuity.
Overall goal: To coordinate efforts, where feasible, regulating the 100-year floodplains and to
learn from each other how each community utilizes and enforces their regulations.
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
• There is generally a lack of awareness as it relates to non-flood zone flooding in the
County, and there are currently no initiatives to educate residents of these occurrences.
Overall goal: To save lives and property, reduce flood damage and increase educational
awareness of flooding in the communities within Cuyahoga County.
Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Due to its location on Lake Erie, Cuyahoga County is very prone to coastal erosion in the
communities located along the lake. Both coastal and streambank erosion are exacerbated by
the other natural hazards occurring in the County, namely flooding and severe storms.
• Existing structures and the construction of new homes on the coastline are a potential
disaster waiting to happen.
• There is a lack of consistent riparian area regulations in Cuyahoga County.
• Natural areas around some of the waterways (specifically Brecksville and Bedford) have
been affected by stormwater and streambank erosion in recent years.
Overall goal: To increase educational awareness of coastal and streambank erosion in the
communities affected, as well as to learn about different techniques communities are using to
control erosion.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are a natural hazard that has historically had dramatic effects on the communities of
Cuyahoga County and will continue to do so.
• There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County.
• There are no tornado shelters in public areas or parks within Cuyahoga County.
Overall goal: To increase public educational awareness about the effects of tornadoes on the
community, and how to respond to warning sirens.
Earthquakes
Because of the lower frequency of occurrence of this hazard, earthquakes are not one of the
higher rated hazards for the County.
• There are no building standards that address earthquake resistance.
Overall goal: To reduce potential damage of earthquakes and to increase awareness.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 49
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Droughts
Droughts are one of the lesser-known hazards for Cuyahoga County.
• There are concerns over sensitive populations (elderly and children) and where they are
located, in relation to drought and heat distress.
Overall goal: To reduce potential damage of droughts by public awareness of the long-term
effects of a drought.
Determination of Overall Goals and Action Items – Meetings 3 and 4
The core group developed overall goals to address each hazard. Goals are defined as general
guidelines that explain what a community wants to achieve in the future, which set a
community’s priorities. Goals should be realistic and explain what a community wants to
achieve concerning mitigation.
The core group then addressed how each problem statement relates to each hazard by creating
possible alternatives. One of the alternatives considered for all of the hazards is the “No Action”
option. The core group identified alternatives by utilizing strategies and measures to implement
that particular alternative. Below are some examples of the alternatives that were developed by
the Mitigation Core Group.
Severe Storms
• No action.
• Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System countywide that will be
interoperable.
• Backup generators for critical facilities and residences (i.e., Orange Village, Olmsted
Township); evaluate pumping stations.
• Mapping of critical facilities to ensure that the locations of such facilities are known
countywide.
Flooding
Flash Flooding
• No action.
• Evaluate installing elevation markers or gates related to high hazard areas.
• Install NOAA weather radios in all critical facilities, schools and hospitals to increase the
amount of waning time.
100-Year Floodplain Flooding
• No action.
• Secure funding to update FEMA maps.
• Modify infrastructure to handle bigger storm events. Evaluate and rank infrastructure
problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for both utilities and roadways and seek
funding to permanently mitigate.
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
• No action.
• PSAs about non-flood zone flooding awareness.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 50
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Coastal and Streambank Erosion
• No action.
• Seek funding to remove structures affected by erosion.
• Incorporate riparian setback requirements for new builds. Work with watershed groups
to evaluate causes of erosion and seek funding to create an action plan to reduce
erosion.
Tornadoes
• No action.
• Seek funding for an interoperable warning system (countywide).
Earthquakes
• No action.
• Evaluate regulations for wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with Building
Department to develop standards to mitigate potential damage during and after an
earthquake.
Drought
• No action.
• Create a map of sensitive populations and work with County Housing Authority to locate
these populations.
3.6 Matrix Development
Once the alternatives were created for each hazard, the core group established evaluation
criteria to rank each of the alternatives. The criteria selected included: economically justifiable;
technically feasible; socially equitable, environmentally sound and publicly acceptable.
The evaluation criteria and the alternatives developed by the core group were then placed in a
matrix that organized all the alternatives and how they rated. Utilizing a matrix allowed the core
group to systematically review all alternatives, identifying which mitigation method(s) are
appropriate based on the specified criteria. The combined results of all the Mitigation Core
Group members were tabulated and the matrix comparison was completed. Each of the
activities was given an averaged number based on all the Mitigation Core Group scores, which
will help Cuyahoga County focus their mitigation strategies on the highest rated activities.
A sample of the Cuyahoga County matrix is on the following page.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 51
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Severe Storms
3.7 Public Review
Cost Effective
Technically Feasible
Environmentally Sound
Socially Equitable
Meets Federal, State and
Local Regulations
Activities Reduce Risk
Socially Acceptable
No Action. 0
Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems
but none are interoperable.
Ice Storms have dramatic effects on communities within Cuyahoga County,
in relation to public utilities. Seek funding for alternative systems such as
underground utilities.
Communities within Cuyahoga County have difficulty predicting resources
needed to respond to severe storm events, such the need for salt during the
winter season. Develop plans for the future use using “worst case scenario.”
Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e. elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe
storms events. 1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those
populations; 2) Locate and identify special needs population.
Cuyahoga Communities do not know where all their critical facilities are
located countywide. Map all the critical facilities of every community within
the County.
Cuyahoga residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms, which
creates some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event. Develop
innovative PSAs via mass mailing and community papers to reach residents
of the County.
Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e. well water, septic systems and long-term power
outages.) Seek funding for back up generators for critical facilities and
residences with a history of utility problems (case by case basis.)
All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized
within a particular community (i.e. actual equipment used, radios, etc.)
Evaluate countywide communication interoperability. Seek funding to make
communities' first responders interoperable.
The older communities within Cuyahoga (such as Chagrin Falls and
Cleveland) have sever problems with sewage back-ups during severe storm
events, which cause ecological, environmental and health issues. Evaluate
other communities on how they mitigated sewage backup (back flow
prevention)
The local communities bear “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a
severe storm. Develop plan for participation to coordinate efforts in
mitigation process.
There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some
severe storms events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden
emergency response services. Develop outreach for communities and
awareness of existing mutual aide resources.
Critical lights and critical utilities (charged power lines down) can become a
problem after a severe storm event. Seek funding for critical lights and
critical utilities backup.
Severe storm events have the potential to cause dramatic effects on traffic
and transportation, and there are no contingency plans for diverting traffic to
avoid storm damage. Seek funding for intelligent traffic transportation
system.
Flash Flooding
Funding Available
After the draft plan was completed, the Mitigation Core Group provided for an official 30-day
public review period before hosting a public meeting. The plan was posted on the County’s web
site and a copy of the plan was made available at the County Emergency Services office for
review.
Public input is necessary in order to gauge the opinion of the community and build support for
the Plan. There were draft copies of the Plan available at the public meeting, along with a set
agenda to keep the discussion on course. The Mitigation Core Group reviewed the process of
the draft All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and the overall goals to be implemented. There
were several large-scale maps available for public review of the potential hazards in their
community. Ample time for public comment was provided for and documented, for incorporation
into an added section within the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 52
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total

3.8 Finalization
Once all comments were reviewed and added to the draft Plan, the preparation of the final Plan
began. FMSM staff will attend the formal adoption of the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan by
County officials.
Implementation of the Plan is crucial. The Mitigation Core Group must strategize effectively to
put the Plan into action. Cuyahoga County must follow through to translate the goals and
objectives developed during the planning process into action steps. It is recommended that a
monitoring program be included in the Plan.
Task 1 – Kick-Off Meeting
Task 2 – Regional Public Meetings
Task 3 – Data Gathering
Task 4 – Hazard Assessment & Problem ID
Task 5 – Establish Goals & Objectives
Task 6 – Alternatives, Action Items & Evaluation Criteria
Task 7 – Evaluation of Alternatives
Task 8 – Prepare Draft Plan
Task 9 – Public Meeting (s)
Task 10 – Final CANHMP Preparation
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4.0 State of Natural Disasters and Hazard Assessment for Cuyahoga County
4.1 Initial Hazard Determination for Cuyahoga County
In order to properly evaluate the natural hazards that Cuyahoga County may be susceptible to,
a four-step process was utilized. This process was completed in order to “narrow-down” the
hazards that Cuyahoga County should prepare for, and potentially mitigate, in the future.
Step 1 - FMSM Engineers researched FEMA‘s
database to determine which hazards FEMA had
documented as possible natural hazards, including
future threats, for the State of Ohio. Several
hazards that are listed on FEMA’s web site include
Flooding, Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Winter
Storms.
Ohio Disaster History According to FEMA
1989 Severe Storms & Flooding
1990 Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding
1992 Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding
1995 Severe Storms & Flooding
1996 Severe Storms & Flooding
1996 Severe Storms & Flooding
1997 Severe Storms & Flooding
1998 Severe Storms
Step 2 - FMSM Engineers contacted the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) that allows
reviews of historic hazard information all the way down to the County level. The NCDC web site
presents each type of hazard and the historic information associated with it for each County,
offering several hazard search parameters. These parameters include: droughts, dust storm,
flooding, fog, hail, hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, wild/forest fires, ocean/lake surf,
precipitation, snow and ice, temperature extremes and thunderstorms and high winds. Of those
parameters, dust storms, severe fog, hurricanes/tropical storms, wild/forest fires and ocean/lake
surf have either never been documented in Cuyahoga County, or have not occurred since 1950.
This left droughts, flooding, hail, lightning, tornadoes, snow and ice, severe precipitation,
temperature extremes and thunderstorms and high winds to further assess. Note that
earthquakes and coastal/streambank erosion are not part of the NCDC database.
The information pertaining to earthquake susceptibility was attained from USGS and the Ohio
Earthquake Program Manager, Candace Sherry, at the Ohio Emergency Management Agency
(OEMA) and the information pertaining to coastal
and streambank erosion was retained from several
sources such as the Army Corps of Engineers, the
Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, the
Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Euclid
Watershed Coordinator, Doan Brook Watershed
Coordinator, Rocky River Watershed Coordinator,
Lake Erie Direct and the Cuyahoga Watershed
Coordinator.
Step 3 - FMSM reviewed the Ohio Hazard Analysis
and Risk Assessment, a document created in 1998
by OEMA for local and state emergency
preparedness officials. The Ohio Hazard Analysis
and Risk Assessment looks at both natural and nonnatural
(technological) hazards.
Step 4 – Cuyahoga County Division of Emergency
Services completed a Draft Comprehensive Hazard
Analysis, Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Study
for Cuyahoga County, April 2001. The Division of
Initial Hazard Assessment for
Cuyahoga County
No. of Cost in
Events Millions
Severe Storms (1950-2003) 177 22.457
Winter Storms 51 40.96
T-Storms/High Winds/Lightning 274 37.837
Hail 96 5.136
Floods (1950-2003) 49 12.67
Flash Floods 28 6.497
100-Year/Non-Floodzone
Floods
21 6.180
Tornadoes (1950-2003) 29 67.75
Coastal and Stream Erosion TBD
Earthquakes (1836,1850,
1868, 1888, 1955, 1991)
Droughts, Excessive Heat
and Extreme Cold (1950-2003)
6 epicenters
18 205.04
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Emergency Management utilized the approach that the Ohio Emergency Management utilized
in the document called the Ohio Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment to assess their risk to
each hazard including non-natural hazards.
All of the above documents were provided and explained to the Mitigation Core Group for their
review and assessment. The Mitigation Core Group made the decision to explore six hazards,
based on all the above information.
4.2 Severe Weather History in Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County, like most communities in Ohio, is susceptible to severe weather. The severe
weather category is a “catch all” to hazards that do not meet other specific criteria. Severe
weather is Cuyahoga County’s number one hazard for several reasons. The first is specific
criteria of severe weather, as it relates to thunderstorms, is a wind classification of 58 mph and
above. Hazards that fit into the severe weather category include winter storms and
thunderstorms. One of the biggest problems associated with severe weather is the lack of
public education and awareness. Severe storms can produce damage, but also are often the
precursor for much more severe weather to follow. One example of this is how tornadoes are
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directly associated with thunderstorms. The following paragraphs describe some of the specific
severe storm hazards that have affected Cuyahoga County.
Significant Events
September 25, 1994 - Hail - $5.0 Million. Lightning and large hail, driven by strong winds,
occurred at a number of locations including Bedford and Oakwood where hail covered the
ground like snow and stripped foliage from trees. Numerous homes and businesses reported
damage to siding, roofs, windows, and vehicles. A MetroParks ranger at Brookside Park was
injured when lightning struck a nearby light pole, then jumped to the tree that he was standing
under, striking him.
October 30, 1996 - High Winds - $7.6 Million. A deep low pressure moving east across
Ontario, Canada brought winds of 60 to 70 miles per hour, with higher gusts, to Northern Ohio.
Trees, limbs and power lines were downed, some across roads, and others on cars, and
buildings causing considerable damage. In Cuyahoga County, at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, a
stewardess was blown off the steps of a commuter plane but was not injured. Falling trees in
Bay Village struck at least 2 cars, a truck and a house and shingles were blown from roofs in
Berea. In Wayne County, signs were ripped from their standards and dropped on roads and a
landfill was closed in Paint Township because of flying metal and tin. At Apple Creek, the arc
from wind whipped downed electrical wires leading to a barn may have ignited a fire which was
then whipped into an inferno by the high winds. The barn and some of the cattle in it were
destroyed. A 16-ton concrete wall at a Revco drugstore under construction in Akron in Summit
County was toppled and, in Springfield Township, a storage facility under construction was
destroyed. Also in Summit County, a 45-year-old man was struck by a falling tree at Raintree
Country Club and died of head injuries. A wind gust of 67 miles per hour was reported at Kent
in Portage County. A wind gust of 79 miles per hour was reported at Fairport Harbor in Lake
County. A 71-mile per hour wind gust was reported in Ashtabula County, where a tree fell on a
house in Geneva. In Jackson Township in Mahoning County, a construction barrel was blown
into the path of a car, causing the car to collide with a truck and a concrete wall on Interstate 80.
The driver of the car was treated for injuries. A 68-mile per hour wind gust was reported at
Toledo Express Airport in Lucas County. On Interstate 75 near Bowling Green in Wood County,
a wind gust caused a semi truck to veer left of center and sideswipe another rig. There were no
injuries. Also in Bowling Green, at least one tree fell on a house, one tree fell on two cars and a
dumpster landed on another car. In Perrysburg Township, also in Wood County, the Islamic
Center of Toledo was damaged when two minarets on top of a building were toppled. In Liberty
Township, a wind gust forced a car into a utility pole, slightly injuring the driver. In Sandusky
County, corn stalks that had been injured by corn borers were very susceptible to the high
winds. The loss to the corn crop was estimated at 10 to 30 percent. In Washington Township in
Richland County, half the roof was blown from a barn, crumpled, and scattered across a road
and a field. Tin strips dangled like confetti from what was left of the roof
November 9, 1996 - Heavy Snow - $21 Million. Heavy lake effect snow occurred over a
seven day period. Total storm accumulations ranged from 6 inches in Elyria (Lorain County) to
69 inches in Chardon (Geauga County). Other significant storm totals were 50 inches in Shaker
Heights (Cuyahoga County), 48 inches in Jefferson (Ashtabula County), 28 inches at Kirtland
(Lake County), and 15 inches in Mesopotamia (Trumbull County). The storm wreaked havoc on
power and telephone lines. Cleveland Electric Illuminating estimated 185,000 customers were
without power, some for several days. Dozens of emergency shelters were opened for people
who were without electricity. In Wickliffe and Willoughby (Lake County), motels and hotels that
still had power, were sold out. Schools throughout northeast Ohio were closed. Cleveland
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Hopkins Airport (Cuyahoga County) was closed on two occasions, each due to a commercial
airplane skidding off the runway. Cables were downed on mass transit trains and fallen trees
blocked the tracks as well as a number of roads. Thousands of trees fell or were damaged
during the course of the storm. The ground was already saturated at the beginning of the storm
causing shallow rooted trees to topple. Some trees still had their leaves and the extra weight of
the snow on them caused many limbs to fall; an estimated 80 percent of city trees in Shaker
Heights (Cuyahoga County) suffered damage. Most cities used 15 percent of their snow
removal budgets and the National Guard was called to help clear snow from roads and the roofs
of buildings. Hundreds of homes, garages, carports, barns and commercial buildings had roofs
that collapsed or were severely damaged. A plastics manufacturing plant in Mentor (Lake
County) had a major roof collapse, but no one was on the third shift. The roof of the Faith
Baptist Church (Perry Township, Lake County) collapsed, but no one was in the building. Also,
in Lake County, the roofs of three large storage buildings fell in at an 84 Lumber company in
Concord Township. Everyone was evacuated. In Ashtabula County, the roof of the Methodist
Church in Geneva caved in, and in the city of Ashtabula the roofs of a nursery and a warehouse
collapsed. The roof of a 100-year-old barn in Hambden Township (Geauga County) caved in,
but all the animals were accounted for. The roof of the Cleveland Children's Museum
(Cuyahoga County) collapsed only a short time after it closed. A house in Garfield Heights
(Cuyahoga County) caught on fire from a downed electric line. The roof collapsed at Card Pak,
Inc. in Warrensville Heights (Cuyahoga County) igniting a fire in which three firefighters suffered
minor injuries. The roof of L. Gray Barrell and Drum Company in Cleveland, (Cuyahoga
County) collapsed, critically injuring two workers. Eight Cablevision workers were slightly
injured when lightning struck their customer service office in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) and
shocked them through their headphones. In Conneaut (Ashland County) four women were
rescued from their car, in the nick of time, after it became stuck in the snow on the railroad
tracks on the Mill Street Conrail crossing. The car was demolished by a train, but no one was
injured.
December 11, 2000 - High winds - $4.4 Million. A very strong area of low pressure moved
across Northwest Ohio and Lake Erie on the evening of December 11 th . Damaging winds
occurred along and behind a cold front stretching south from the low. The damaging winds
began just before midnight and continued through the early morning hours then gradually
diminished. Widespread power outages occurred with several thousand trees downed. Over
20 percent of the homes in Northeast Ohio suffered power outages. Wind gusts in excess of 55
mph were measured at all of the major reporting sites. A gust to 80 mph was recorded on the
east side of Cleveland with a 74 mph measured in Portage County at the Kent State Airport. A
72 mph gust was measured at Canton with a 67 mph gust in downtown Akron. Buildings lost
roofs in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), Polk (Ashland County), Bainbridge (Geauga County),
Shelby (Richland County) and rural Erie County. Buildings under construction in Summit County
(near Richfield) and Ottawa County (Oak Harbor) were destroyed. Radio towers were toppled
near Painesville in Lake County and also in Stark County. Also in Stark County, a small plane
was blown over a chain link fence and destroyed. A new mobile home was blown over and
destroyed in Wayne County. Many barns were either blown down or lost roofs. Several dozen
homes were damaged by fallen trees, as were approximately 100 cars. In rural Hancock
County, a row of 32 power poles was knocked down by the winds.
December 13, 2000 - Winter Storm - $2.5 Million. Low pressure moved up the Ohio Valley
and across central Ohio late on December 13 th . Light precipitation began during the afternoon
hours and increased in intensity during the evening. Freezing rain fell south of a line from
Marion County northeast to Trumbull County. Significant ice accumulation was reported in this
area by early on the 14 th . Further north, most of the precipitation fell in the form of snow. The
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heaviest snow fell along and just south of Lake Erie. Accumulations of 7 inches were reported
from Lucas County east to Huron County. Around 6 inches of snow fell from the Cleveland
Metro area northeast to Ashtabula County. Locations just south of the heavy snow band saw a
mixture of freezing rain and snow. Scattered power outages resulted from the freezing rain
accumulation. Numerous accidents were also reported.
March 9, 2002 - High Winds - $8.9 Million. A strong and very fast moving cold front raced
east across northern Ohio during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Damaging winds
occurred along and behind this front. A 41-year-old male was struck and killed by a falling tree
in Lorain (Lorain County). A second fatality occurred in Cuyahoga Falls (Summit County) when
a 63-year-old male was struck and killed by a falling tree. Peak wind gusts include: 69 mph at
Toledo Express Airport (Lucas County) at 258 pm; 55 mph at Mansfield Lahm Airport (Richland
County) at 415 pm; 63 mph at Findlay Airport (Hancock County) at 423 pm; 62 mph at the
Lorain County Airport at 429 pm; 62 mph at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cuyahoga
County) at 448 pm; 58 mph at Toledo Metcalf Airport (Wood County); 53 mph at the Wayne
County Airport at 454 pm; 51 mph at the Ashtabula County Airport at 517 pm; 60 mph at Akron-
Fulton Airport (Summit County) at 520 pm; 62 mph at Akron-Canton Airport (Summit County) at
523 pm; 63 mph at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (Trumbull County) at 607 pm; 54
mph at the Marion County Airport at 610 pm. Other measured wind gusts include; 100 mph at
Bowling Green (Wood County); 78 mph at the Huron County Airport; 75 mph at Burton (Geauga
County); 75 mph at Fremont Airport (Sandusky County); 74 mph at Louisville (Stark County); 65
mph at Medina (Medina County). Thousands of trees and hundreds of power poles were
downed in northern Ohio. Widespread power outages occurred with several hundred thousand
people without power at the peak of the storm. Over a million dollars in damage occurred at a
school construction site in Struthers (Mahoning County). A fire truck responding to an
emergency was blown over in Trumbull County injuring two people. Three mobile homes were
destroyed in Sandusky County injuring three people. Two additional people were injured by a
falling tree in Ravenna (Portage County). A large poultry farm building was leveled in Marion
County. A large building collapsed in North Baltimore (Wood County) and damaged two
adjacent buildings forcing the closure of three businesses. A woman was seriously injured in
Maple Heights (Cuyahoga County) by flying glass and debris. Several buildings were destroyed
in Wyandot County and an historic covered bridge was severely damaged. Two homes were
destroyed in Ottawa County. Two cargo containers were blown off of a moving train and into
Sandusky Bay (Erie County). Other buildings were destroyed in Seneca, Hancock, Crawford,
Morrow, Ashland and Stark counties. Hundreds of other buildings sustained damage and over
100 cars were damaged or destroyed by debris and fallen trees.
December 24, 2002 - Heavy Snow - $3.1 Million. An area of low pressure developed along
the Gulf Coast early on December 24 th and then moved rapidly northeast. This low moved
across eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania during the morning hours of the 25 th . Snow
developed well north of the low and spread into northern Ohio during the evening of the 24 th .
The snow intensified during the early morning hours and again in the afternoon. The snow
finally tapered off from west to east during the evening of the 25 th . Heavy snow fell in northern
Ohio along and north of U.S. Highway 30. Generally, 6 to 10 inches of snow fell in this area
with a maximum of 11.2 inches of snow recorded at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Snow totals at other locations include: 7.1 inches at Toledo Express Airport; 5.8 inches at
Mansfield Lahm Airport; 5.2 inches at the Akron-Canton Regional Airport and 5.5 inches at the
Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Northwest winds increased to 15 to 25 mph during the
storm and caused considerable blowing and drifting with whiteout conditions at times. Travel
was severely hampered by this storm and dozens of accidents occurred as a result of the
treacherous driving conditions caused by the snow.
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March 24, 2002 - Winter Storm - $1.6 Million. Heavy snow developed to the north of a
stationary front stretching across southern Ohio. Snow accumulations ranged from 6 to 8
inches. Some freezing rain also mixed with the snow south and east of a line from Marion to
Mansfield to just north of Youngstown. The snow was very wet and heavy making conditions on
untreated roadways very treacherous.
Winter 2003
Attempts were made to obtain information documenting the winter storms of 2003 in detail, with
specifics on damages, but no information is on file at the Cuyahoga County Emergency
Services office. The National Climatic Data Center web site was also searched for any
information pertaining to the winter storms of 2003 and the following information was obtained:
January 6, 2003 - Heavy Snow - $325,000. Cold northerly winds blowing across Lake Erie
caused bands of lake effect snow to develop during the morning. The snow intensified during
the afternoon and finally dissipated during the evening. Maximum snowfall totals ranged from 8
to 9 inches in Cuyahoga, Medina and Summit Counties, to 10 inches in Geauga County.
January 26, 2003 - Heavy Snow - $325,000. Cold north to northwest winds blowing across
Lake Erie caused lake effect snow showers to develop during the early morning hours. These
snow showers intensified after daybreak and persisted through the evening hours. Snowfall
totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches across Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga and northern
Ashtabula Counties. Most of the accumulation occurred during the late morning and early
afternoon hours.
Severe Thunderstorms
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the weather
conditions are such that damaging winds of 58 mph or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in
diameter or greater, is likely to develop. Citizens should locate a safe place in the home and tell
family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information. A
severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or
indicated by weather radar. At this point, danger is immediate, citizens should move to a safe
place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" by the
authorities.
Tornadoes and flash flooding are spawned by thunderstorms. When a "severe thunderstorm
warning" is issued, review what actions to take under a "tornado warning" or a "flash flood
warning." When thunderstorms produce heavy rains (which can cause flash flooding), strong
winds, hail, lightning and tornadoes, people should get inside a sturdy building and stay tuned to
a battery-operated radio for weather information.
Lightning is also a major threat during thunderstorms. In the United States, 75 to 100
Americans are struck and killed each year by lightning. The myth that lightning never strikes
twice in the same place needs to be replaced by the fact that lightning can strike several times
in the same place in the course of a single discharge.
Winter Storms
The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your
vehicle for the winter season, and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are vital
to safe winter driving. Another major problem is the lack of concern citizens have for frigidly
cold temperatures during the Ohio winters, when the wind chill can dramatically affect the
temperature outside, causing frostbite in a matter of minutes.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 59
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Wind Chill
Wind Chill is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind
speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature just below freezing can have
the same effect as a still air temperature 35 o F colder.
Winter Storm Watches and Warnings
A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm
warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard
warning signifies that large amounts of falling or blowing snow, and sustained winds of at least
35 mph are expected for several hours.
As can be seen in the chart below, severe storms affect Ohio with great frequency, but are also
associated with other hazards such as tornadoes and severe flooding.
Ohio Disaster History
Year Disaster Type # Of Events
1989 Severe Storms & Flooding 831
1990 Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding 870
1992 Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding 951
1995 Severe Storms & Flooding 1065
1996 Severe Storms & Flooding 1097
1996 Flooding & Severe Storms 1122
1997 Severe Storms & Flooding 1164
1998 Severe Storms 1227
Cuyahoga Severe Weather Mitigation Efforts
Currently, there are no severe weather mitigation efforts underway in Cuyahoga County, nor
have any occurred in the recent past. As part of the preparation of the All Natural Hazards
Mitigation Plan, the Mitigation Core Group has chosen Severe Storms as one of the problem
hazards and has chosen to address this hazard with specific action items.
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Due to the non-site specific nature of this hazard, the effects on critical facilities and
infrastructure cannot be determined. However, thunderstorms may cause similar effects as
flooding on infrastructure. Please see the flooding section that follows for more details.
Current Development Trends
Since severe storms are a non-site specific hazard, current development trends have no effect
other than the knowledge that in regard to mitigation for severe storms, anything considered
should be conducted Countywide. Cuyahoga County is a built-out community and as such,
development trends are a non-issue, except potentially when it comes to redevelopment of
particular areas of the communities within Cuyahoga County.
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses/Potential Dollars Lost
Because severe storms are random in nature, the Mitigation Core Group has chosen to look at
historic events to determine Cuyahoga County’s susceptibility. According to the National
Climatic Data Center web site, from 1955-2002, Cuyahoga County experienced 264
thunderstorms and/or high wind events, totaling over $37.5 million in damages. From 1993-
2003, there were 51 snow and ice events, totaling just shy of $41 million in damages. (Please
see Appendix 8 and 9 for the detailed storm listings.)
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 60
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Matrix Results for Severe Storms
Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Severe Storms
No Action. 9
Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems
but none are interoperable.
Ice Storms have dramatic effects on communities within Cuyahoga County,
in relation to public utilities. Seek funding for alternative systems such as
underground utilities.
Communities within Cuyahoga County have difficulty predicting resources
needed to respond to severe storm events, such the need for salt during the
winter season. Develop plans for future use using “worst case scenario.”
Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e. elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe
storm events. 1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those
populations; 2) Locate and identify special needs population.
Cuyahoga Communities do not know where all their critical facilities are
located countywide. Map all the critical facilities of every community within
the County.
Cuyahoga residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms, which
creates some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event. Develop
innovative PSAs via mass mailing and community papers to reach residents
of the County.
Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e. well water, septic systems and long-term power
outages.) Seek funding for back up generators for critical facilities and
residences with a history of utility problems (case by case basis.)
All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized
within a particular community (i.e. actual equipment used, radios, etc.)
Evaluate countywide communication interoperability. Seek funding to make
communities' first responders interoperable.
The older communities within Cuyahoga (such as Chagrin Falls and
Cleveland) have severe problems with sewage back-ups during severe storm
events, which cause ecological, environmental and health issues. Evaluate
other communities on how they mitigated sewage backup (back flow
prevention)
The local communities bear “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a
severe storm. Develop plan for participation to coordinate efforts in
mitigation process.
There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some
severe storm events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden
emergency response services. Develop outreach for communities and
awareness of existing mutual aid resources.
Critical lights and critical utilities (charged power lines down) can become a
problem after a severe storm event. Seek funding for critical lights and
critical utilities backup.
Severe storm events have the potential to cause dramatic effects on traffic
and transportation, and there are no contingency plans for diverting traffic to
avoid storm damage. Seek funding for intelligent traffic transportation
system.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 61
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
33
26
27
27
29
26
25
33
27
29
27
27
25
Average

to four feet of water and an elderly couple had to be rescued from their floating car. Over five
inches of rain was measured in some southern and eastern sections as storms repeatedly
crossed the area for several hours.
Flash Flooding
Flash Floods are the number one weather related killer in the United States, with around 140
deaths recorded each year. Flash Floods can happen anywhere at anytime. Cuyahoga
County’s concern for flash flooding is two-fold. One, the lack of warning time to let communities
know that a flash flood is imminent and two, undersized infrastructure being unable to handle a
specific storm event.
River Flooding
The following areas have been listed as flood prone areas due to close proximity to a river or
creek. The source of the flood is given followed by the area affected:
Rocky River: Areas along Rocky River from North Royalton’s Bennett Road northwest to
Berea. In Berea, from the 800 block of Prospect Road northeast to Eastland and Sheldon
Roads. Rocky River Reservation north to Lake Erie.
Rocky River Tributary: From Berea east to Zona Lane in Parma. In Middleburg Heights,
center of Webster Road to northeast portion of Alan and Ragall Parkways.
Tinker’s Creek: From just east of Dunham Road in Walton Hills, then east, northeast to
Oakwood.
Chagrin River: From Old Mill Road in Hunting Valley north to Chagrin River Road.
Big Creek: From just northeast of Tobik Road northwest to the intersection of Big Creek and
Stumph Roads, then northeast to Linndale.
Euclid Creek: In Lyndhurst, from Cedar Road to Mayfield Road. In South Euclid, from Mayfield
Road to Anderson Road. From Anderson Road east/southeast to Ridgebury Road. In
Richmond Heights, from Anderson Road northwest along Glenridge Road to Euclid Cemetery
then northwest to Lake Erie.
Cuyahoga River: In Brecksville, areas near the intersection of Riverview, Vaughn and
Snowville Roads. In Cuyahoga Valley, East Valley, Brookside Road and Rockside Road to
Warner Road.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 65
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 66
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
The locations of critical facilities within Cuyahoga County in relation to the 100-year floodplains
are shown on the map on page 68. Due to the large number of critical facilities within Cuyahoga
County, only the fire departments, police stations and hospitals are depicted on the map. A
complete listing of the critical facilities in Cuyahoga County (including schools, nursing homes,
etc.) can be found in Appendix 14 of the plan.
The following are infrastructure concerns in regards to flooding listed in response to a question
on the Mitigation Plan Survey that was mailed out to all 59 jurisdictions. The question was as
follows:
“What infrastructure concerns does your community have as it relates to flooding? (For
example, please list any intersections, culverts, and/or bridges that have systemic
flooding issues.)”
Community Description of Problem
Bay Village
• Porter Creek – Ashton Lane culvert/bridge
• Wischmoyer Creek – Lake Road culvert
Beachwood Intersection of Richmond and South Woodland
Bedford
Bedford Heights
Bratenahl
Brecksville
Brook Park
• Cresswell Avenue
• Wood Creek under Broadway
• Areas along Bear Creek, properties along Aurora Rd.
• Consistent flooding: railroad right-of-way north and south of Fargo
Ave; at the termination of approx. 102” stormwater drain at
5626 Richmond Rd
• Culvert running under Rockside Road
• Nine Mile Creek
• Dugway Creek
• Riverview Rd. between Snowville Rd. and the County line
• Valley Parkway Ford
• Riverview Road/Vaughn Road culvert
• West 130 th at I-480
• West 130 th south of Brook Park Rd.
• Sheldon Road at Abrams Creek
Brooklyn Heights Lancaster culvert, Van Epps Road hill
Cleveland
Problem area underpasses:
Berea Rd. & Detroit Ave.
Broadway Ave. & Harvard Ave.
Canal Rd.
Cedar Ave. & Ashland Ave.
East 32 St. & Lakeside Ave.
East 36 St. & St. Clair Ave.
East 37 St. (north of Woodland Ave.)
East 38 St. & Superior Ave.
East 40 St. & Payne Ave.
East 55 St. (tracks)
East 65 St. & Carnegie Ave.
East 65 St. & Central Ave.
East 71 St. & Hastings Ave.
East 71 St. & Quincy Ave.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 67
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Description of Problem
East 75 St. & Colfax Ave.
East 79 St. & Bessemer Ave.
East 79 St. (RTA bridge)
East 79 St. & Woodland Ave.
East 93 St. & Buckeye Ave.
East 105 St. & Quincy Ave.
East 131 St. & St. Clair Ave.
East 140 St. (Aspinwall to Lakeshore)
East 152 St.
East 185 St. (St. Clair to Waterloo)
Holmden Ave.
Ivanhoe Ave.
Puritas between Enterprise and W. 168 th
West Clinton & West Blvd.
West 117 St. between Detroit & Berea
West 112 St. & Berea Ave.
West 130 th St. from Gilmore to Brook Park
West 143 St. & Lorain Ave.
West 150 St. between Industrial and Brook Park
Low spots:
East 167/Harvard
East 93/Richmond/Meech
East 147/Edgewood
East 110 behind Glenville
East 123 & 121/Superior
Arlington/East 123 between Thornhill
Bellflower Ave. (Charles Harris Park)
3645 Seymour
3628 East 61
5928 Ackley
East 71/Worley
Hamlet/Adolpha
2500 West 3 rd
Canal/Commercial
12414 Emery
12501 Hirst
12409 Ervin
12601 Milligan
Gilmore/West 132
Harold/West 130
Cuyahoga Heights I-77 North and South, North of Grant Ave.
Garfield Heights
Highland Hills
Hunting Valley
• Broadway – Millcreek Project Sewers
• Hydro breaks in street sewers
Severe erosion of Millcreek and occasional localized flooding. Erosion
is most severe between Harvard Rd. and Warrensville Center Road
where streambank erosion has threatened to destabilize adjacent
slopes and structures.
• Flooding along Chagrin River Road within the Village between SR
87 (South Woodland Rd.) and Fairmount Blvd.
• Fairmount Blvd. floods occasionally just east of Chagrin River
Independence • Lower Brookside Road, west of Riverview Rd.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 68
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Lakewood
Community Description of Problem
• Cuyahoga River Valley
• Schaaf/Fuhrmeyer Roads at West Creek
• Clifton Lagoon – residential
• Sweetwater Landing/Metroparks
• Wastewater treatment plant
Maple Heights Streets experiencing flooding: Waterbury, Franklin, Clare
Mayfield Heights
Newburgh Heights
North Olmsted
North Randall
North Royalton
Oakwood Village
Olmsted Falls
Solon
University Heights
Valley View
Low spot along Mayfield Rd. between SOM Center Road and the East
Corporation Line of the City
• East 49 th and Harvard
• East 38 th St.
• East 27/29 th Streets
• Brow Avenue and East 53 rd Street
• East 42 nd and McGregor
• East 26 th Street
• I-77 South (between Harvard and Grant in Cuyahoga Heights)
• I-77 North bound exit ramp at Harvard
• Harvard Ave. (between Washington Park Blvd. and East 27 th ) –
directly across from Harvard Heat Treat Operation
• Bridgeview and Washington Park Blvd.
City is built on a ridge defined by Lorain Rd. Water falling north of
Lorain Road is problematic. Sewage is pumped up and over the ridge
by many pumping stations located throughout the north half of the city.
Due to infiltration, the city has had a severe flooding problem in the
northeast quadrant of the city. Many areas in need of mitigation.
• Flooding on Northfield Rd. near Miles Rd.
• Periodic flooding on Derbyshire Rd. and North Randall Drive
Bridges at Ridge Road and the east branch of the Rocky River and
Bennett Road and the east branch of the Rocky River
• Tinker’s Creek by the Metropark entrances on Richmond Rd.
• Macedonia Road about 7647
• Bugsby Ditch: Flooding of Bagley Rd. east of Fitch Rd.
• Plum Creek: culvert/bridge over Plum Creek
• SR 91 at Norfolk and Southern overpass
• Solon Blvd. storm sewer
• Beaver Meadow Parkway at the entrance to treatment plant
• Area of Cannon Rd. and Richmond Rd. (Hawthorne Creek flooding)
Basement flooding problem along Meadowbrook Blvd. from approx.
Warrensville Center Road to Cleveland Heights line
• 96” storm sewer along I-480 is filled with silt
• Canal Road storm sewer system between I-480 and Fosdick Road
overwhelmed by rain
Walton Hills Periodic flooding along Tinkers Creek
Warrensville Heights
• Northfield Road underpass under the Erie Railroad bridge
• Miles Road – 23000 block
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 69
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 70
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Repetitive Loss Flooding
Cuyahoga County has 59 repetitive loss structures and 3 mitigated structures, according to
FEMA Region V records. Repetitive loss structure is a term that is usually associated with the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). For Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program
purposes, a repetitive loss structure is one that is covered by a flood insurance contract under
the NFIP, that has suffered flood damage on two or more occasions over a 10-year period,
ending on the date when a second claim is made, in which the cost to repair the flood damage,
on average, equals or exceeds 25% of the market-value of the structure at the time of each
flood loss event. A repetitive loss structure is important to the NFIP, since structures that flood
frequently put a strain on the flood insurance fund. It should also be important to a community
because of the disruption and threat to residents’ lives by the continual flooding.
Numerous attempts were made to recover information from the County agencies on how and
why these repetitive loss structures are flooding. However, research into how and why the
flooding is occurring has not yielded any results.
The map on the following page illustrates the general locations of the repetitive loss structures.
Please note on the map that there are only 48 repetitive loss structures illustrated, although the
total for the County is 59 plus the three that have already been mitigated. This is due to the fact
that only 48 could be accurately located through geocoding because of the information available
during the planning process.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 71
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 72
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

At-Risk Structures
Cuyahoga County has a total of 4,109 at-risk structures, structures located in the 100-year
floodplain. Each of the participating jurisdictions received a map with their structure inventory
count on it and location of structures. They were to differentiate between residential and
commercial structures and then return the maps. Based on the information received from the
participating communities, the at-risk structures are broken down into the following categories:
• 680 Commercial Structures;
• 1739 Residential Structures; and
• 1690 Unidentified Structures.
A map illustrating the locations of these structures can be found on the following page.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 73
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
74

Non-Flood Zone Flooding
Non-flood zone flooding can be defined as flooding that occurs in areas not defined as
floodplains, usually in areas that have been developed at a fast rate. According to the
community survey that was filled out by all 59 community representatives, the following
communities reported areas of non-flood zone flooding: Bedford Heights, Berea, Brecksville,
Broadview Heights, Chagrin Falls Village, East Cleveland, Euclid, Garfield Heights, Highland
Hills, Lakewood, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village, Newburgh Heights, North Olmsted,
Oakwood Village, Orange Village, Solon, South Euclid, and Warrensville Heights.
The following are descriptions of non-flood zone flooding areas and the problems associated
with these areas in terms of infrastructure (bridges, culverts, etc.), flood-prone intersections, and
ponding:
Lakewood: There are currently no non-flood zone areas within the City that are in need of
NFIP mapping. There are, however, problem areas. For example, the area along W. 117 th
Street near the Conrail tracks experiences flooding, but does not require NFIP mapping. The
underpass here floods due to problems with catch basins.
South Euclid: There are currently no non-flood zone areas within the City that are in need of
NFIP mapping. The City is plagued with outdated sewer systems. The City is currently
addressing these problems street by street with a combination of Issue 2 money and city
money.
Garfield Heights: The City Engineer reported that there are no non-flood zone areas that
should be mapped. All problems arise in areas of the floodplain. He brought up two areas on
Broadway, both within the floodplain that have had problems with flooding: Broadway close to
I-480, and Broadway down from 104th Street where the floodplain crosses Broadway.
Warrensville Heights: This City is plagued with the same problem of older sewer systems that
plagues many other cities within Cuyahoga County. There are currently no non-flood zone
areas within the City that are in need of NFIP mapping.
Cuyahoga County Flood Mitigation Efforts
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), there are no flooding
mitigation efforts underway nor have any occurred in the recent past.
Past Mitigation Efforts
There are three repetitive loss properties that have been mitigated, however, they were not
mitigated through any county-sponsored mitigation efforts. The three properties that were
mitigated were owner-sponsored events.
Current Development Trends
The current development trends in Cuyahoga County are relatively static. Cuyahoga County is
considered a built-out community and has very little “new” development occurring.
The surveys mailed out to each of the communities within Cuyahoga County included a
question which asked whether the communities had existing planning documents, such as
comprehensive plans, floodplain ordinances and land use ordinances. Based on the completed
surveys returned by the participating communities, the following table was created that lists the
communities that have floodplain ordinances, which can serve to control the movement of
development into hazardous areas:
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 75
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Floodplain Ordinance
Bay Village Yes
Beachwood Yes
Bedford Yes
Bedford Heights Yes
Bentleyville Yes
Berea
Bratenahl
Brecksville Yes
Broadview Heights Yes
Brooklyn Yes
Brooklyn Heights Village Yes
Brook Park Yes
Chagrin Falls Village Yes
Cleveland Yes
Cleveland Heights Yes
Cuyahoga Heights No
East Cleveland
Euclid
Fairview Park
Garfield Heights Yes
Gates Mills Yes
Highland Heights Yes
Highland Hills Yes
Hunting Valley Yes
Independence Yes
Lakewood Yes
Lyndhurst
Maple Heights No
Mayfield Heights
Mayfield Village Yes
Middleburg Heights
Moreland Hills Yes
Newburgh Heights
North Olmsted
North Randall
North Royalton Yes
Oakwood Village
Olmsted Falls Yes
Olmsted Township
Orange Village
Parma Yes
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 76
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Floodplain Ordinance
Parma Heights Yes
Pepper Pike
Richmond Heights
Rocky River
Seven Hills Yes
Shaker Heights Yes
Solon Yes
South Euclid Yes
Strongsville
University Heights Yes
Valley View Yes
Walton Hills Yes
Warrensville Heights Yes
Westlake Yes
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses / Potential Dollars Lost
Each of the participating jurisdictions received a map with their structure inventory count on it
and the location of the structures. They were asked to differentiate between residential and
commercial/industrial structures. Based on the information received from the communities, the
total number of residential and commercial structures for the communities within Cuyahoga
County was tabulated. This information was then taken and compared to the median value of
housing units as well as the median value of commercial/industrial at-risk structures to come up
with the potential dollars lost within the 100-year floodplain. The average value of residential
structures was obtained from the U.S. Census web site (2000 data), and the average value of
commercial/industrial structures was obtained from the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s office.
The total potential dollars lost for at-risk structures is about 1.2 billion dollars. A table of the
results is shown on the following pages.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 77
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community
Median
Value of
Home
Average
Price of
Commercial
Residential
At-Risk
Structures
Commercial/Industrial
At-Risk Structures
Potential
Dollars Lost
Residential
Potential Dollars
Lost
Comm./Industrial
Total Potential
Dollars Lost
Bay Village $169,000 $ 351,000 149 0 $25,181,000 - $ 25,181,000
Beachwood $242,000 $4,643,000 87 11 $21,054,000 $ 51,073,000 $ 72,127,000
Bedford $ 92,000 $ 475,000 56 21 $ 5,152,000 $ 9,975,000 $ 15,127,000
Bedford
Heights
$106,000 $1,111,000 11 0 $ 1,166,000 - $ 1,166,000
Berea $119,000 $ 781,000 105 2 $12,495,000 $ 1,562,000 $ 14,057,000
Brecksville $211,000 $1,089,000 9 11 $ 1,899,000 $ 11,979,000 $ 13,878,000
Broadview
Heights
$171,000 $ 983,000 56 4 $ 9,576,000 $ 3,932,000 $ 13,508,000
Brook Park $112,000 $ 913,000 43 8 $ 4,816,000 $ 7,304,000 $ 12,120,000
Brooklyn $109,000 $1,352,000 - - -
Cleveland $ 71,000 $ 301,000 - - -
Cleveland
Heights
East
Cleveland
$110,000 $ 430,000 0 0 - - -
$ 67,000 $ 172,000 0 0 - - -
Euclid $ 91,000 $ 615,000 8 0 $ 728,000 - $ 728,000
Fairview Park $135,000 $ 703,000 22 0 $ 2,970,000 - $ 2,970,000
Garfield
Heights
Highland
Heights
$ 88,000 $ 455,000 22 134 $ 1,936,000 $ 60,970,000 $ 62,906,000
$216,000 $1,490,000 43 5 $ 9,288,000 $ 7,450,000 $ 16,738,000
Independence $191,000 $2,441,000 26 70 $ 4,966,000 $170,870,000 $ 175,836,000
Lakewood $118,000 $ 331,000 30 3 $ 3,540,000 $ 993,000 $ 4,533,000
Lyndhurst $135,000 $1,543,000 23 1 $ 3,105,000 $ 1,543,000 $ 4,648,000
Maple
Heights
Mayfield
Heights
$ 85,000 $ 432,000 6 0 $ 510,000 - $ 510,000
$2,037,000 $2,037,000 0 0 - - -
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 78
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community
Middleburg
Heights
North
Olmsted
North
Royalton
Median
Value of
Home
Average
Price of
Commercial
Residential
At-Risk
Structures
Commercial/Industrial
At-Risk Structures
Potential
Dollars Lost
Residential
Potential Dollars
Lost
Comm./Industrial
Total Potential
Dollars Lost
$149,000 $1,449,000 34 1 $ 5,066,000 $ 1,449,000 $ 6,515,000
$140,000 $1,184,000 225 114 $31,500,000 $134,976,000 $166,476,000
$170,000 $ 690,000 - -
Olmsted Falls $140,000 $ 490,000 52 6 $ 7,280,000 $ 2,940,000 $ 10,220,000
Parma $114,000 $ 630,000 167 7 $19,038,000 $ 4,410,000 $ 23,448,000
Parma
Heights
$115,000 $ 826,000 - -
Pepper Pike $355,000 $2,322,000 13 0 $ 4,615,000 - $ 4,615,000
Richmond
Heights
$140,000 $1,336,000 39 0 $ 5,460,000 - $ 5,460,000
Rocky River $175,000 $ 447,000 101 4 $ 17,675,000 $ 1,788,000 $ 19,463,000
Seven Hills $159,000 $1,078,000 21 0 $ 3,339,000 - $ 3,339,000
Shaker
Heights
$182,000 $ 687,000 160 35 $29,120,000 $ 24,045,000 $ 53,165,000
Solon $218,000 $1,329,000 28 123 $ 6,104,000 $163,467,000 $169,571,000
South Euclid $106,000 $ 333,000 16 0 $ 1,696,000 - $ 1,696,000
Strongsville $170,000 $1,176,000 - -
University
Heights
Warrensville
Heights
$138,000 $ 918,000 0 0 - - -
$ 86,000 $ 738,000 - -
Westlake $184,000 $1,052,000 - -
Bentleyville $481,000 14 0 $ 6,734,000 - $ 6,734,000
Bratenahl $193,000 $ 945,000 5 1 $ 965,000 $ 945,000 $ 1,910,000
Brooklyn Hts. $141,000 $ 897,000 1 0 $ 141,000 - $ 141,000
Chagrin Falls $ 419,000 - -
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 79
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community
Cuyahoga
Heights
Median
Value of
Home
Average
Price of
Commercial
Residential
At-Risk
Structures
Commercial/Industrial
At-Risk Structures
Potential
Dollars Lost
Residential
Potential Dollars
Lost
Comm./Industrial
Total Potential
Dollars Lost
$115,000 $1,323,000 87 0 $10,005,000 - $ 10,005,000
Gates Mills $429,000 $ 731,000 53 6 $22,737,000 $ 4,386,000 $ 27,123,000
Glenwillow $110,000 $ 800,000 10 3 $ 1,100,000 $ 2,400,000 $ 3,500,000
Highland Hills $ 94,000 $2,046,000 0 0 - - -
Hunting
Valley
$961,000 $ 389,000 11 0 $10,571,000 - $ 10,571,000
Linndale $ 62,000 $ 110,000 0 1 - $ 110,000 $ 110,000
Mayfield $200,000 $2,357,000 44 68 $ 8,800,000 $160,276,000 $169,076,000
Moreland Hills $357,000 $ 653,000 13 0 $ 4,641,000 - $ 4,641,000
Newburgh
Heights
$ 74,000 $ 84,000 0 0 - - -
North Randall $ 99,000 $1,323,000 0 0 - - -
Oakwood $115,000 $ 542,000 15 0 $ 1,725,000 - $ 1,725,000
Olmsted
Township
$1,226,000 32 1 $ 1,226,000 $ 1,226,000
Orange $264,000 $1,650,000 3 0 $ 792,000 - $ 792,000
Valley View $190,000 $1,101,000 129 85 $24,510,000 $ 93,585,000 $118,095,000
Walton Hills $180,000 $1,085,000 - -
Woodmere $155,000 $1,216,000 0 0 - - -
Total $331,996,000 $923,654,000 $1,255,650,000
Note: Those communities that did not return their at-risk structure maps were not included in the potential dollars lost calculations. Without the
distinction between residential and commercial/industrial structures, the calculations could not be made for those communities and the potential
losses for those communities were not included in the overall calculated total.
**All information came from the U.S. Census or the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s office.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 80
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Matrix Results for Flooding
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 81
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Flash Flooding
No Action. 9
People drive through floodwaters. Seek funding to install elevation markers
at areas of flash flooding.
The undersized infrastructure is unable to handle the storm water in some
areas of Cuyahoga County. Seek funding to replace inadequate undersized
infrastructure in defined areas.
Other communities within their watershed who are unable to handle their
runoff directly affect communities. Develop partnerships to enhance
stormwater regulations countywide.
Youth play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods. There needs
to be further education focused on youth about the potential for danger.
Develop outreach for school aged children in the form of PSAs or other
innovative connection.
There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some
areas of Cuyahoga County. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios in all
critical facilities.
100 Year Floodplain Flooding
No Action. 8
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps for most of Cuyahoga County are outdated,
some as much as 20-30 years old. Secure funding to update FEMA Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).
Due to the northern location of Cuyahoga County, secondary effects of
winter flooding are a problem. Debris clean-up and dealing with ice are
sometimes as bad as the actual flood. Develop debris management program
and plan.
Most communities in Cuyahoga County follow the minimum NFIP and still
allow new structures to be built in 100-yr. floodplain. Develop riparian setback
ordinance. Potentially evaluate the fully developed watershed concept.
Coordinate with watershed groups to seek funding.
Undersized utilities and roadways are directly affected by flood events.
Modify infrastructure to handle bigger storm events. Evaluate and rank
infrastructure problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for both utilities and
roadways and seek funding to permanently mitigate.
Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities, which means
59 interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a communication
problem among the communities about what other districts are doing and
how there can be more continuity. Coordinate and facilitate outreach to all
participating NFIP communities within Cuyahoga County. Evaluate higher
standards that could be implemented in the County. (Determine benefits and
costs of the program for all communities.)
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
No Action. 9
There is a lack of accurate and updated NFIP maps for Cuyahoga County.
There is a great concern about areas that flood but have no related NFIP
maps. Seek funding to map non-flood zone areas within the County.
There is generally a lack of awareness as it relates to non-flood zone
flooding in the County, and there are currently no initiatives to educate
residents of these occurrences. PSAs about non-flood zone flooding
awareness.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 82
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
27
27
27
27
26
25
23
23
25
25
26
26
Total

The above matrix results show the average rating for the surveys received from the participating
communities. Based on the results received from participating communities, the highest rated
activities for each category of flooding are listed below:
Flash Flooding
• Seek funding to install elevation markers at areas of flash flooding.
This activity is designed to alleviate the dangers that drivers put themselves at risk for
when driving through floodwaters.
• Develop partnerships with other communities within the watershed to enhance
stormwater regulations countywide.
This activity addresses the problems associated with the runoff that is generated by
communities who are unable to handle their storm water, which as a result, negatively
affects neighboring communities located in Cuyahoga County.
• Develop outreach for school aged children in the form of public service
announcements (PSAs) or other innovative connection.
By educating residents, primarily the youth of the community, the dangers facing youth
who play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods can be eliminated.
• Seek funding to replace inadequate, undersized infrastructure in defined areas.
This activity addresses the fact that the undersized infrastructure in some areas of
Cuyahoga County is unable to handle the storm water generated during a storm event,
causing flooding problems and creating hazardous areas throughout the County.
100-Year Floodplain Flooding
• Secure funding to update FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps for most of Cuyahoga County are outdated, some as
much as 20-30 years old. By ensuring that the maps are up-to-date, the most accurate
mitigation and prevention efforts can be planned.
• Modify infrastructure to handle bigger storm events. Evaluate and rank
infrastructure problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for both utilities and
roadways and seek funding to permanently mitigate.
This activity addresses the problem of undersized utilities and roadways that are directly
affected by flood events, causing hazardous conditions for the residents of the County.
• Coordinate and facilitate outreach to all participating NFIP communities within
Cuyahoga County and evaluate higher standards that could be implemented in the
County.
There are 59 individual communities within the County and each one has its own
interpretation of NFIP regulations. Communication among and between communities is
lacking in terms of what other districts are doing and how there can be more continuity
across the County. This activity will resolve these complications.
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
• Seek funding to map non-flood zone areas within the County.
This activity addresses the concern that there are currently areas within the County that
experience flooding, but are not included on NFIP maps.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 83
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

• PSA about non-flood zone flooding awareness.
This activity addresses the general lack of awareness of residents as it relates to nonflood
zone flooding in the County. There are currently no initiatives to educate residents
of non-flood zone flooding occurrences.
4.4 Tornado History in Cuyahoga County
Tornadoes are considered the most violent
atmospheric phenomenon on the face of the
earth, having winds estimated at 300 mph in
large tornadoes. Although the number of
tornadoes in Ohio does not rank high
compared to other states in the United States,
the State does average around 14 tornadoes
a year. Ohio's peak tornado season runs
from April through July, with most tornadoes
occurring between 2-10 p.m. Even though
June has been the month with the most
tornado occurrences, many of the State's
major tornado outbreaks have taken place in
April and May. However, history has shown
that tornadoes can occur during any month of the year and at any time of the day or night.
Many of these tornadoes are weak (F0 or F1 on the Fujita Scale), but Ohio has been struck by
some of the most destructive (F5) tornadoes ever, including the April 3, 1974 tornado which
devastated Xenia, killing over 30 people and destroying 2,000 buildings.
What is a Tornado?
Tornadoes are produced from the energy released during a thunderstorm, but account for only a
tiny fraction of the overall energy generated by a thunderstorm. What makes them particularly
dangerous is that the energy is concentrated in a small area, perhaps only a hundred yards
across. Not all tornadoes are the same, of course, and science does not yet completely
understand how a portion of a thunderstorm's energy becomes focused into something as small
as a tornado.
Tornadoes occur whenever and wherever conditions are right, but they are most common in the
central plains of North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachian
Mountains. They occur primarily during the spring and summer – the tornado season comes
early in the south and later in the north according to the seasonal changes in relation to latitude
– usually during the late afternoon and early evening. They have been known to occur in every
state in the United States and every continent on the earth, any day of the year, and at any
hour.
The damaging strong winds generated from tornadoes can reach 300 mph in the most violent
tornadoes, causing automobiles to become airborne, rip ordinary homes to shreds, and turn
broken glass and other debris into lethal missiles. The biggest threat to living creatures
(including humans) during tornadoes is flying debris and the risk of being tossed about in the
wind. Contrary to previous belief, it is not true that the pressure in a tornado contributes to
damage by making buildings "explode.”
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 84
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Based on NOAA Storm Prediction Center Statistics
Today, the development of Doppler radar has made it possible, under certain circumstances, to
detect tornado winds with radar. However, spotters remain an important part of the system to
detect tornadoes, because not all tornadoes occur in situations where the radar can "see" them.
Ordinary citizen volunteers make up what is called the SKYWARN (www.skywarn.org) network
of storm spotters, who work with their local communities to watch out for approaching tornadoes
to ensure that appropriate action is taken during tornado events. Spotter information is relayed
to the National Weather Service, which operates the Doppler radars and issues warnings
(usually relayed to the public by radio and TV) for communities ahead of the storms. They
utilize all the information they can obtain from weather maps, modern weather radars, storm
spotters, monitoring power line breaks, and so on.
Although the process by which tornadoes form is not completely understood, scientific research
has revealed that tornadoes usually form under certain types of atmospheric conditions. Those
conditions can be predicted, but it is not yet possible to predict in advance exactly when and
where they will develop, how strong they will be, or precisely what path they will follow. There
are some "surprises" every year, when tornadoes form in situations that do not look like the right
conditions in advance, but these are becoming less frequent. Once a tornado is formed and
has been detected, warnings can be issued based on the path of the storm producing the
tornado, but even these cannot be absolutely precise regarding who will, or will not, be struck.
The table below shows that although the State of Ohio may not have the most tornadoes, those
that do hit Ohio are significant in damage and in all the indication factors of a large-scale
tornado.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 85
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Rank
Total Number of
Tornadoes
Deaths per
10,000 sq. miles
Number of Killer
Tornadoes
Total Tornado
Path Length per
10,000 sq. miles
Killer
Tornadoes as a
% of all
Tornadoes
Annual
Tornadoes
per 10,000
sq. miles
1 Texas Massachusetts Texas Mississippi Tennessee Florida
2 Oklahoma Mississippi Oklahoma Alabama Kentucky Oklahoma
3 Florida Indiana Arkansas Oklahoma Arkansas Indiana
4 Kansas Alabama Alabama Iowa Ohio Iowa
5 Nebraska Ohio Mississippi Illinois Alabama Kansas
6 Iowa Michigan Illinois Louisiana Mississippi Delaware
7 Missouri Arkansas Missouri Kansas North Carolina Louisiana
8 Illinois Illinois Indiana Indiana Michigan Mississippi
9 S Dakota Oklahoma Louisiana Nebraska New York Nebraska
10 Louisiana Kentucky Tennessee Wisconsin Massachusetts Texas
The Fujita scale to the right is the
mechanism used to determine the
potential type of tornado that may have
affected a particular community. It is
based on velocity of wind and the type of
damage the tornado caused.
Cuyahoga County Events
Cuyahoga County lies in the northeast
corner of Ohio. Because of the
geography and prevailing weather
patterns in the spring and summer, storm
systems produce tornadoes across the
northern part of Ohio several times each
year. Records since 1950 suggest that
Cuyahoga County can expect a tornadic
event every 6 years, on the average.
There are records of tornadoes striking
the Cleveland area dating back to the
early 1800s, but not nearly as frequently
as they have occurred in the past 50
years, which may be an indicator of better
reporting and coverage in recent years.
FUJITA SCALE FOR TORNADOES
F-0 Weak
Wind: 40-72 mph
Light Damage: Some chimneys damaged, twigs and branches
broken off trees, shallow-rooted trees pushed over, signboards
damaged, some windows broken
F-1 Weak
Wind: 73-112 mph
Moderate Damage: Surface of roofs peeled off, mobile homes
pushed off foundations or overturned, outbuildings demolished,
moving autos pushed off the roads, trees snapped or broken;
beginning of hurricane speed winds
F-2 Strong
Wind: 113-157 mph
Considerable Damage: Roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, frame houses with weak foundations lifted
and moved, large trees snapped or uprooted, light-object missiles
generated
F-3 Strong
Wind: 158-206 mph
Severe Damage: Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed
houses; trains overturned; most trees in forecast uprooted, heavy
cars lifted off the ground and thrown, weak pavement blown off
the roads
F-4 Violent
Wind: 207-260 mph
Devastating Damage: Well-constructed houses leveled,
structures with weak foundations blown off the distance, cars
thrown and disintegrated, trees in forest uprooted and carried
some distance away
F-5 Violent
Wind: 261-318 mph
Incredible Damage: Strong frame houses lifted off foundations
and carried considerable distance to disintegrate, automobilesized
missiles fly through the air in excess of 300 feet, trees
debarked, incredible phenomena will occur.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 86
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Source: NCDC web site
Tornado Path Map
The Cuyahoga County Tornado Locations and Path Map below shows that tornadoes, as a nonsite
specific hazard, are a random occurrence best mitigated by planning ahead. The
community is served by having well informed officials who instruct their residents about tornado
dangers. The 14 tornadoes from the table above are depicted on the map below. The
remaining 15 waterspouts are not depicted. The tornadoes moved in a west to east direction.
Additional information on the 14 tornadoes depicted below can be found in Appendix 16.
Tornado Mitigation Efforts
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), there are no tornado
mitigation efforts underway in Cuyahoga County, nor have any occurred in the recent past.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 88
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Current Development Trends
Since tornadoes are a non-site specific hazard, current development trends have no effect.
Cuyahoga County is a built-out community and as such, development trends are a non-issue
except potentially when it comes to redevelopment of particular areas of the communities within
Cuyahoga County.
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses / Potential Dollars Lost
Based on the knowledge that tornadoes are a random event, the Mitigation Core Group has
decided to look at tornadoes as a hazard of chance. The best way to deal with a random
hazard event is to look at historic information and try to be as prepared as possible. The
Mitigation Core Group realized that tornadoes are usually accompanied by other hazards when
they affect their community. In fact, when tornadoes hit a community they are typically coupled
by other natural events such as high winds, thunderstorms, lighting and possibly flash floods.
According to the National Climatic Data Center, since 1955, Cuyahoga County has experienced
29 documented tornado events (see table on page 85). Damage estimates have ranged from
$3,000.000 to $25,000,000. Based on the information available and the number of events that
have occurred in Cuyahoga County, the average amount of damage incurred by a tornado is
approximately $6.9 million per event.
Matrix Results for Tornadoes
Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Tornadoes
No Action. 8
There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek funding for a
countywide interoperable warning system.
County must develop detailed PSAs on siren system as part of the countywide interoperable
system.
There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some areas of Cuyahoga
County. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios in all critical facilities.
There are no tornado shelters in public areas or parks within Cuyahoga County. Evaluate
Metro Park system and mobile home park sites to determine potential to install multi-use
tornado shelters. Seek funding to implement installation of tornado shelters.
The matrix results above are for the hazard of tornadoes. Based on the results received from
the participating communities, the two highest rated activities are as follows:
• Seek funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
This activity addresses the current lack of a common warning system shared by all
communities and the potential dangers that can arise by not having such a coordinated
system. By installing a countywide interoperable warning system, advanced warning
can be given to the residents of the County, eliminating potential dangers.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 89
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
34
33
26
24
Total

• Develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the countywide
interoperable system.
This activity addresses the fact that the residents will have to be educated about the new
system to facilitate their understanding of its functions. Public service announcements
will serve to familiarize the residents with the system.
4.5 Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Erosion, the detachment of particles of soil and surficial sediments and rocks, is a natural
process. This process becomes a problem when human activities like construction cause it to
occur much faster than under natural conditions.
Urbanization increases erosion rates by replacing vegetation with impervious surfaces like
pavement and rooftops. Surfaces such as these do not allow any infiltration of rainwater,
causing water to run across these surfaces in large sheets that often flow at high velocities.
When this increased surface flow reaches a stream, the result is often increased erosion rates.
By removing vegetation, the important roles of providing protective cover and soil erosion
prevention are thus eliminated. Plants function in intercepting rainwater before it hits the
ground, breaking the impact of a raindrop before it hits the soil, thus reducing its ability to erode.
Plants slow down the water as it flows over the land (runoff) and this allows much of the rain to
soak into the ground. Plant roots also have an important function in holding the soil in position
and preventing it from being washed away.
Streambank Erosion
Streambank erosion, the direct removal of banks and
beds by flowing water, often becomes problematic with
increased development in an area. Streambank erosion
is exacerbated by the lack of riparian zone vegetation.
The riparian zone can be defined as the area of land
adjacent to and including the stream.
The impacts of erosion can be severe. In addition to the
loss of land due to bank erosion, dramatic changes in
the course of a river or creek can result. These changes
in the stream’s course can result in a loss of aquatic
habitats. Deposition of the eroded soil can lead to
Streambank Erosion
sedimentation in reservoirs and downstream areas.
Water quality is reduced due to the high sediment loads, which also impacts aquatic habitats.
Damage to public utilities (roads, bridges and dams) can also result due to increased stream
flow and stream velocity as well as sedimentation and there are often high maintenance costs
associated with trying to prevent or control erosion.
Conservation easements, restrictions placed on the deed of a piece of property to protect its
natural resources in perpetuity, can preserve critical riparian buffer and floodplain areas to allow
for water quality improvement, the protection of wildlife habitat and flood protection.
Conservation easements constitute a legally binding agreement that prohibits certain land uses
and types of development from taking place.
The following table was compiled from data from the Chagrin River Watershed Partners
(CRWP). The Chagrin River Watershed Partners identified and investigated streambank
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 90
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

erosion sites within the Chagrin River Watershed for possible inclusion in a Tree Revetment
Demonstration Project. The following are the streambank erosion sites located in Cuyahoga
County:
Site Location General Features/Characteristics
Caines Field – Aurora Bentleyville
Jackson Field – S. Chagrin
Metropark – Chagrin River
Bentleyville Park – Aurora
Branch
McCarthy Site – Griswold
Creek
West Hill Colony – Pepper
Creek
Miles Road Bridge –
Chagrin River
Swijaks – Upper Chagrin
River
Terrell Site – Upper
Chagrin River
Moreland Hills
Bentleyville
Falls Road,
Chagrin Falls Township
Pepper Pike
Bentleyville
Bentleyville
Chagrin Falls Township
Coastal Erosion
Due to its location along Lake Erie, Cuyahoga
County is highly prone to coastal erosion. Many
lakefront properties are situated on cliffs in highly
erodible areas.
The Lake Erie coastal erosion problem is
widespread and very costly. The following
statistics obtained from the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources illustrate the magnitude of the
coastal erosion problem:
• Economic losses exceed tens of millions
of dollars per year.
Stream bank slumping evident due to
erosion.
Classic erosion on outside of meander
bend due to lack of riparian buffer, soil
type and stormwater inputs.
Example of destabilized channel with
erosion due to soil type and stormwater
inputs. Channel widening.
High gradient tributary with cobble/boulder
substrate. Previous tree revetments need
minor maintenance. Stormwater and prior
channel modification.
Probably previously straightened channel
responding to increased stormwater inputs
by down cutting to bedrock and widening.
Needs restoration.
Over time river channel has changed
causing flow to be directed towards site.
Flows altered by upstream filling and
channel constriction due to reconstruction
of bridge.
2 sites, upper and lower. Upper is
rotational slide with previous hardening
efforts. Lower is under cutting with tree
loss.
Steep 50’ slope with previously installed
gabions at toe of slope. Upper 2/3 of
slope still unstable.
Damage caused by an eroding bluff in
Cuyahoga County (1986).
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 91
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 93
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Mitigation Efforts
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), there are no erosion
mitigation efforts underway in Cuyahoga County, nor have any occurred in the recent past. The
Ohio Department of Natural Resources implemented a program entitled the “Ohio Coastal
Management Program” as a means of mitigating erosion losses. Information about this program
follows.
Ohio Coastal Management Program
Ohio’s Lake Erie coast has experienced numerous pressures and conflicts regarding the use
and enjoyment of the area. Ohio’s coast is now more than 85% developed, and significant
losses of wetlands and other habitat have occurred.
In recognition of the Lake Erie region’s value and the pressures that threaten its resources, the
Ohio General Assembly passed the Ohio Coastal Management Law in 1988. This law
authorized ODNR to act as lead agency in developing and implementing a comprehensive
Coastal Management Program (OCMP).
The purpose of the OCMP is to integrate management of Ohio’s Lake Erie coastal region in
order to preserve, protect, develop, restore and enhance its resources. OCMP policies attempt
to establish a balance between resource protection and development, and to provide guidance
to coastal property owners as well as government agencies and commercial interests.
Each year, Ohio receives close to $2 million from the Natural Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, which provides federal funding oversight. This money is used to help upgrade
coastal neighborhoods, as well as improve lake access; relieve nonpoint pollution in tributary
streams; preserve coastal wetlands; and protect historic shipwrecks and underwater preserves.
There are six areas of strategic emphasis for the OCMP. Activities that would accomplish goals
related to these six areas are given highest priority for funding.
1. Water resources and watersheds
2. Coastal land use and development
3. Coastal habitat, wetlands, and natural areas
4. Coastal flooding and erosion
5. Recreational opportunities, and
6. Fish and wildlife resources
For further details on eligible parties and activities, please see Appendix 11.
Coastal Erosion Area Program
The Coastal Erosion Area Program is another area under the Ohio Coastal Management
Program. Coastal Erosion Areas consist of land areas along Lake Erie that are anticipated to
be lost due to erosion within a thirty-year period if no additional approved erosion control
measures are completed within that time. These are areas where recession is expected to
exceed 9 feet in the next 30 years.
The ODNR, Division of Geological Survey determined which areas to include in the Coastal
Erosion Area. They used scientific records and data to analyze recession of the Lake Erie
shore and forecast erosion rates.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 94
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The purpose of the Coastal Erosion Area is to promote wise land use. Wise land use in turn,
will among other things, reduce the risk and loss to private landowners by promoting
stabilization of the shoreline.
ODNR will promote the Coastal Erosion Area through a permitting process. A permit must be
obtained to construct a new building or septic system with a Coastal Erosion Area (CEA). The
CEA permit requires that measures be taken to effectively protect the building or septic system
from shore erosion and bluff instability. All new, permanent structures and additions equal to or
greater than 500 square feet at ground level must obtain a permit. This applies to residential,
commercial, industrial, institutional or agricultural buildings and septic systems.
Current Development Trends
Cuyahoga County is a built-out community and as such, development trends are a non-issue
except potentially when it comes to redevelopment of particular areas of the communities within
Cuyahoga County.
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Assessment / Potential Dollars Lost
According to statistics released by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the long-term
rate of coastal erosion is 0.6 feet per year in Cuyahoga County. There are six communities in
Cuyahoga County located along the coast of Lake Erie: Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood,
Cleveland, Bratenahl and Euclid. Dollar loss estimates for coastal erosion were calculated for
each community based upon the length of coastline subject to erosion in each community.
There were several assumptions underlying the analysis. The first was that there were no
structures impacted by erosion along the coast. The second assumption was that 20% of the
total property value is the land value. The analysis was based on an average lot size of ½ acre.
Average housing values for each community were obtained from the 2000 U.S. Census. 20% of
the housing values were then used as the value of the land for a one-acre lot. In order to obtain
the land value of a ½ acre lot, the land value for the one-acre lot was multiplied by two (2).
Once this value was obtained, it was multiplied by the product of the length of coastline subject
to erosion in each of the six communities located along Lake Erie and the long-term rate of
erosion (0.6 ft/yr), to yield an overall estimate of total dollars lost for each community. The
results can be found in the table below:
Community
Length of
coastline (feet)
Acres of
coastline
Land value of
½ acre lot
Total estimated
dollars lost
Bay Village 28,000 0.38 $68,000 $26,000
Rocky River 10,280 0.14 $70,000 $10,000
Lakewood 19,800 0.27 $47,040 $13,000
Cleveland 52,000 0.72 $28,400 $20,000
Bratenahl 14,300 0.20 $78,000 $16,000
Euclid 16,700 0.23 $36,000 $ 8,000
Total 141,080 1.94 $327,440 $93,000
The total estimated dollars lost per year for land along the Lake Erie coast in Cuyahoga County
is $93,000.00.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 95
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

A separate analysis was done for streambank erosion. The information used in this analysis
came from a study done by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District entitled “Regional
Intercommunity Drainage Evaluation Study.” This study provided the locations of observed and
potential streambank erosion problems. This information was provided in the form of a GIS
shapefile that contained information regarding which community the observed or potential
erosion problem was located in, the length of the stream experiencing erosion or having the
potential of erosion, and whether the erosion problem was occurring on an intracommunity or
intercommunity scale. The erosion lengths for each community were totaled and these totals
were multiplied by $250, which is the cost estimate to repair one foot of stream in urban areas.
Within the GIS, only erosion sites occurring in urban areas were chosen for analysis. This was
done using the query tool in the GIS, selecting urban areas and excluding non-urbanized areas
like parks, forests and cropland. The land use used for this analysis was a shapefile obtained
from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that was created based on land use in 1981.
For those sites of erosion listed as intercommunity, meaning more than one community is listed
for the location of the erosion site, the number of feet of eroding streambank was divided by the
number of communities listed. Specific information was not available about the length of
streambank erosion in each of the communities affected by intercommunity erosion
occurrences. Calculation results can be found in the table below.
Community Feet of Eroded Bank Cost to Repair
Bedford 7,541 $1,885,250
Berea 880 $220,000
Bratenahl 2,000 $500,000
Brooklyn 12,935 $3,233,750
Brook Park 6,673 $1,668,250
Cleveland 37,273 $9,318,250
Garfield Heights 9,634 $2,408,500
Highland Heights 3,736 $934,000
Linndale 2,110 $527,500
Lyndhurst 1,049 $262,250
Maple Heights 6,259 $1,564,750
Mayfield Heights 2,341 $585,250
Mayfield Village 11,686 $2,921,500
Middleburg Heights 445 $111,250
North Royalton 1,062 $265,500
Olmsted Falls 4,313 $1,078,250
Parma 15,512 $3,878,000
Parma Heights 10,966 $2,741,500
Richmond Heights 3,511 $877,750
South Euclid 12,259 $3,067,750
Strongsville 6,858 $1,714,500
Warrensville Heights 4,278 $1,069,500
Total 163,321 $40,833,250
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 96
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The total potential dollars lost per year due to streambank restoration in Cuyahoga County is
approximately 41 million dollars. This total is lower than what could be expected if current land
use would have been available for use with the analysis.
Matrix Results for Erosion
Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Coastal and Streambank Erosion
No Action. 8
Determine areas of concern along Lake Erie coastline and develop overlay zone to prohibit or
restrict development. Create map to show sensitive areas. Several structures have been
affected by erosion. Seek funding to remove structures severely affected by erosion.
Streambank erosion has several peripheral issues that need to be further explored (i.e.,
maintenance of the waterways and drainage concerns.) Develop plan.
Incorporate riparian set-back requirements for new builds. Develop consistent riparian area
regulations countywide.
Work with established watershed groups to evaluate causes of erosion and seek funding to
create an action plan to reduce it.
There are infrastructure issues relating to roadways falling in, debris, redirecting traffic and
clean-up. Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by stream
bank erosion.
Based on the results received from participating communities, the three highest rated activities
for this hazard are as follows:
• Develop a plan that will be used to guide the evaluation of several peripheral
issues like the maintenance of waterways and drainage concerns.
By developing a plan that addresses the peripheral issues associated with erosion,
problems and erosion occurrences can be lessened throughout the County.
• Work with established watershed groups to evaluate the causes of erosion and
seek funding to create an action plan to reduce it.
The plan will then be used as a guide by residents and other groups for minimizing the
occurrence of erosion by undertaking preventative measures.
• Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by
streambank erosion.
This activity addresses the infrastructure issues that arise in conjunction with erosion,
primarily roadways falling in and the cleanup of debris. This activity will increase safety
for all residents.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 97
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
20
23
22
23
23
Total

4.6 Earthquake History in Cuyahoga County
It would be surprising to many
Ohioans that the State has
experienced more than 120
earthquakes since 1776, and that 14
of these events have caused minor to
moderate damage. The largest
historic earthquake in Ohio was
centered in Shelby County in 1937.
This event, estimated to have had a
magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale,
caused considerable damage in Anna
and several other western Ohio
communities, where at least 40
earthquakes have been felt since
1875.
Northeastern Ohio, east of Cleveland,
is the second most active area of the
State. At least 20 earthquakes are
recorded in the area since 1836,
including a 5.0 magnitude event in
1986 that caused moderate damage.
A broad area of southern Ohio has
experienced more than 30
earthquakes. The figure on the
following page illustrates locations of
the fault systems and tectonic zones
within the State of Ohio.
Epicenters of past earthquakes in Ohio.
Cuyahoga County Risk Zone
According to Candice Sherry, Ohio Earthquake Program Manager, Cuyahoga County and the
northeast quadrant of the State of Ohio are in one of the most active areas as it relates to
earthquakes. However, based on their geology, Cuyahoga County is at a low risk as it relates
to potential damage caused by an earthquake.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 98
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Source: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/OhioSeis/html/fltmap.htm
Monitoring of Earthquakes
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey has
established a 22 station cooperative network of seismograph stations throughout the State in
order to continuously record earthquake activity. The network, which went on line in January
1999, ended a five-year gap during which there was only one operating station in Ohio. The
state was dependent on seismographs in Kentucky and Michigan to record Ohio earthquakes.
The 22 stations of the new seismograph network, which is called OhioSeis, are distributed
across the state, but are concentrated in the most seismically active areas or in areas that
provide optimal conditions for detecting and locating very small earthquakes that are below the
threshold of human notice. These small micro earthquakes are important because they occur
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 99
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

more frequently and help to identify the
location of faults that may periodically
produce larger, potentially damaging
earthquakes.
The OhioSeis seismograph stations are
located at colleges, universities and other
institutions, employing new technology
that not only makes them very accurate,
but also relatively inexpensive and easy to
operate and maintain. In contrast to the
old technology, in which a pen made a
squiggly line on a paper drum, the new
system is entirely digital and uses a
Macintosh desktop computer to
continuously record and display data.
Two other innovations have made the
system unique. An inexpensive Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver is
used to keep very precise time on the
continuously recorded seismogram, and
each station's computer is connected to the Internet for rapid data transfer.
Each OhioSeis station is a cooperative effort. Seismometers, the instruments that detect Earth
motions, and other seismic components were purchased by the Division of Geological Survey
with funds provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Ohio
Emergency Management Agency, as part of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program. The computers and Internet connection were purchased and provided by the
cooperating institutions.
The Division of Geological Survey is coordinating the seismic network and has established the
Ohio Earthquake Information Center at the Horace R. Collins Laboratory at Alum Creek State
Park, north of Columbus. This facility functions as a repository and laboratory for rock core and
well cuttings, but has a specially constructed room for earthquake recording. The seismograph
system allows for very rapid location of the epicenter and calculation of the magnitude of any
earthquake in the State. The earthquake records, or seismograms, from at least three
seismograph stations are needed to determine earthquake locations (epicenters). These
records can be downloaded from the Internet at any station on the network, and location and
magnitude can be determined. Small earthquakes were in many cases not even detected by
distant, out-of-date seismograph stations.
The OhioSeis network provides a whole new dimension of understanding about the pulse of the
Earth beneath Ohio. Although the new seismograph network will not predict earthquakes or
provide an alert prior to an event, it will provide insight into earthquake risk in the State so that
intelligent decisions about building and facility design and construction, insurance coverage and
other planning decisions can be made by individuals, business and industry, and governmental
agencies.
The closest monitoring stations to Cuyahoga County are located at the Cleveland Museum of
Natural History and Lakeland Community College.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 100
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Station CLEO
Location:
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle
Cleveland, OH 44106-1767
Lat: 41.512° North
Long: 81.614° West
Elev: 192 m
Contact Person:
Robert J. Bartolotta
rbartolo@cmnh.org
Joe DeRocher
jderoche@cmnh.org
Station WSDO
Location:
Lakeland Community College
7700 Clocktower Dr.
Kirtland, OH 44094-5198
Lat: 41.637° North
Long: 81.365° West
Elev: 231 m
Contact Person:
David Pierce
dpierce@lakeland.cc.oh.us
Earthquake Occurrence in Cuyahoga County
According to the Geological Survey, the following is a list of earthquakes with a magnitude of
greater than 2.0 that have occurred in Cuyahoga County since 1900.
Year Magnitude
1906 2.9
1929 2.9
1951 2.9
1955 3.3
1955 2.7
1991 3.5
Source: OhioSeis – The Ohio Seismic Network located at www.dnr.state.oh.us/OhioSeis/html
Cuyahoga County Earthquake Mitigation Efforts
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), there are currently no
earthquake mitigation efforts underway in Cuyahoga County, nor have there been any in the
recent past.
Current Development Trends
Since earthquakes are a non-site specific hazard, current development trends have no effect.
Cuyahoga County is a built-out community and as such, development trends are a non-issue
except potentially when it comes to redevelopment of particular areas of the communities within
Cuyahoga County. Public Service Announcements may positively affect the community if an
earthquake were to occur.
Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Analyses
Since the last earthquake with a magnitude of greater than 2.0 occurred in 1991, the Mitigation
Core Group felt that the best approach to analyzing vulnerability to an earthquake would be by
looking at other communities and how they deal with earthquakes and preparedness.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 101
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Potential Dollars Lost
Due to the non-site specific nature of this hazard, the best way to deal with preparing for future
events is to consider historical occurrences. Cuyahoga County has not had a recorded
earthquake of greater than 2.0 in magnitude since 1991. Because of the history of earthquake
occurrences in Cuyahoga County (see table above) and the natural geology, which puts the
County at low risk as it relates to potential damage by an earthquake, no dollar calculations
have been considered at this time.
Matrix Results for Earthquakes
Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
Earthquakes
No Action. 10
There is little to no public awareness campaigns occurring in the County as it relates to the
seriousness of earthquakes and how an earthquake could affect the community as a whole.
Develop PSAs targeting children and senior citizens.
There are no building standards that address earthquake resistance. Evaluate regulations for
wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with Building Departments to develop
standards to mitigate potential damage during and after an earthquake.
Lack of weather radios in rural areas to notify residents of disasters. Seek funding for NOAA
radios and notification devices (countywide).
The matrix results above show the results from all the Core Croup members for this hazard.
Based on the results received from the participating communities, the following are the two
highest rated activities for this hazard:
• Develop PSAs targeting children and senior citizens that will educate them on the
seriousness of earthquakes and the effects of such events.
This emphasizes the need for more public awareness of earthquakes. Residents of
Cuyahoga County need to know that earthquakes are a potential hazard for their
community.
• Evaluate regulations for wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with
the Building Department to develop standards to mitigate potential damage during
and after an earthquake.
This activity addresses the current lack of building standards that address earthquake
resistance.
4.7 Droughts and Wild Land Fires History in Cuyahoga County
A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that persists long enough to produce a serious
hydrologic imbalance (i.e., crop damage, water supply shortage, etc.). The severity of the
drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, and the duration and the size of the
affected area.
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio
23
23
21
Total

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) web site, there have been 6 drought
events that have affected Cuyahoga County since 1995. The most costly in terms of damages
caused was the following:
September 1999
Drought conditions continued across most of northern Ohio during September. Widespread
heavy rain occurred on September 29 th but did little to help crop conditions. For the month, only
1.63 inches of rain fell in Mansfield, making it the 9 th driest September on record. Of the 1.63
inches, 1.14 inches fell on the 29 th . Even with an inch of rain on the 29 th , both Toledo and
Cleveland finished with below two inches of rain for the month. Losses from reduced crop
yields are estimated at $200 million for northern Ohio alone.
Droughts Precursor to Other Disasters
Due to the drying effects of a drought, the potential for wild land fires is often increased during
and after a drought event. During an average year in Ohio, an estimated 15,000 wildfires and
natural fuel fires occur. Typically, a reported 1,000 wild land fires burn an average of between
4,000 to 6,000 acres in Ohio each year.
The threat of wild land fires is especially great in areas referred to as the urban/rural fire
interface. The wild land-urban interface can be defined as the zone where structures and other
human developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped lands. The map on the following
page illustrates these interface areas within Cuyahoga County.
Cuyahoga County Drought Mitigation Efforts
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), there are no drought
mitigation efforts underway in Cuyahoga County, nor have any occurred in the recent past.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 103
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 104
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Current Development Trends
Since droughts are a non-site specific hazard, current development trends have no effect.
Cuyahoga County is a built-out community and as such, development trends are a non-issue
except potentially when it comes to redevelopment of particular areas of the communities within
Cuyahoga County.
Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment
Cuyahoga County has experienced six drought events during the time period from 1995 - 2003,
as are listed below. Unlike most hazards, the threat of a drought tends to be dismissed
because of the relatively long time a drought takes to have damaging effects. Please refer to
the Matrix Results section below for what the Mitigation Core Group plans in regard to mitigating
the effects of droughts in Cuyahoga County.
Potential Dollars Lost
Due to the non-site specific nature of this hazard, the best way to deal with preparing for future
events is to consider historical occurrences. The following information was obtained from the
National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) web site and spans from 1950-2003. Due to the fact that
only one of the drought events includes a damage estimate, an average for the six events has
not been calculated. Cuyahoga County is an urban county with a small percentage of land use
falling in the agricultural category. Therefore, damage estimates for the County would not be as
significant as other counties with a greater proportion of agricultural land use.
Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
1 Northern Ohio 09/01/1995 0000 Drought N/A 0 0 0 0
2 Ashland, Ashtabula,
Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie,
Fulton, Geauga, Hancock,
Henry, Holmes, Huron, Knox,
Lake, Lorain, Lucas,
Mahoning, Marion, Medina,
Morrow, Ottawa, Portage,
Richland, Sandusky, Seneca,
Stark, Summit, Trumbull,
Wayne, Wood, Wyandot
3 Ashland, Ashtabula,
Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie,
Fulton, Geauga, Hancock,
Henry, Holmes, Huron, Knox,
Lake, Lorain, Lucas,
Mahoning, Marion, Medina,
Morrow, Ottawa, Portage,
Richland, Sandusky, Seneca,
Stark, Summit, Trumbull,
Wayne, Wood, Wyandot
4 Ashland, Ashtabula,
Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie,
Fulton, Geauga, Hancock,
Henry, Holmes, Huron, Knox,
Lake, Lorain, Lucas,
Mahoning, Marion, Medina,
Morrow, Ottawa, Portage,
Richland, Sandusky, Seneca,
Stark, Summit, Trumbull,
Wayne, Wood, Wyandot
08/01/1996 12:00 AM Drought N/A 0 0 0 0
06/01/1999 12:00 AM Drought N/A 0 0 0 0
07/01/1999 12:00 AM Drought N/A 0 0 0 0
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
5 Ashland, Ashtabula,
Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie,
Fulton, Geauga, Hancock,
Henry, Holmes, Huron, Knox,
Lake, Lorain, Lucas,
Mahoning, Marion, Medina,
Morrow, Ottawa, Portage,
Richland, Sandusky, Seneca,
Stark, Summit, Trumbull,
Wayne, Wood, Wyandot
6 Ashland, Ashtabula,
Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie,
Fulton, Geauga, Hancock,
Henry, Holmes, Huron, Knox,
Lake, Lorain, Lucas,
Mahoning, Marion, Medina,
Morrow, Ottawa, Portage,
Richland, Sandusky, Seneca,
Stark, Summit, Trumbull,
Wayne, Wood, Wyandot
Matrix Results for Droughts
Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Drought
08/01/1999 12:00 AM Drought N/A 0 0 0 0
09/01/1999 12:00 AM Drought N/A 0 0 0 200.0M
No Action. 10
Wild land fires are a secondary effect of droughts. There is a lack of equipment and/or
accessibility to fighting wild land fires. Seek funding for equipment to fight wild land fires.
An urban wild land interface map (public parks vs. homes) is needed to illustrate where
boundaries meet. Create map delineating areas.
Sensitive population concerns (elderly and children) about where they are located, in relation
to drought and heat distress. Create map. Determine where sensitive population is located
(i.e. senior centers, low-income.) Work with County Housing Authority to locate.
There is a lack of educational awareness about how droughts can lead to fires, how flash
floods can exacerbate the problem, the effects of a drought on a community and how to react
when one occurs. Develop PSAs.
TOTALS: 0 0 0 200.000M
Based on the results received from the participating communities, the following are the two
highest rated activities for this hazard:
• Development of a PSA on how droughts can lead to fires, how flash floods can
exacerbate the problem, the effects of drought on a community and how to react
when one occurs.
This activity addresses the lack of educational awareness on the subject of droughts.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 106
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
21
20
22
24
Total

• Create a map of where sensitive populations (elderly and children) are located.
Determine areas that may have a higher concentration of such populations like
senior centers and low-income housing.
This activity addresses the concern for the well-being of sensitive populations as they
are often more affected by things like drought and heat distress.
4.8 Other Hazards – Dams
A dam failure is defined as a gradual or immediate collapse or failure of water impounding
systems or structures, resulting in downstream damages.
According to the Ohio Administrative Code, dams are classified into four classes, Class I, II, III,
and IV. The following parameters are the criteria for the classification:
1) Height of dam – defined as the vertical dimension as measured from the natural streambed
at the downstream toe of a dam to the low point along the top of the dam.
2) Storage volume – defined as the total volume impounded when the pool level is at the top of
the dam immediately before it is overtopped.
3) Potential downstream hazard – defined as the resultant downstream damage should the
dam fail, including probable future development.
Classes are defined as the following:
Class I
• Height of dam: Greater than 60 feet
• Storage volume: Greater than 5000 acre-feet
• Potential downstream hazard: Probable loss of life, serious hazard to health, structural
damage to high value property (i.e., homes, industries, major public utilities)
Class II
• Height of dam: Greater than 40 feet
• Storage volume: Greater than 500 acre-feet
• Potential downstream hazard: Possible health hazard including loss of a public water
supply or wastewater treatment facility; flood water damage to homes, businesses,
industrial structures (no loss of life envisioned), damage to state and interstate
highways, railroads, roads that provide the only access to residential or critical areas
such as hospitals and nursing homes
Class III
• Height of dam: Greater than 25 feet
• Storage volume: Greater than 50 acre-feet
• Potential downstream hazard: Damage to low value non-residential structures, local
roads, agricultural crops and livestock
Class IV
• Height of dam: Less than or equal to 25 feet
• Storage volume: Less than or equal to 50 acre-feet
• Potential downstream hazard: Losses restricted mainly to the dam
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 107
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Below is a list of Class I dams located in Cuyahoga County.
Name Class Stream
Forest Hill Park Dam
#2
Lakeview Cemetery
Flood Control Dam
Kerruish Stormwater
Control Facility Dam
Briar Hill Lake Dam I
Lower Shaker Lake
Dam
Upper Shaker Lake
Dam
I
I
East
Branch of
Dugway
Brook
Dugway
Brook
Nearest
Community
Distance
from Dam
East Cleveland 0.4
East Cleveland 0.02
I Mill Creek Maple Heights 0.35
I
I
Tributary to
Aurora
branch of
Chagrin
River
Doan
Brook
Doan
Brook
Solon 0.02
Cleveland
Heights
Cleveland
Heights
Fairmount Reservoir I Offstream Cleveland 0.02
Ivex Corp. Lower Lake
Dam
Hollenbeck Lake Dam I
I
Chagrin
River
Tributary to
Big Creek
Owners
City of East
Cleveland
Northeast Ohio
Regional
Sewer District
City of
Cleveland
Briar Lake
Association
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 108
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
0.1
0.1
Chagrin Falls 0.02
City of
Cleveland
City of
Cleveland
City of
Cleveland
Ivex
Corporation
Parma Heights 0.8 Private citizens
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, Dam Safety
Engineering Program, none of the Class I dams listed above has an emergency action plan or
inundation map associated with it.
Hazard Assessment / Vulnerability Assessment
Due to the lack of emergency action plans with inundation maps of the affected areas and
structure inventories, an accurate assessment of vulnerability is not possible at this time. Also,
no potential loss calculations have been considered at this time.
Action Item
The action item for this hazard will involve developing emergency action plans for any facility
owned by one of the participating communities. The City of Cleveland owns four of the Class I
dams listed above and the City of East Cleveland owns one. The long-range plans for both of
these communities should include developing emergency action plans for the dams that they
own.

5.0 Highest Rated Activities and Action Plan
5.1 Highest Rated Activities
The following are the highest rated activities for Cuyahoga County as a whole, obtained by
averaging the matrix results received from the participating communities. Because FEMA has
asked that each community participating in this plan identify at least one action item that their
community is interested in undertaking, there is an additional listing of the highest rated action
items for each participating community that can be found in Appendix 13.
Severe Storms
1. Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System countywide that will be
interoperable. (33)
2. Develop detailed PSAs and Public Education Program on the Siren and Warning System
as part of the countywide interoperable system. (33)
3. Evaluate countywide communication interoperability. Seek funding to make
communities’ first responders interoperable. (33)
4. Map all of the critical facilities of every community within the County. (29)
5. Develop a plan for participation to coordinate cleanup efforts in the mitigation process.
(29)
Flooding
Flash Flooding
1. Seek funding to install elevation markers at areas of flash flooding. (27)
2. Seek funding to replace inadequate, undersized infrastructure in defined areas. (27)
3. Develop partnerships to enhance storm water regulations countywide. (27)
4. Develop outreach for school aged children in the form of PSAs or other innovative
connection to inform them of the dangers of playing in high hazard areas in relation to
flash floods. (27)
100-Year Floodplain Flooding
1. Secure funding to update FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). (25)
2. Evaluate and rank infrastructure problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for both
utilities and roadways and seek funding to permanently mitigate. (25)
3. Evaluate higher standards that could be implemented in the county in regards to NFIP
regulations. Determine benefits and costs of the program for all communities. (25)
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
1. Seek funding to map non-flood zone areas within the county. (26)
2. Develop PSAs about non-flood zone flooding awareness. (26)
Tornadoes
1. Seek funding for a countywide interoperable warning system. (34)
2. Develop detailed PSAs and Public Education Program on siren system as part of the
countywide interoperable system. (33)
3. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios in all critical facilities. (26)
Coastal and Streambank Erosion
1. Develop a plan to address peripheral issues associated with erosion (i.e. maintenance of
the waterways and drainage concerns). (23)
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 109
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

2. Work with established watershed groups to evaluate causes of erosion and seek funding
to create an action plan to reduce it. (23)
3. Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by streambank
erosion. (23)
Earthquakes
1. Develop PSAs on the seriousness of earthquakes and target children and senior
citizens. (23)
2. Evaluate regulations for wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with Building
Departments to develop standards to mitigate potential damage during and after an
earthquake. (23)
Droughts (Wild land Fires)
1. Seek funding for equipment to fight wild land fires. (21)
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 110
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

5.2 Action Items Schedule
Model Implementation Schedule
Severe Storms
Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System
countywide that will be interoperable.
Hazard Prioritization
Activity Rating
Implementation Schedule
(Year)
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 111
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Funding
1 33 2007 TBD $15-20 million
PSAs about Siren and Warning System. 1 33 2007 TBD $250,000
All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication
utilized within a particular community. Evaluate countywide
communication interoperability. Seek funding to make
communities' first responders interoperable.
Map all of the critical facilities of every community within the
County.
The local communities bear "sole financial burden" when cleaning
up after a severe storm. Develop a plan for participation to
coordinate efforts in the mitigation process.
Flash Flooding
People drive through floodwaters. Seek funding to install
elevation markers at areas of flash flooding.
The undersized infrastructure is unable to handle the storm water in
some areas of the county. Seek funding to replace inadequate
undersized infrastructure in defined areas.
Other communities within their watershed who are unable to handle
the runoff they generate directly affects neighboring communities.
Develop partnerships to enhance storm water regulations
countywide.
Youth play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods.
Develop outreach for school aged children in the form of PSAs
or other innovative connection.
There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in
some areas of the county. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios
in all critical facilities.
100 Year Floodplain Flooding
Secure funding to update FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM).
Undersized utilities and roadways are directly affected by flood
events. Modify infrastructure to handle bigger storm events.
Evaluate and rank infrastructure problems. Determine areas
of vulnerability for both utilities and roadways and seek
funding to permanently mitigate.
Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities,
which means 59 interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a
communication problem among the communities about what other
districts are doing and how there can be more continuity.
Coordinate and facilitate outreach to all participating NFIP
communities within Cuyahoga County. Evaluate higher
standards that could be implemented in the County.
(Determine benefits and costs of the program for all
communities.)
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
There is a lack of accurate and updated NFIP maps for Cuyahoga
County. There is a great concern about areas that flood, but have
no related NFIP maps. Seek funding to map non-flood zone
areas within the County.
There is generally a lack of awareness as it relates to non-flood
zone flooding in the County, and there are currently no initiatives to
educate residents of these occurrences. PSAs about non-flood
zone flooding awareness.
Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Develop a plan that addresses maintenance of the waterways
and drainage concerns.
Work with established watershed groups to evaluate causes
of erosion and seek funding to create an action plan to reduce
it.
There are infrastructure issues relating to roadways falling in,
debris, redirecting traffic and clean-up. Seek funding to
permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by
streambank erosion.
Tornadoes
Seek funding for a countywide interoperable siren and
warning system.
Develop detailed PSAs and public education program on siren
and warning system as a part of the countywide interoperable
system.
1 33 2005 TBD $100 Million
1 29 2005 TBD $20,000
1 29
*See note below
Cost Estimate
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services
Cuyahoga County
Emergency
Services/Individual
municipalities
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services
Cuyahoga County
Emergency
Services/Cuyahoga
County Planning
Commission
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services
2 27 TBD TBD TBD Individual municipalities
2 27 TBD TBD TBD Individual municipalities
2 27 TBD TBD TBD
2 27 2005 TBD $25,000
2 26 2006 TBD $100,000
2 25 2008 TBD $2 million
Cuyahoga County Soil
and Water Conservation
District/Northeast Ohio
Regional Sewer District
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services and
individual communities
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services and
individual municipalities
Cuyahoga County
Planning
Commission/Cuyahoga
County Emergency
Services/Individual
municipalities
2 25 TBD TBD TBD Individual municipalities
2 25 2005 TBD $200,000
2 26 2005 TBD $5,000
2 26 2006 TBD $25,000
3 23 TBD TBD
3 23 TBD TBD
Regional
stormwater study
currently being
undertaken by
NEORSD but cost
estimates cannot
be released until
board has heard
the report
Regional
stormwater study
currently being
undertaken by
NEORSD but cost
estimates cannot
be released until
board has heard
the report
3 23 TBD TBD TBD
4 34
4 33
see severe storms action items
see severe storms action items
Cuyahoga County
Planning
Commission/Watershed
organizations/Northeast
Ohio Regional Sewer
District/ Individual
municipalities
Cuyahoga County
Planning
Commission/Northeast
Ohio Regional Sewer
District
Cuyahoga County
Emergency
Services/Individual
municipalities
Individual
municipalities/Northeast
Ohio Regional Sewer
District
Cuyahoga County Soil
and Water Conservation
District/Northeast Ohio
Regional Sewer District
Individual municipalities/
Cuyahoga County
Engineer
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services
Cuyahoga County
Planning Commission
* Note: The Cuyahoga Emergency Resource System (CERS) and related database may be utilized by communities when resources are required to
mitigate an incident. Communities can access the CERS by contacting CECOMS. There are no current cost estimates for this action as it is a
service already provided by the Cuyahoga County Division of Emergency Services.
Responsible Entity

6.0 Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Maintenance
The Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan will be reviewed, and if necessary
updated, on a yearly basis by the County’s Division of Emergency Services. When a mitigation
activity is conducted, the Plan will be utilized at that time and may be updated after the
mitigation activity takes place. Major updates will be sent to the Ohio Emergency Management
Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region V to ensure that the newly
updated plans still meet the required Disaster Mitigation Plan standards.
The Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan will be evaluated on an annual basis
to determine the effectiveness of programs, and to reflect changes in land development or
programs that may affect mitigation priorities. Cuyahoga County will also review the goals and
action items to determine their relevance to changing situations in the County to ensure that
they are addressing current and expected conditions. The County will also review the risk
assessment portion of the Mitigation Plan to determine if this information should be updated or
modified, given any new available data.
The Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will be incorporated into other existing
planning documents and capital improvement plans where appropriate. The Cuyahoga County
Planning Commission will refer to the CANHMP wherever feasible within the existing documents
that support mitigation and growth within Cuyahoga County. Each individual community will be
responsible for integrating the CANHMP with any existing comprehensive plans or ordinances in
that community. In addition, each community will be responsible for implementing their highest
rated mitigation alternatives. A listing by community can be found in Appendix 13.
The Mitigation Core Group will be consulted to determine how the public will be involved in the
maintenance of the plan. Information regarding plan updates may be provided on the County’s
web site, and press releases may also be issued to inform the public of the ongoing plan
maintenance. The Mitigation Core Group will also consider holding an annual public meeting to
address the Plan and its continued maintenance.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 112
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 1 – CORRESPONDENCE SENT OUT TO COMMUNITIES

APPENDIX 1 – Correspondence Sent Out to Communities
Initial Letter of Contact / Notification (Copy)
March 2003
Insert Name
Address
CSZ
Dear:
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires that local communities develop a hazard
mitigation plan with specific goals and objectives for mitigating natural disasters such as severe
winter storms, coastal erosion, flooding and tornadoes. The Cuyahoga County Office of
Emergency Services received a grant from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency in
November of 2002 to support development of an All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the
County, including all 59 political jurisdictions. All local communities in Cuyahoga County
must have a federally approved plan in order to qualify for pre or post disaster mitigation
funding.
In order to assure your community to be able to adopt the plan currently being prepared, federal
regulations require your participation in the planning process. By filling out the accompanying
survey and providing us with pertinent information requested in the survey, you can meet the
requirement and adopt the plan, once it is finalized. We, or our consultant, Fuller, Mossbarger,
Scott and May Engineers, Inc. (FMSM), may also follow-up with you as it relates to questions in
the survey and other information needed to support the plan.
The County will sponsor a series of five regional meetings in March and April to solicit
community and public input for the plan. We encourage you to send a representative to support
the process and facilitate local adoption. Attendance by your community in these meetings will
also demonstrate your participation in the planning process and expedite federal approval of the
plan.
The plan will be completed by November 2003. Participating communities can then adopt the
plan created by the County and expedite eligibility for federal disaster mitigation funding when
the next natural disaster occurs. The plan will also help communities achieve and sustain future
economic and community development, growth and change that incorporates their local values,
and concerns for resiliency to natural disasters. Although natural weather related occurrences
will continue, this planning process will help you lessen their impact on your community.
Please forward your completed survey and any other pertinent information to:
Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers, Inc.
Attention: Kari Mackenbach
6600 Busch Blvd., Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 846-1400
(614) 846-9566
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 113
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

If you would desire to receive this survey via email, please send an email requesting the survey
to kmackenbach@fmsmengineers.com.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Murray Withrow
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 114
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Matrix Letter (Copy)
June 6, 2003
Insert Name
Address
CSZ
Dear Mitigation Core Group and Emergency Coordinators:
In order to be eligible for mitigation funding, the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires
that local communities develop a hazard mitigation plan with specific goals and objectives for
mitigating natural disasters such as severe winter storms, coastal erosion, flooding and
tornadoes. The Cuyahoga County Division of Emergency Services received a grant from the
Ohio Emergency Management Agency in November of 2002 to support development of an All
Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the County, including all 59 political jurisdictions.
Thank you for participating in this planning process. At our last meeting, we discussed the need
for each community representative and Mitigation Core Group member to fill out a matrix rating
all the mitigation alternatives that were selected for your community. This will be the last
request that will be made of each community representative except for the review of the
Cuyahoga County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. By completing the accompanying matrix
and returning it to us, you can meet the requirement and adopt the plan, once it is finalized.
The plan will be completed by November 2003. Participating communities can then adopt the
plan created by the County and expedite eligibility for federal pre-disaster mitigation funding.
Thank you for your continued support of this important project.
Please forward your completed survey in the provided self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers, Inc.
Attention: Kari Mackenbach
6600 Busch Blvd., Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 846-1400
(614) 846-9566
If you would desire to receive this excel file matrix via email, please send an email requesting
the matrix to kmackenbach@fmsmengineers.com. Please bear in mind that the size of the
matrix is printable on 11x17 paper.
Sincerely,
FULLER, MOSSBARGER, SCOTT AND MAY
ENGINEERS, INC.
Kari Ann Mackenbach, CFM
Environmental Planner
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION:
June 13 th , 2003
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 115
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Last Chance Letter (Copy)
June 5, 2003
Chagrin Falls Township
Chagrin Falls Village
City of Broadview Heights
City of Lyndhurst
Village of Glenwillow
Village of Highland Hills
Village of Linndale
Village of Newburgh Heights
Village of Oakwood
Village of Woodmere
Dear PERSONALIZED:
In order to be eligible for mitigation funding, the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires
that local communities develop a hazard mitigation plan with specific goals and objectives for
mitigating natural disasters such as severe winter storms, coastal erosion, flooding and
tornadoes. The Cuyahoga County Division of Emergency Services received a grant from the
Ohio Emergency Management Agency in November of 2002 to support development of an All
Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the County, including all 59 political jurisdictions. All local
communities in Cuyahoga County must have a federally approved plan in order to qualify for pre
or post disaster mitigation funding.
In order for your community to be able to adopt the plan currently being prepared, Federal
Regulations require your participation in the planning process. The County, through Fuller,
Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers, Inc. and through the Cuyahoga County Division of
Emergency Services has made several attempts to solicit your participation in filling out
comprehensive surveys and providing information regarding properties at-risk of flooding. As of
the date of this letter our records indicate that we have not received any response to those
requests. Unfortunately, we must have a deadline for the communities to submit the
information. That date is June 13, 2003. If we do not receive a response, then we must go
forward without your community’s participation. However, we want you to participate and
enable your community to be eligible for mitigation funding. By filling out the accompanying
documents and providing us with pertinent information requested, you can still meet the
requirements, adopt the County sponsored plan, and once it is finalized be eligible for mitigation
funding. For your convenience we have enclosed the original comprehensive survey and your
community’s at-risk structure map.
The plan will be completed by November 2003. Participating communities can then adopt the
plan created by the County and expedite eligibility for federal disaster mitigation funding when
the next natural disaster occurs.
Please forward your completed survey, at-risk assessment document, and the mitigation
alternatives matrix to:
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 116
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers, Inc.
Attention: Kari Mackenbach
6600 Busch Blvd., Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 846-1400
(614) 846-9566
If you would desire to receive the word document comprehensive survey, the PDF file at-risk
structure assessment, and/or the excel file mitigation alternatives matrix via email, please send
an email requesting the survey to kmackenbach@fmsmengineers.com.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
FULLER, MOSSBARGER, SCOTT AND MAY
ENGINEERS, INC.
Kari Ann Mackenbach, CFM
Environmental Planner
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 117
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Items Survey Letter (Copy)
September 29, 2003
To:
Berea
Euclid
Lakewood
Lyndhurst
Mayfield Heights
Middleburg Heights
North Olmsted
North Royalton
Pepper Pike
Seven Hills
Strongsville
Westlake
Village of Cuyahoga Falls
Village of Walton Hills
Olmsted Township
As you know, Cuyahoga County is currently creating an All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan to
fulfill the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which states that local
communities must create such a plan to be eligible for pre and post-disaster mitigation funding.
A Mitigation Core Group has been meeting over the past several months to create a
comprehensive Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan that meets the needs of Cuyahoga County and
its jurisdictions.
One of the final items that the Plan needs is input from each jurisdiction concerning the
mitigation alternative(s) that your community would support. This is a requirement in the text of
the Interim Rule issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding
mitigation planning. In the section that deals with local mitigation plans, the text states the
following: “For multi-jurisdictional plans, there must be identifiable action items specific to the
jurisdiction requesting FEMA approval or credit of the plan.” Because your community did not
return the matrix that was sent out to each community in which action items were to be rated,
you must fill out the enclosed survey to gain credit for the plan.
The enclosed survey is a summary of the mitigation alternatives that received the highest
ranking by the Mitigation Core Group. Please evaluate each alternative and select at least one
alternative from those listed that your community could support. If none of those listed are
acceptable, all of the action items considered by the Mitigation Core Group are included on the
accompanying page. You can select from that list and include it in the row marked “Other.”
Please indicate which community you represent.
All results will be included in the Final Plan, which will be completed by November 2003. In
order to incorporate your responses into the Plan, we will need the surveys back by Friday
October 10 th . Participating communities are entitled to adopt the Plan created by Cuyahoga
County, which will expedite eligibility for federal disaster mitigation funding when the next
natural hazard event occurs.
Thank you for your participation. Please contact me if you have any questions. I can be
reached at (614) 846-1400 or my email at kdixon@fmsmengineers.com.
Sincerely,
FULLER, MOSSBARGER, SCOTT AND MAY
ENGINEERS, INC.
Katie Dixon
Environmental Planner
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 118
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 2 – MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEMBERS

APPENDIX 2 – Mitigation Core Group Members
Name Organization Address City State Zip Email Phone
Paul Alsenas
Dan Meaney
Richard Sicha
Howard Maier
Ron Eckner
Rich Connelly
Rich Lavery
Tracey Nichols
Harry Conrad
Cuyahoga County Planning
Commission
Cuyahoga County Planning
Commission
Cuyahoga County Planning
Commission
Northeast Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency
Northeast Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency
Northeast Ohio Regional
Sewer District
Cuyahoga County
Engineer’s Office
Cuyahoga County
Department of
Development
Cuyahoga County
Department of
Development
323 Lakeside Ave.,
Suite 400
323 Lakeside Ave.,
Suite 400
323 Lakeside Ave.,
Suite 400
1299 Superior Ave.
1299 Superior Ave.
4747 East 49 th Street
1370 Ontario Street
112 Hamilton Court
112 Hamilton Court
Kory Koran Rocky River 21012 Hilliard Blvd.
Martin Baier
Terry Allan
Mark Ricchiuto
Deborah Sutherland
Cuyahoga County Board of
Health (Cleveland,
Lakewood and Shaker Hts.
Boards of Health
Cuyahoga County Board of
Health (Cleveland,
Lakewood and Shaker Hts.
Boards of Health)
Cleveland Department of
Public Service
Mayors and City Managers
Association
1375 Euclid Ave., Suite
524
1375 Euclid Ave., Suite
524
601 Lakeside Ave.,
Room 113
350 Dover Center
Road
Cleveland, OH
44114-1009
Cleveland, OH
44114-1009
Cleveland, OH
44114-1009
Cleveland, OH
44114
Cleveland, OH
44114
Cuyahoga
Heights, OH
44125
Cleveland, OH
44113
Cleveland, OH
44114
Cleveland, OH
44114
Rocky River,
OH 44116
Cleveland, OH
44115
Cleveland, OH
44115
Cleveland, OH
44114
Bay Village, OH
44140
palsenas@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-3700
dmeaney@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-3700
rsicha@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-3700
hmaier@mpo.noaca.org
reckner@mpo.noaca.org
216-241-2414
x361
216-241-2414
x300
connelly@neords.org 216-641-6000
216-741-3019
cdtan@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-7260
cdhwc@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-7531
koran@rrcity.com 440-331-0600
mbaier@ccbh.net 216-443-6690
tallan@ccbh.net 216-443-6690
mricchiuto@cityofcleveland.oh.us 216-664-2231
dsutherland@cityofbayvillage.com 440-899-3415
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 119
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Name Organization Address City State Zip Email Phone
Ed Egut Brecksville Fire Department 9023 Brecksville Road
Ken Rybka Bedford Fire Department 165 Center Road
Ken Ledford
Murray Withrow
Jeanne Schmotzer
Brigette Bouska OEMA
Bedford Heights Fire
Department
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services
Cuyahoga County
Emergency Services
5661 Perkins Road
1255 Euclid Ave.
1255 Euclid Ave.
2855 W. Dublin-
Granville Rd.
Lt. John Dixon Bay Village Police Dept. 27214 Wolf Road
Chief Patrick J. Kearns Beachwood Fire Dept. 2700 Richmond Rd.
Chief Lee Ippolito
Broadview Heights Fire
Dept.
3591 E. Wallings Rd.
Chief Paul Duchoslav Brooklyn Fire Dept. 7521 Memphis Ave.
Chief Mark Schrade Brooklyn Heights Fire Dept. 345 Tuxedo Ave.
Asst. Chief Timothy O’Toole Cleveland Fire Dept. 601 Lakeside Ave.
Acting Chief Ron Jonovich East Cleveland Fire Dept.
Chief David Simon Fairview Park Fire Dept. 20777 Lorain Rd.
Chief Anthony Collova Garfield Heights Fire Dept. 5115 Turney Rd.
Chief Lloyd Noles Highland Hills Fire Dept. 3700 Northfield Rd.
Brecksville, OH
44141
Bedford, OH
44146
Bedford
Heights, OH
44146
Cleveland, OH
44115-1807
Cleveland, OH
44115-1807
Columbus, OH
43235
Bay Village, OH
44140
Beachwood, OH
44122
Broadview
Heights, OH
44147
Brooklyn, OH
44144
Brooklyn
Heights, OH
44131
Cleveland, OH
44114
East Cleveland,
OH 44112
Fairview Park,
OH 44126
Garfield
Heights, OH
44125
Highland Hills,
OH 44122
eegut@brecksville.oh.us 440-526-2634
firedept@bedfordoh.gov 440-232-1214
Bhfirechief4@aol.com 440-786-3251
esmaw@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-3196
esjms@www.cuyahoga.oh.us 216-443-7622
bbouska@dps.state.oh.us 614-799-2526
440-871-1234
fire@beachwoodohio.com 216-292-1965
lippolito@bhfd.org 440-526-4493
firefighter@stratos.net 216-749-1212
dhfdchief@aol.com 216-351-3542
totoole@cityofcleveland.oh.us 216-664-3734
firechief@eastcleveland.org
chiefoffire@fairviewpark.org 440-356-4418
acollova@garfieldhts.org 216-475-4053
Jbrewin417@aol.com 216-591-1212
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 120
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Name Organization Address City State Zip Email Phone
Chief Peter Nelson Independence Fire Dept. 6305 Selig Drive
Chief Lawrence Mroz Lakewood Fire Dept.
14601 Madison Ave.,
Station #1
Chief William Fisher Olmsted Falls Fire Dept. 8051 Brookside Drive
Chief Fred Fritz Orange Fire Dept. 4600 Lander Rd.
Chief Chris Flynn Rocky River Fire Dept. 21012 Hilliard Blvd.
Chief Richard Pietrick Westlake Fire Dept. 3200 Crocker Rd.
Alan Finkelstein Strongsville Fire Dept. 18600 Royalton Road
Chief Paul Haney Strongsville Fire Dept. 18600 Royalton Road
Chief David Mohr Mayfield Village Fire Dept.
770 S.O.M. Center
Road
Citris Kostura Orange Village Police Dept. 4600 Lander Road
Chief Don Barnes Shaker Heights Fire Dept. 3400 Lee Road
Independence,
OH 44131
Lakewood, OH
44107
Olmsted Falls,
OH 44138
Orange, OH
44022
Rocky River,
OH 44116
Westlake, OH
44145
Strongsville, OH
44136
Strongsville, OH
44136
Mayfield Village,
OH 44143
Orange, OH
44022
Shaker Heights,
OH 44120
nelsonp@independenceohio.org 216-524-4001
Lawrence.mroz@lakewoodoh.net 216-529-6658
Wfisher236@aol.com 440-235-3238
fire@orangevillage.com 440-498-4402
firechief@rrcity.com 440-895-2623
rpietrick@prodigy.net 440-835-6421
afinkelstein@yahoo.com 440-238-3102
Ph32@aol.com 440-238-3102
mvfire@en.com 440-461-1208
kostura@orangevillage.com
Donald.barnes@ci.shakerheights.oh.us
216-491-1200
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 121
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 3 – NOTIFICATION TO ADJACENT COUNTIES

APPENDIX 3 – Notification to Adjacent Counties
Letter to Emergency Management Agency Directors (Copy)
To: Tom Kelly, Lorain County EMA Director
Buck Adams, Medina County EMA Director
Dale Wedge, Geauga County EMA Director
Annette Petranic, Summit County EMA Director
Mark Griffiths, Portage County EMA Director
Bob Archer, Lake County EMA Director
MEMORANDUM
From: Murray A. Withrow, Cuyahoga County Emergency Services
Date: March 10, 2003
Subject: Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards Plan (CANHMP)
The purpose of this letter is to notify you that Cuyahoga County is actively
developing a Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards Plan (CANHMP). This is a required
notification.
In an effort to continue to meet the mission of protecting lives, property,
economics viability and quality of life for the people of Cuyahoga County, the County
Commissioners have hired Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers, Inc. (FMSM)
to help them facilitate and complete the Cuyahoga County All-Natural Mitigation Plan.
The CANHMP will address natural disasters that could affect local communities,
including flooding, tornados, winter storms, earthquakes or other natural disasters. By
developing the CANHMP, Cuyahoga County can locate their areas of risk, assess the
magnitude of the risk, and develop strategies and priorities for reducing risk. All 59
jurisdictions within the County will be participating.
This letter serves as a notification to adjacent communities that Cuyahoga
County is actively developing the Cuyahoga County All-Natural Mitigation Plan. Please
contact us as necessary with any questions, comments, concerns, or for more
information or clarification on this planning effort.
Cc: Kari Mackenbach
COMMISSIONERS
Jimmy Dimora
Peter Lawson Jones
Tim McCormack
ADMINISTRATION CECOMS CENTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SARA/LEPC
Office (216) 443-3196 24-hr Dispatch (216) 771-1363 Office (216) 443-5700 Office (216) 443-7597
FAX (216) 443-4923 Office (216) 443-5941 FAX (216) 443-5705 FAX (216) 443-5705
FAX (216) 443-5705
Department of Justice Affairs, 1255 Euclid Avenue, Room 102, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1807
Ohio Relay Service (TTY) 1-800-750-0750
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 122
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The following emergency management agency directors were sent the aforementioned
letter notifying them of the development of the Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards
Plan:
Ms. Annette Petranic, Director
Summit County EMA
191 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
(330) 643-2558
apetranic@exec.summit.oh.net
Mr. Thomas Kelley, Director
Lorain County EMA
322 North Gateway Blvd.
Elyria, Ohio 44035
(440) 329-5117
LCEMA@lorcnty.com
Mr. Charles (Buck) Adams, Director
Medina County EMA
555 Independence Drive
Medina, Ohio 44256
(330) 722-9240
buckmcema@aol.com
Mr. Mark Griffiths, Director
Portage County EMA
8240 Infirmary Road
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
(330) 297-3607
mgriff@config.com
Mr. Dale Wedge, Director
Geauga County Dept. of Emergency Services
12518 Merritt Road
Chardon, Ohio 44024
(440) 285-9200
dale@gcdes.com
Mr. Robert Archer, Director
Lake County EMA
8505 Garfield Road, P.O. Box 480
Mentor, Ohio 44061
(440) 256-1415
bobarcher@ncweb.com
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 123
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Letter to Surrounding County Commissioners (Copy)
February 25, 2003 CL2003002L01
County Commissioners
address
city state zip
Re: Notification
Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards Plan (CANHMP)
Dear County Commissioners:
The purpose of this letter is to notify adjacent counties that Cuyahoga County is actively
developing a Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (CANHMP).
In an effort to continue to meet the mission of protecting lives, property, economic viability and
quality of life for the people of Cuyahoga County, the County Commissioners have hired Fuller,
Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers, Inc. (FMSM) to help them facilitate and complete the
Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The CANHMP will address natural
disasters that could affect local communities, including flooding, tornadoes, subsidence, winter
storms, earthquakes or another natural disaster. By developing the CANHMP, Cuyahoga
County can locate their areas of risk, assess the magnitude of the risk, and develop strategies
and priorities for reducing risk. All 59 jurisdictions within the County will be participating.
Local communities must meet eligibility requirements for future pre-disaster and post-disaster
mitigation program funds (i.e. HMGP, FMA). The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K)
requires that a natural hazard mitigation plan be developed that meets an established set of
criteria. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that the community has established goals and
objectives, in addition to a well thought out process for mitigating future damages.
This letter serves as notification to adjacent communities that Cuyahoga County is actively
developing the Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Please contact us as
necessary with any questions, comments, concerns, or for more information or clarification on
this planning effort.
Sincerely,
Murray Withrow
Manager, Cuyahoga County EMA
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 124
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

CC: Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Thomas Kelley, Director Lorain County EMA
Mr. Robert Archer, Director Lake County EMA
Mr. Dale Wedge, Director Geauga County Dept. of Emergency Services
Mr. Mark Griffiths, Director Portage County EMA
Mr. Charles (Buck) Adams, Director Medina County EMA
Ms. Annette Petranic, Director Summit County EMA
Kari Mackenbach, FMSM Engineers
Lorain County Board of Commissioners
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Geauga County Board of Commissioners
Portage County Board of Commissioners
Medina County Board of Commissioners
Summit County Board of Commissioners
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 125
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The following County Commissioners were sent the aforementioned letter notifying them of the
development of the Cuyahoga County All-Natural Hazards Plan:
Lake County
Lake County Board of Commissioners
P.O. Box 490
105 Main Street
Painesville, Ohio 44077
lccomm@lakecountyohio.org
Geauga County
Geauga County Board of County Commissioners
470 Center Street, Building #4
Chardon, Ohio 44024-1068
(440) 285-2222, (440) 564-7131, (440) 834-1856 Ext. 6150 or 6180
commissioners@geaugabocc.org
Lorain County
Lorain County Board of Commissioners
226 Middle Avenue
Elyria, Ohio 44035
(440) 329-5111
Summit County
County of Summit Council
175 S. Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308-1314
Medina County
Board of County Commissioners
144 North Broadway Street
Medina, Ohio 44256
Portage County
Portage County Board of Commissioners
449 S. Meridian Street, 7 th Floor
Portage County Administration Building
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
(330) 297-3600
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 126
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 4 – PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

APPENDIX 4 – Public Notification
Cuyahoga County, Division of Emergency Services
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Cuyahoga County, Division of Emergency Services
Contact person: Murray Withrow
Phone number: (216) 443-3196
Email: esmaw@www.cuyahoga.oh.us
Input sought to assist in planning for natural disasters
Cuyahoga County Announces
Regional Public Participation Meetings for the
2003 All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
The recent winter storms suffered throughout the country underscore the need for
comprehensive, effective local planning to appropriately respond to such natural disasters. If
local communities wish to qualify for pre- or post-disaster mitigation funding, they are required
by The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to develop a federally approved hazard
mitigation plan with specific goals and objectives for mitigating natural disasters such as severe
winter storms, coastal erosion, flooding and tornadoes. The Cuyahoga County Board of
Commissioners received a grant from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency in November
of 2002 to support development of an All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan for the County,
including all 59 political jurisdictions. Representatives from each jurisdiction and the public are
invited to participate in the planning process to accurately plan for the special needs of each
community should a natural disaster occur.
Cuyahoga County is one of the first counties in the State of Ohio to undertake this planning
process. The County will sponsor a series of five regional public participation meetings in
March and April to solicit public input for the local plan. Although these natural weather related
occurrences will continue, planning will help local communities lessen the impact of these often
unpredictable calamities.
The meetings will provide an overview of the All-Natural Hazard Mitigation planning process,
review a list of potential hazards and solicit input on that list, and provide a comprehensive
survey to seek input into the planning process.
According to Murray Withrow, Manager of Cuyahoga County’s Division of Emergency Services,
“The purpose of this program is to identify methods and actions needed to lessen and reduce
the impact of natural disasters. We hope each community within the County and the public will
attend the local meetings and tell the planning team what’s important to know about their
communities related to natural disasters.”
The Cuyahoga County Division of Emergency Services and the Cuyahoga County Emergency
Management Advisory Board, in partnership with Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers,
Inc. (FMSM), will conduct hazard analyses based on available information from federal, state
and local community sources. The purpose is to identify and evaluate potential alternatives for
mitigation measures that can be taken in the event of a natural disaster, and create an action
plan for implementation by participating communities.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 127
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The plan will be completed by November 2003. Participating communities can then adopt the
final plan for their own community and expedite eligibility for federal disaster mitigation funding
for declared natural disasters. The plan will also help communities achieve and sustain future
economic and community development, growth and change that incorporate their local values
and concerns for resiliency to natural disasters.
Regional meetings will be held on the following dates at these locations:
Thursday, March 13 th , 2003 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Mayfield Regional County Library,
Community Room, 6080 Wilson Mills Road, 440-773-0350.
Wednesday, March 19 th , 2003 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Maple Heights Regional Library, 5225
Library Lane, 216-475-5000.
Monday, March 31 st , 2003 – 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Downtown Cleveland Public Library, Room
218, 325 Superior Avenue, 216-623-2800.
Thursday April 10 th , 2003 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Parma Regional County Library, 7335 Ridge
Road, 440-885-5362.
Monday, April 14 th , 2003 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Fairview Park Regional Library, Community
Room, 21255 Lorain Road, 440-333-4700.
For additional information about the meetings, contact the Cuyahoga County Division of
Emergency Services at (216) 443-5700. For directions to the libraries listed, contact those
facilities at the numbers listed.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 128
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cleveland Plain Dealer – Community News
http://www.cleveland.com/
3/12/03
Cuyahoga County
Disaster Response Meetings
Cuyahoga County is sponsoring public meetings on planning to respond to natural disasters.
Communities that wish to qualify for aid through the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
must have an approved plan. The meetings will offer an overview of the All Natural Hazard
Mitigation planning process.
Call 216-443-5700.
7-8:30 p.m. tomorrow – Mayfield Regional County Library Community Room, 6080 Wilson Mills
Road
7-8:30 p.m. March 19 – Maple Heights Regional Library, 5225 Library Lane.
2:30-3:30 p.m. March 31 – Downtown Cleveland Public Library, Room 218, 325 Superior Ave.
7-8:30 p.m. April 10 – Parma Regional County Library, 7335 Ridge Road.
7-8:30 p.m. April 14 – Fairview Park Regional Library, Community Room, 21255 Lorain Road.
© 2003 The Plain Dealer. Used with permission.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 129
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 5 – MITIGATION CORE GROUP MEETING MINUTES

APPENDIX 5 – Mitigation Core Group Meeting Minutes
February 26 th , 2003 - Kick-Off Mitigation Core Group Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNY
MEETING
INTRODUCTION AND
POWER POINT
PRESENTATION FROM
FMSM OUTLINING THE
ALL-NATURAL
MITIGATION PLANNING
PROCESS TO CORE
GROUP MEMBERS
ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
Members of the Mitigation Core Group Attended
(database will be maintained) as well as several E-
Coordinators.
1. Introductions to the Mitigation Core Group
the County Consultant FMSM.
2. FMSM presented the All-Natural Mitigation
Planning Process to the Mitigation Core
Group in a Power Point
Presentation/Discussion included the
assurance from FMSM that the
County/Consultant Plan was not to replace a
communities existing Natural Mitigation plan.
However if a community did not have a plan
or were not satisfied with their current plan,
they could adopt the County’s Plan as long
as they participated in the process. The Plan
must be completed by November 2003.
Once submitted, County’s participating
communities will qualify for future mitigation
funds.
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group
members are welcome to attend are the following:
Regional meetings will be held on the following
dates at these locations:
Thursday, March 13th, 2003 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Mayfield Regional County Library, Community
Room, 6080 Wilson Mills Road, 440-473-0350.
Wednesday, March 19th, 2003 - 7:00 PM to 8:30
PM - Maple Heights Regional Library, 5225 Library
Lane, 216-475-5000.
Friday, March 31st, 2003 - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM -
Downtown Cleveland Public Library, Room 218,
325 Superior Avenue, 216-623-2800.
Thursday, April 10th, 2003 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Parma Regional County Library, 7335 Ridge
Road, 440-885-5362.
Monday, April 14th, 2003 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM -
Fairview Park Regional Library,
Community Room, 21255 Lorain Road, 440-333-
4700.
Future Mitigation Core Group Meetings are
Kari to send finished and approved copies
of Press Release outlining dates of Public
Meetings and Disaster Mitigation Survey
to all Mitigation Core Group Members
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 130
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
DRAFT OF DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
PRESENTED TO CORE
GROUP MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
scheduled in the Willow Rm. located at the
Independence Civic Building at 6363 Selig Blvd.
Independence, Ohio on the following dates and
times:
March 31 st , 10:00 AM
April 14 th , 3:00 PM
May 12 th , 10:00 AM
The Mitigation Core Group reviewed a draft of the
Cuyahoga CANHMP Survey. Some items of
discussion were further clarification of Repetitive
Loss Flooding…Kari emphasized that Areas as
opposed to individual residential/commercial
addresses should be the focus with the exception
of extreme cases. Also the Mitigation Core Group
was encouraged to develop Problem Statements
for their respective communities where applicable.
“x amount of housing/buildings are going into a
floodplain” would be an example of a problem
statement. Also documentation of Repetitive Loss
Structures defined as “2 or more events in a 10year
period”. These repetitive events are having a
draining effect on the National Insurance Program.
A few Mitigation Core Group members expressed
their desire to change wording in the Survey to
identify “At Risk” hazards in the Subcategory
section. There are communities that are at a
higher risk for Wild Land Fires during drought
conditions.
Next meeting to take place March 31 st 10:00 AM in
the Willow Rm. at the Independence Civic Building
at 6363 Selig Blvd. Independence, Ohio
Kari will revise some of the language in
the Disaster Mitigation Survey to appease
concerns of the Mitigation Core Group
Members
Kari will forward any necessary and
pertinent documents.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 131
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

March 31 st , 2003 - Second Mitigation Core Group Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNY
MEETING
GENERAL
DISCUSSION
DEVELOPMENT OF
PROBLEM
STATEMENTS WAS
THE MAIN FOCUS FOR
THE CORE GROUP
MEMBERS
Members of the Mitigation Core Group Attended
(database will be maintained) as well as several E-
Coordinators.
1. Mission Statement has been finalized.
2. Mitigation Survey-All of the County’s 59
municipalities, townships, villages, etc. will be
included. So far 10-12 surveys have been
received. Deadline for submitting mitigation
survey is in two weeks.
3. Emergency Coordinators need to distinguish
between residential and commercial
structures built within the flood plan in their
community. Also, critical facilities within each
community need to be identified.
4. The Prioritized Hazard for Cuyahoga County
has been determined by today’s vote of
attending CORE Group members to be
Severe Storms as number one natural
hazard, and Flooding was number two.
DEVEOPLING PROBLEM STATEMENTS FOR:
SEVERE STORMS
• Effects on traffic/transportation
• Unexpected-storm events…reaction time
• Ice Storms- Utility issues
• Resources for community “passing the hat” for
i.e. salt, etc.
• Response to sensitive populations and critical
facilities
• In relation to severe events Cuyahoga County
affected by diverse storms affects I.e. 5” of
snow in Cleveland and 2” of snow in
Brecksville due to Lake effect as well as
elevation.
• Apathy
• Rural areas effects (Well water & Septic
issues, power outage)
• Taxed Emergency Response resources
• Inter-Community communication
• Communication Issue (Only 14 communities
have sirens)
• Lack of sirens-14 sirens are not compatible
and run independently.
• Educational component to general public
(continual education as well?)
• Older communities-Sewage back-upsecological
& environmental & health issues
• Local community bears “sole” financial burden.
• Year to year variances of storm events makes
financial budgeting inconclusive I.e.
overtime…salt costs, resources
This information will be corrected directly
from the Emergency Coordinators
Kari will be putting these ideas into actual
problem statements and then distributing
to Mitigation Core Group to assess and
comment on.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 132
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
• Infrastructure cost (exponential strained) pot
holes, water lines
• Looting issues after severe storm further
taxing emergency response services
• Critical lights and critical utilities (charged
power lines down)
• Utility access for residential structures in older
areas
• Coordinating road construction with
appropriate seasons (ODOT)
• General public response to severe storms
FLASH FLOODING
• “People” as it relates to driving thru standing
water. Inexpensive solution is to mark PCV
tube with the elevation of water and insert it
into affected area…Kentucky
• Basement Flooding
• Back ups
• Flash-flood events
• Flooding-infrastructure-unable to handle the
water
• Communities directly affecting others
• Regulatory-should be evaluated for current
uses I.e. pipe size-Cuyahoga is built-up
• Look at other communities…watershed
• Raw sewage into lake and rivers
• Flash floods taking hazardous materials (1 st
flush) into water system
• Certain areas within Cuyahoga County fast
rate of water level
• Educational component must be instilled I.e.
apathy, youth specific areas-hazardous
• Landslides-How flash floods affect them
• Metro parks-as it relates to recreation areas
uses
FLOODING
• Flood Plain insurance maps are outdated
• Cuyahoga River, Rocky River prone to
flooding
• Winter flooding
• Allowing new structures to be built in 100 yr.
Flood plain
• Infrastructure problems…roads-utilities
• Educational Component
• Higher standards for residential and
commercial development
• What do all the communities do as far as
standards go?
NON FLOODZONE FLOODING
• Lack of mapping /maps or ability to regulate
• Lack of awareness (general)
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 133
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
COASTAL & STREAMBANK EROSION
• Existing structures & new homes on coastline
• Maintenance issues
• Drainage issues
• Natural areas-distributed
• Lack of regulation in riparian areas
• Needs uniformity
• Outlying areas-Brecksville, Olmsted
Townships building out
• Infrastructure issues (roadways falling in,
debris & redirecting traffic, clean-up)
• “New” water running into a new system
TORNADOES
• Lack of sirens
• Different Public Alert/Notification Systems
• Apathy/Desensitizing to actual hazards from
the general public
• Lack of tornado structures
• See Severe Storms
DROUGHT-Wild land Fires (in relation to)
• Lack of equipment (accessibility) to fighting
fires.
• Urban wild land interface (public parks vs.
homes) map needed to illustrate where they
meet.
• Utility issues (uses) direct drain on utilities
• Sensitive population concerns in relation to
droughts/heat.
• Drought/Heat…tandem problem
• Water uses-public education component
• Trees-Drought’s long term consequences
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group
members are welcome to attend are the following:
Regional meetings will be held on the following
dates at these locations:
Friday, March 31st, 2003 - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM -
Downtown Cleveland Public Library, Room 218,
325 Superior Avenue, 216-623-2800.
Thursday, April 10th, 2003 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Parma Regional County Library, 7335 Ridge
Road, 440-885-5362.
Monday, April 14th, 2003 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM -
Fairview Park Regional Library, Community Room,
21255 Lorain Road, 440-333-4700.
Future Mitigation Core Group Meetings are
scheduled in the Willow Rm. located at the
Independence Civic Building at 6363 Selig Blvd.
Independence, Ohio on the following dates and
PLEASE SEE CHANGE IN LAST CORE
GROUP MEETING DATE
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 134
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
DRAFT OF DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
PRESENTED TO CORE
GROUP MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
times:
March 31 st , 10:00 AM
April 14 th , 3:00 PM
May 19 th , 10:00 AM
The surveys are coming in at a steady pace.
Next CORE Group meeting is April 14 th @
3:00p.m. at the Independence Civic Center. The
agenda is set to ideally address Goals & Potential
Action Items in response to today’s Problem
Statements.
Kari will have more information at our next
Mitigation Core Group meeting.
Kari will forward any necessary and
pertinent documents.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 135
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

April 14 th , 2003 - Third Mitigation Core Group Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNY
MEETING
GENERAL
DISCUSSION
DEVELOPMENT OF
PROBLEM
STATEMENTS WAS
THE MAIN FOCUS
FOR THE CORE
GROUP MEMBERS
Members of the Mitigation Core Group
Attended (database will be maintained) as well
as several additional Emergency Coordinators.
1. Mission Statement has been finalized.
2. Mitigation Survey-All of the County’s 59
municipalities, townships, villages, etc.
will be included. So far 45% of the
surveys have been received. Deadline
for submitting mitigation survey is in one
week.
3. Emergency Coordinators need to
distinguish between residential and
commercial structures built within the
flood plan in their community. Also,
critical facilities within each community
need to be identified.
4. The Prioritized Hazard for Cuyahoga
County had been determined at March
31 st CORE Group meeting with a vote of
attending CORE Group members to be
Severe Storms as number one natural
hazard, and Flooding was number two.
5. FMSM provided a 7-page handout as a
guide for today’s discussion that listed by
priority the Problem Statements
discussed at the last CORE meeting.
SOLVING PROBLEM STATEMENTS FOR:
SEVERE STORMS
Due to the unpredictability of storm events,
reaction time and relay of information to the
general public is lacking.
Solution: Sirens/Warning Systems
interoperability
Ice Storms have dramatic effects on
communities within Cuyahoga County, in
relation to public utilities.
Solution: Develop Public Service
Announcement (PSA’S)
Communities within Cuyahoga County have
difficulty predicting resources needed to
respond to severe storm events, such the
need for salt during the winter season.
Solution: Plan future use using “worst case
scenario”
Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty
responding to the needs of sensitive
populations (i.e. elderly, foreign languages)
during and after severe storms events.
Solution: PSA’S that reflects the “special
needs”; also need to identify where the special
There will be a follow-up letter going out to
those communities that have not submitted their
survey. If you know of any community that
hasn’t submitted as described in the document
that was provided at the last Mitigation Core
Group meeting please encourage them to
submit their survey.
The Emergency Coordinators will be receiving
additional maps on the structure inventory for
their individual community with instructions on
what to do.
We will continue with the development of
potential activities at our next Mitigation Core
Group meeting.
Kari will provide a comprehensive document
that describes all the action items that we
discussed.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 136
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
needs population resides
Cuyahoga Communities do not know where all
their critical facilities are located countywide.
Solution: Although a potentially sensitive
issue since 911, mapping of critical facilities of
every community within the County would be
the ideal.
Due to the location and elevation of Cuyahoga
County, susceptibility to severe weather can
differ dramatically based on the location with
the County. This makes it difficult to release
appropriate warnings and notices of severe
events.
Solution: Innovative PSA’S
Cuyahoga residents are accustomed to
dealing with severe storms, which creates
some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of
an event.
Solution: PSA’S
The rural areas of Cuyahoga County have
problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e. well water, septic
systems and long-term power outages).
Solution: Back up generators for critical
facilities and residences. I.e. Orange Village,
Olmsted Township
All communities located in Cuyahoga County
may not be able to communicate with each
other based on the type of communication
utilized within a particular community (i.e.
actual equipment used, radios, etc.)
Solution: Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability.
The older communities within Cuyahoga (such
as Chagrin Falls and Cleveland) have sever
problems with sewage back-ups during severe
storm events, which cause ecological
environmental and health issues.
Solution: Evaluate other communities on how
they mitigated sewage backup (back flow
prevention).
The local community bears “sole financial
burden” when cleaning up after a severe
storm.
Solution: Participate in coordinating efforts in
mitigation process.
There is a lack of law enforcement in securing
areas affected by some severe storms events,
which can lead to looting issues that further
burden emergency response services.
Solution: Awareness of existing mutual aid
resource.
Critical lights and critical utilities (charged
power lines down) can become a problem
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 137
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
after a severe storm event.
Solution: Have backup for critical lights and
critical utilities. I.e. fold up stop signs to create
a 4 way stop (Westlake) for an inexpensive
alternative.
Severe storm events have the potential to
cause dramatic effects on traffic and
transportation, and there are no contingency
plans for diverting traffic to avoid storm
damage.
Solution: Intelligent traffic transportation
system.
OVERALL GOAL: To reduce the affects of
severe storms on Cuyahoga County by better
prepared for each severe storm event.
FLASH FLOODING
People drive through floodwaters.
Solution: Evaluate installing elevation
markers or gates as it related to high hazard
areas.
The undersized infrastructure is unable to
handle the storm water in some areas of
Cuyahoga County.
Solution: Identify those geographic areas and
increase the pipe size in areas of undersized
Other communities within their watershed who
are unable to handle the runoff directly affect
communities.
Solution: Develop partnership to enhance
regulations countywide.
Youth play in highly hazardous areas in
relation to flash floods. There needs to be
further education focused on youth about the
potential for danger.
Solution: Outreach to school aged children
There is not sufficient warning time as it
relates to flash flooding in some areas of
Cuyahoga County.
Solution: NOAA weather radios in all critical
facilities schools and hospitals
100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN
The Flood Insurance Rate Maps for most of
Cuyahoga County are outdated, some as
much as 20-30 years old.
Solution: Secure funding to update FEMA
Maps.
The last Public Meeting was held Monday,
April 14th, 2003 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM -
Fairview Park Regional Library, Community
Room, 21255 Lorain Road, 440-333-4700.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 138
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
DRAFT OF DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
PRESENTED TO
CORE GROUP
MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
The last Mitigation Core Group Meeting is
scheduled in the Willow Rm. located at the
Independence Civic Building at 6363 Selig
Blvd. Independence, Ohio on the following
date and time:
May 19 th , 10:00 AM
The surveys must be completed as soon as
possible!
Next CORE Group meeting is May 19 th a.m. at
the Independence Civic Center. The meeting
will start at 10:00am
Kari will forward any necessary and pertinent
documents.
We will be looking at evaluation criteria and
finishing up the potential action items for each of
the problem statements.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 139
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

May 19 th , 2003 - Fourth Mitigation Core Group Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNY
MEETING
GENERAL
DISCUSSION
DEVELOPMENT OF
PROBLEM
STATEMENTS WAS
THE MAIN FOCUS FOR
THE CORE GROUP
MEMBERS
Members of the Mitigation Core Group Attended
(database will be maintained) as well as several E-
Coordinators.
Mitigation Survey-All of the County’s 59
municipalities, townships, villages, etc. will be
included. So far 79% of the surveys have been
received. Deadline for submitting mitigation
survey has past! Those Communities who have
not yet submitted a completed survey please do so
ASAP
Emergency Coordinators need to distinguish
between residential and commercial structures
built within the flood plan in their community. Also,
critical facilities within each community need to be
identified.
CORE Group Members need to specify number of
homes within their Community experiencing
basement back-ups due to Severe Weather.
In preparing Action Items to address the Problem
Statements the Evaluation Criteria needs to
address the following components.
It must be Cost Effective
Technologically Feasible
Environmentally Sound
Socially Equitable
Meets Federal, State and Local guideline and
regulations
Activities reduce risk
Socially Acceptable
COMING UP WITH ACTION ITEMS FOR
PROBLEM STATEMENTS NOT DISCUSSED AT
LAST CORE GROUP MEETING:
SEVERE STORMS
Problem Statement: Critical lights and critical
utilities (charged power lines down) can become a
problem after a severe storm event.
Potential Solution: Underground utilities
FLASH FLOODING
Problem Statement: There is not sufficient
warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some
areas of Cuyahoga County.
Potential Solution: NOAA Weather Radio
100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN
Problem Statement: The Flood Insurance Rate
Maps for most of Cuyahoga County are outdated,
some as much as 20-30 years old.
Potential Solution: Secure funding to update
FEMA Maps. Doable!
This information was discussed by the
attending Emergency Coordinators
Please refer to attached database to
determine if your community has
submitted both the community survey and
the at-risk structure inventory.
Kari will be incorporating the Solutions to
the Problem Statements in the overall
CANHMP
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 140
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Problem Statement: Due to the northern location
of Cuyahoga County, secondary affects of winter
flooding are a problem. Debris clean-up and
dealing with ice are sometimes as bad a problem
as the flooding.
Potential Solution: Establishing a Debris
Management Plan (Cuyahoga County has just
begun the process), Preventative Maintenance
(making sure that the residents know that they are
responsible for clearing debris off their own
property through Public Education).
Problem Statement: Most communities in
Cuyahoga County follow the minimum NFIP and
still allow structures to be built in 100-year
floodplain.
Potential Solution: Revisit 100-year Floodplain
maps. Evaluate the fully development watershed
program. / Riparian Set back ordinance in relation
to Phase II 300 feet.
Problem Statement: There is a lack of
coordination in evaluating higher standards for
residential and commercial development within the
100-year floodplain.
Potential Solution: Coordinate/Facilitate CRS
benefits/costs of Program (for all communities).
Problem Statement: Within Cuyahoga County,
there are 59 individual communities, which means
59 interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There
is a communication problem among the
communities about what other districts are doing
and how there can be more continuity.
Potential Solution: Same as above
NON-FLOODZONE FLOODING
Problem Statement: There is a lack of accurate
and updated NFIP maps for Cuyahoga County.
There is a great concern about areas that flood but
have no related NFIP maps.
Potential Solution: Seek funding for non-flood
zone area.
Problem Statement: There is generally a lack of
awareness as it relates to non-flood zone flooding
in the County, and there are currently no initiatives
to educate residents of these occurrences.
Potential Solution: PSA’S i.e. flood awareness
week.
COASTAL AND STREAMBANK EROSION
Problem Statement: Existing structures and the
construction of new homes on the coastline are a
potential disaster waiting to happen. The current
water level does not pose an issue, but if/when the
water level increases, there will be devastating
effects on structures along the coastline.
Potential Solution: Education
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 141
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Problem Statement: Natural areas around some
of the waterways (specifically Brecksville and
Bedford) have been affected by storm water and
stream bank erosion in recent years.
Potential Solution: Incorporate riparian areas only
as it applies to new development. Seek funding
(peripheral) to remove structures affected by
erosion.
TORNADOES
Problem Statement: There is a lack of warning
sirens throughout Cuyahoga County.
Potential Solution: Seek funding for interoperable
siren system (countywide) (Sirens, NOAA Radios,
Reverse 911)
Problem Statement: The general public is
desensitized to the use of sirens. A strong public
outreach program needs to be conducted about
the use of sirens in the County and how citizens
should respond to them.
Potential Solution: Large scale PSA’s
(countywide) evaluate communities with existing
systems…have system in place.
Problem Statement: There are no tornado
shelters in public areas or parks within Cuyahoga
County.
Potential Solution: Evaluate Park Areas, Mobile
Home Areas, Parks, Playgrounds, Schools and the
Metro-park System.
EARTHQUAKES
Problem Statement: There are no building
standards that address earthquake resistance.
Potential Solution: PSA –
Problem Statement
There is little to now public awareness campaigns
occurring in the County as it relates to the
seriousness of earthquakes
Potential Solution: PSA
Problem Statement
Lack of weather radios in rural areas to notify
residents of potential danger.
Potential Solution: Seek funding to for NOAA
radios countywide.
DROUGHTS
Problem Statement
Wild land fires are a secondary effect of droughts.
There is a lack of equipment and/or accessibility to
fighting wild land fires.
Potential Solution: Seek funding for equipment to
fight wild land fires.
Problem Statement
An urban/wild land interface map needs to be
created to determine sensitive areas.
Potential Solution: Create map.
Someone in the group mentioned
Moment Force-Large Buildings as an
example
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 142
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
RAFT OF DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
PRESENTED TO CORE
GROUP MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
Problem Statement
Sensitive Populations and where they are located
is a concern.
Potential Solution: Create map identifying where
these sensitive populations are located.
Lack of educational awareness about how
droughts can lead to fires
Potential Solution: Develop PSA’s
The surveys must be completed as soon as
possible!
PUBLIC MEETING DATE STILL TO BE
DETERMINED
PUBLIC MEETING DATE STILL TO BE
DETERMINED
Kari will have more information at our next
Mitigation Core Group meeting.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 143
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 6 – REGIONAL MEETING SUMMARIES

APPENDIX 6 – Regional Meeting Summaries
Mayfield Heights March 13 th Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
MEETING
INTRODUCTION AND
POWER POINT
PRESENTATION
FROM FMSM
OUTLINING THE ALL-
NATURAL
MITIGATION
PLANNING PROCESS
TO CORE GROUP
MEMBERS AND
PUBLIC
ESTABLISH-ED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
Attendees: Don Armour, Kari Mackenbach, Jackie Ryan
Krupp, Jeanne Schmotzer, Murray Withrow, John
Pitchler, Ed Jenik and Steve Ineman
FMSM presented the All-Natural Mitigation Planning
Process to the Public Officials and the General Public in
a Power Point Presentation/Discussion. FMSM assured
officials/public present, that this effort will not replace
the existing Emergency Operation Plan (EOP), rather
the All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan will enhance the
EOP and compliment its requirements.
In regard to participation in this planning effort.
Attending one meeting would suffice, however more
active participation was encouraged. The Plan must be
completed by November 2003. Once submitted and
approved the County and the participating communities
will qualify for future mitigation funds.
One funding source was discussed. The Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program HMGP is a federal funded
grant program available after a Federal Declaration is
declared. These monies are potentially available to
other communities and not just the communities that
suffered the disaster. Any community can apply for
mitigation funding even if event didn’t occur in their
jurisdiction. By having an All Natural Hazards Mitigation
Plan in place for your community allows your community
to remain eligible for funds through the HMGP process.
Go to www.fema.gov to attain more information.
FMSM identified in their Structure Inventory (GIS map of
the Mayfield Region Structural Inventory was displayed
as well) 4,109 Structures in Cuyahoga County were built
in flood plans. 788 floods plan structures are in the
Mayfield Hts. Region
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group
members are welcome to attend are the following:
Wednesday, March 19 th , 2003 – 7:00-8:30 PM at Maple
Hts. Regional County Library, 5225 Library Lane, 216-
475-5000. Monday, March 31st 2:30-3:30 PM at the
Downtown Cleveland Public Library, Community Rm.
212 Louis Stokes Wing, Superior Ave. 216-623-2800.
Thursday, April 10 th at Parma Regional County Library
7335 Ridge Rd. 440-885-5362. Final public meeting is
Monday, April 14 th , 2003 –7-8:30 PM at Fairview Park
Regional Library, Community Rm. 21255 Lorain Rd..
440-333-4700.
2 rd Regional Meeting at Maple Hts.
Regional Library March 19, 2003 at
7:00p.m
Each Emergency Coordinator will be
receiving a map of their community
with the structure inventory
delineated on the map. Each
Emergency Coordinator will be asked
to decipher which structures are
residential and which structures are
commercial.
Kari confirmed dates and times
and/or changes and the information
to the Mitigation Core Group
Members were distributed along with
Press Releases to the Plain Dealer
and Sun Times.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 144
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
ADJOURNMENT
Future Mitigation Core Group Meetings are scheduled in
the Willow Rm. located at the Independence Civic
Building at 6363 Selig Blvd. Independence, OH. on the
following dates and times:
March 31 st , 10:00 AM
April 14 th , 3:00 PM
May 12 th , 10:00 AM
Disaster Mitigation Survey has been distributed to
CORE Group. Any member of the Public who attends
the Regional meetings is welcome to fill out the survey
as well for much important feedback.
Next meeting is March 19, 2003 at the Maple Hts.
Regional Library.
May 12 th will have to be rescheduled.
Kari revised the Disaster Mitigation
Survey to reflect concerns of CORE
Group.
Kari will forward any necessary and
pertinent documents.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 145
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Maple Heights March 19 th Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
REGIONAL MEETING
INTRODUCTION AND
POWER POINT
PRESENTATION
FROM FMSM
OUTLINING THE ALL-
NATURAL MITIGATION
PLANNING PROCESS
TO CORE GROUP
MEMBERS AND
PUBLIC
Attendees: Kari Mackenbach, Jackie Ryan Krupp,
Murray Withrow, Chief Rybka, Michael Skoldowski
FMSM presented the All-Natural Mitigation Planning
Process to the Mitigation Core Group and Public in a
Power Point Presentation/Discussion. FMSM assured
members of CORE group present, that the
County/Consultant Plan was not to replace a
communities’ existing Natural Mitigation plan.
However if a community did not have a plan or were
not satisfied with their current plan, they could adopt
the County’s Plan as long as they participated in the
process. Attending one meeting would suffice,
however more active participation was encouraged.
The Plan must be completed by November 2003.
Once submitted, County’s participating communities
will qualify for future mitigation funds. Other
communities can apply for mitigation funding even if
event didn’t occur in their jurisdiction. Some
communities never collect Federal funding for their
Natural Disasters. When that occurs than another
community (whose own Natural Disaster plan is
completed and submitted to FEMA) may collect those
monies put aside from the FEMA after a designated
period of time, etc.
FMSM identified in their Structure Inventory (GSI map
of the Structural Inventory of the Cuyahoga County
region was on display compliments of FMSM with a
conservative total of 4,109 Structures built in flood
plans). There were a total of 1,110 Structures
identified in the Maple Hts. Region.
Kari explained that the primary focus and responsibility
of FMSM were the following: Hazard Assessment,
Hazard Management, Plan Preparation, and Plan
Implementation. The later Plan Implementation is not
currently addressed in the scope of work issued by the
County. Murray Withrow would like FMSM to consider
taking a more active role in the Plan Implementation
portion of the overall plan.
Kari explained that FEMA would be excited to study
FMSM and County’s findings regarding Stream Bank
erosion. Water Shed groups will be helping in this
effort.
Other potential Natural Mitigation problems for the
future such as the potential devastation of the Goby
fish in the Great Lakes and Rivers were discussed.
CORE Members will be asked to help FMSM to
4th Regional Meeting at Downtown Cleveland
Public Library March 31st, 2003 at 2:30p.m
County and Kari to make sure CORE
Members and E-CORE Members are notified
of all meetings so that they have ample
opportunity and plenty of notice to attend.
Kari said she would discuss Murray’s request
with Don.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 146
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
ADJOURNMENT
develop a Matrix that will identify County’s top Natural
Mitigation Disasters. A score will be given for each
category. The completed Matrix with the tallied scores
will be distributed to CORE group members.
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group
members are welcome to attend are the following:
Monday, March 31st 2:30-3:30 PM at the Downtown
Cleveland Public Library, Community Rm. 212 Louis
Stokes Wing, Superior Ave. 216-623-2800. Thursday,
April 10 th at Parma Regional County Library 7335
Ridge Rd. 440-885-5362. Final public meeting is
Monday, April 14 th , 2003 –7-8:30 PM at Fairview Park
Regional Library, Community Rm. 21255 Lorain Rd..
440-333-4700.
Future Mitigation Core Group Meetings are scheduled
in the Willow Rm. located at the Independence Civic
Building at 6363 Selig Blvd. Independence, OH. on the
following dates and times:
March 31 st , 10:00 AM
April 14 th , 3:00 PM
May 12 th , 10:00 AM (?)
Disaster Mitigation Survey has been distributed to
CORE Group. Any member of the Public who attends
the Regional meetings is welcome to fill out the survey
as well for much important feedback.
Next meeting is March 31 st at the Downtown Cleveland
Public Library.
Kari confirmed dates and times and/or
changes and the information to the Mitigation
Core Group Members were distributed along
with Press Releases to the Plain Dealer and
Sun Times.
The last Core
Group meeting scheduled for May 13 th will
probably be rescheduled.
Kari revised the Disaster Mitigation Survey to
reflect concerns of CORE Group.
Kari will forward any necessary and pertinent
documents.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 147
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cleveland March 31 st Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
REGIONAL MEETING
INTRODUCTION AND
POWER POINT
PRESENTATION
FROM FMSM
OUTLINING THE ALL-
NATURAL MITIGATION
PLANNING PROCESS
TO CORE GROUP
MEMBERS AND
PUBLIC
Attendees: Kari Mackenbach, Jackie Ryan Krupp, John
Snack, Patrick Holland, Rose Zitiello
FMSM presented the All-Natural Mitigation Planning
Process to the Mitigation Core Group and Public in a
Power Point Presentation/Discussion. FMSM assured
members of CORE group present, that the
County/Consultant Plan was not to replace a
communities’ existing Natural Mitigation plan.
However if a community did not have a plan or were
not satisfied with their current plan, they could adopt
the County’s Plan as long as they participated in the
process. Attending one meeting would suffice,
however more active participation was encouraged.
The Plan must be completed by November 2003.
Once submitted, County’s participating communities
will qualify for future mitigation funds. Other
communities can apply for mitigation funding even if
event didn’t occur in their jurisdiction. Some
communities never collect Federal funding for their
Natural Disasters. When that occurs than another
community (whose own Natural Disaster plan is
completed and submitted to FEMA) may collect those
monies put aside from the FEMA after a designated
period of time, etc.
FMSM identified in their Structure Inventory (GIS map
of the Structural Inventory of the Cuyahoga County
region was on display compliments of FMSM with a
conservative total of 4,109 Structures built in
floodplains).
Kari explained that the primary focus and responsibility
of FMSM were the following: Hazard Assessment,
Hazard Management, Plan Preparation, and Plan
Implementation.
There was discussion regarding the results of the
previous CORE Group meeting, which took place
previously that day. The Committee members voted to
designate Severe Storms as the number one Natural
Hazard in the group of Prioritized Hazards. From that
discussion, the Director from the County’s Waste Dept.
described the challenges that he currently faces when
Severe Storms yield debris and
hazardous/construction materials. Currently there are
11 permitted sites to take debris from these storms and
they are almost filled up. Also some of these sites are
located in high hazard areas where they have potential
for flooding making for a potential calamity.
Transportation challenges were also of concern.
4th Regional Meeting at Parma Regional
Meeting April 10th, 2003 at 7:00pm
County and Kari to make sure CORE
Members and E-CORE Members are notified
of all meetings so that they have ample
opportunity and plenty of notice to attend.
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
DISASTER
MITIGATION SURVEY
ADJOURNMENT
CORE Members will be asked to help FMSM to
develop a Matrix that will identify County’s top Natural
Mitigation Disasters. A score will be given for each
category. The completed Matrix with the tallied scores
will be distributed to CORE group members.
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group
members are welcome to attend are the following:
Monday, March 31st 2:30-3:30 PM at the Downtown
Cleveland Public Library, Community Rm. 212 Louis
Stokes Wing, Superior Ave. 216-623-2800. Thursday,
April 10 th at Parma Regional County Library 7335
Ridge Rd. 440-885-5362. Final public meeting is
Monday, April 14 th , 2003 –7-8:30 PM at Fairview Park
Regional Library, Community Rm. 21255 Lorain Rd..
440-333-4700.
Future Mitigation Core Group Meetings are scheduled
in the Willow Rm. located at the Independence Civic
Building at 6363 Selig Blvd. Independence, OH. on the
following dates and times:
April 14 th , 3:00 PM
May 19 th , 10:00 AM
Disaster Mitigation Survey has been distributed to
CORE Group. Any member of the Public who attends
the Regional meetings is welcome to fill out the survey
as well for much important feedback.
Next regional meeting is April 10 th at Parma Regional
Library.
Kari confirmed dates and times and/or
changes and the information to the Mitigation
Core Group Members were distributed along
with Press Releases to the Plain Dealer and
Sun Times.
Please note the change in the last Mitigation
Core Group Meeting.
Kari will forward any necessary and pertinent
documents.
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Parma April 10 th Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
MEETING
INTRODUCTION AND
POWER POINT
PRESENTATION FROM
FMSM OUTLINING THE
ALL-NATURAL
MITIGATION PLANNING
PROCESS TO CORE
GROUP MEMBERS AND
PUBLIC
Attendees: Kari Mackenbach, Jackie Ryan
Krupp, Rose Zitiello, Rick Esdinsky-City of
Parma, Alan Finkelstein, City of Strongsville and
Rich Lavery
FMSM presented the All-Natural Mitigation
Planning Process to the Mitigation Core Group
and Public in a Power Point
Presentation/Discussion. FMSM assured
members of CORE group present, that the
County/Consultant Plan was not to replace a
communities’ existing Natural Mitigation plan.
However if a community did not have a plan or
were not satisfied with their current plan, they
could adopt the County’s Plan as long as they
participated in the process. Attending one
meeting would suffice, however more active
participation was encouraged. The Plan must be
completed by November 2003. Once submitted,
County’s participating communities will qualify
for future mitigation funds. Other communities
can apply for mitigation funding even if event
didn’t occur in their jurisdiction. Some
communities never collect Federal funding for
their Natural Disasters. When that occurs than
another community (whose own Natural Disaster
plan is completed and submitted to FEMA) may
collect those monies put aside from the FEMA
after a designated period of time, etc. Contact
the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to
attain more information.
FMSM identified in their Structure Inventory (GIS
map of the Parma Region Structural Inventory
was displayed as well) 4,109 Structures in
Cuyahoga County were built in floodplains.
FMSM has called upon all Emergency
Coordinators to identify residential and
commercial structures located in designated
Floodplain. Critical facilities must also be
identified.
There was discussion regarding the results of
the previous CORE Group meeting, which took
place previously, March 31st. The Committee
members voted to designate Severe Storms as
the number one Natural Hazard in the group of
Prioritized Hazards. From that discussion, a
representative from the Strongsville Fire Dept.
suggested that for the last Public Meeting to
held in September to present the draft of the
finished plan, we should make a formal
announcement to the Mayors and City
4th Regional Meeting at Parma Regional
County Public Library April 10th, 2003 at
7:00p.m
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
ESTABLISH-ED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
DISASTER MITIGATION
SURVEY
ADJOURNMENT
Managers Association to ask for their
participation.
Kari explained the mechanisms of the
Community Rating Systems which communities
can join after they adopt the County’s All Natural
Disaster Mitigation Plan. Community
Stakeholders can provide flood insurers a 40%
discount!
Kari also gave examples of Mitigation Activity,
which would address the Problem Statements
discussed at the previous Core Meeting.
Example would be Countywide Sirens to alert
unsuspecting public of hazardous weather
conditions.
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group
members are welcome to attend are the
following: Final public meeting is Monday, April
14 th , 2003 –7-8:30 PM at Fairview Park Regional
Library, Community Rm. 21255 Lorain Rd. 440-
333-47000.
Future Mitigation Core Group Meetings are
scheduled in the Willow Rm. located at the
Independence Civic Building at 6363 Selig Blvd.
Independence, OH on the following dates and
times:
April 14 th , 3:00 PM
May 19 th , 10:00 AM
Disaster Mitigation Survey has been distributed
to CORE Group. Any member of the Public who
attends the Regional meetings is welcome to fill
out the survey as well for much important
feedback. So far Kari has received about a 45%
return. Deadline is in two weeks!
Next meeting is April 14 th at the Fairview Park
Regional Library.
Kari confirmed dates and times and/or
changes and the information to the
Mitigation Core Group Members were
distributed along with Press Releases to
the Plain Dealer and Sun Times.
The last Core
Group meeting was rescheduled for May
19 th @ 10:00AM
Kari revised the Disaster Mitigation Survey
to reflect concerns of CORE Group.
Deadline is in one week.
Kari will forward any necessary and
pertinent documents.
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Fairview Park April 14 th Meeting Summary
AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
CUYAHOGA COUNY
MEETING
INTRODUCTION AND
POWER POINT
PRESENTATION FROM
FMSM OUTLINING THE
ALL NATURAL
MITIGATION PLANNING
PROCESS TO CORE
GROUP MEMBERS AND
PUBLIC
Attendees: Kari Mackenbach, Don Amour, Jackie Ryan Krupp,
Rose Zitiello, Murray Withrow, Lt. Steve Wolf, Bob Knaack-
USCS Aux., Joe Mizik- general public,Chief Chris Flynn and
Janis Cabala-general public
FMSM presented the All-Natural Mitigation Planning Process
to the Mitigation Core Group and Public in a Power Point
Presentation/Discussion. FMSM assured members of CORE
group present, that the County/Consultant Plan was not to
replace a communities’ existing Natural Mitigation plan.
However if a community did not have a plan or were not
satisfied with their current plan, they could adopt the County’s
Plan as long as they participated in the process. Attending
one meeting would suffice, however more active participation
was encouraged. The Plan must be completed by November
2003. Once submitted, County’s participating communities
will qualify for future mitigation funds. Other communities can
apply for mitigation funding even if event didn’t occur in their
jurisdiction. Some communities never collect Federal funding
for their Natural Disasters. When that occurs than another
community (whose own Natural Disaster plan is completed
and submitted to FEMA) may collect those monies put aside
from the FEMA after a designated period of time, etc. Call the
Ohio Emergency Management Agency to attain more
information.
FMSM identified in their Structure Inventory (GIS map of the
Fairview Park Region Structural Inventory was displayed as
well) 4,109 Structures in Cuyahoga County were built in
floodplains.
The Emergency Coordinators will be asked to identify
residential and commercial structures located in designated
Floodplain. Critical facilities must also be identified.
There was discussion regarding the results of the previous
CORE Group meeting, which took place previously that day.
The Committee members voted to designate Severe Storms
as the number one hazard due their frequency (compared to
other Natural Weather occurrences) and the unpredictable
nature (Snow belt areas are hardest hit). Kari explained how
the Mitigation Core Group listed Problem Statements of each
Natural Hazard (Severe Storms, Flash Flooding, Flooding,
Coastal Erosion, Droughts and Earthquakes) and how the
Mitigation Core Group sub-sequentially devised solutions to
those Problem Statements.
Kari also gave examples of a Mitigation Activity, which would
be a permanent solution the Problem Statements discussed at
the previous Core Meeting. A mitigation solution example
would be to utilize Countywide Sirens to alert the
unsuspecting public of hazardous weather conditions.
Last Regional Meeting
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 152
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

AGENDA ITEM REPORT/DISCUSSION FOLLOW UP
ESTABLISHED
MEETINGS AND
IMPORTANT DATES
DISASTER MITIGATION
SURVEY
ADJOURNMENT
Public Meetings where all Mitigation Core Group members are
welcome to attend are the following: Final public meeting will
meet sometime in September to discuss the draft of the final
All Natural Disaster Mitigation Plan.
The last Mitigation Core Group Meetings is scheduled in the
Willow Rm. located at the Independence Civic Building at
6363 Selig Blvd. Independence, OH. on the following date and
times:
May 19 th , 10:00 AM
Disaster Mitigation Survey has been distributed to CORE
Group. Any member of the Public who attends the Regional
meetings is welcome to fill out the survey as well for much
important feedback. So far Kari has received about a 45%
return. Deadline is in one week!
Kari confirmed dates and
times and/or changes and
the information to the
Mitigation Core Group
Members were distributed
along with Press Releases to
the Plain Dealer and Sun
Times.
The last Core
Group meeting was
rescheduled for May 19 th @
10:00AM
Kari will forward any
necessary and pertinent
documents.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 153
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 7 – PROBLEM STATEMENTS AND
MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES

APPENDIX 7 – Problem Statements and Mitigation Alternatives
Mitigation Core Group Developed Problem Statements
Severe Storms
The Mitigation Core Group has prioritized this hazard as their highest concern. The current
state of severe storms in Cuyahoga is that they continue to occur throughout the year, and
historically have had dramatic, repetitive effects on the communities of Cuyahoga County.
• Due to the unpredictability of storm events, reaction time and relay of information to the
general public is lacking.
• Ice storms have dramatic effects on communities within Cuyahoga County, in relation to
public utilities.
• Communities within Cuyahoga County have difficulty predicting resources needed to
respond to severe storm events, such as the need for salt during the winter season.
• Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of sensitive
populations (i.e. elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe storm events.
• Cuyahoga communities do not know where all of their critical facilities are located
countywide.
• Due to the location and elevation of Cuyahoga County, susceptibility to severe weather
can differ dramatically based on the location within the County. This makes it difficult to
release appropriate warnings and notices of severe events.
• Cuyahoga residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms, which creates some
apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event.
• Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after severe
storm events (i.e. well water, septic systems and long-term power outages).
• All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to communicate with each
other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular community (i.e.
actual equipment used, radios, etc.).
• The older communities within Cuyahoga County (such as Chagrin Falls and Cleveland)
have severe problems with sewage back-ups during severe storm events, which cause
ecological, environmental and health issues.
• The local community bears “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a severe
storm event.
• There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some severe storm
events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden emergency response
services.
• Critical lights and critical utilities (charged power lines down) can become a problem
after a severe storm event.
• Severe storm events have the potential to cause dramatic effects on traffic and
transportation, and there are no contingency plans for diverting traffic to avoid storm
damage.
Overall goal: To reduce the effects of severe storms on Cuyahoga County by better
preparation for each severe storm event.
Flooding
The Mitigation Core Group has decided to prioritize the natural hazard of flooding as their
second highest concern. The current state of flooding in Cuyahoga County is that floods
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 154
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

continue to occur throughout the year and historically have had dramatic effects on the
communities within the County.
Flash Flooding
• People drive through floodwaters.
• The undersized infrastructure is unable to handle the storm water in some areas of the
County.
• Other communities within the watershed who are unable to handle their runoff, directly
affect communities of Cuyahoga County.
• Youth play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods. There is a need for
further education focused on youth about the potential for danger.
• There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some areas of
Cuyahoga County.
Overall goal: To concentrate on making the general public more aware of flash flood events
and those areas of high hazard potential.
100-Year Floodplain Flooding
• The Flood Insurance Rate Maps for most of Cuyahoga County are outdated, some as
much s 20-30 years old.
• Due to the northern location of Cuyahoga County, secondary effects of winter flooding
are a problem. Debris clean-up and dealing with ice are sometimes as bad a problem as
flooding.
• Most communities in Cuyahoga County follow the minimum NFIP standards and still
allow new structures to be built in the 100-year floodplain.
• There is an overall issue as it relates to infrastructure problems. Underutilized utilities
and roadways are directly affected by flood events.
• There is a lack of coordination in evaluating higher standards for residential and
commercial development within the 100-year floodplain.
• Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities, which means 59
interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a communication problem among the
communities about what other districts are doing and how there can be more continuity.
Overall goal: To coordinate efforts, where feasible, regulating the 100-year floodplains and
to learn from each other how each community utilizes and enforces their regulations.
Non-Flood Zone Flooding
• There is a lack of accurate and updated NFIP maps for Cuyahoga County. There is a
great concern about areas that flood but have no related NFIP maps.
• There is generally a lack of awareness as it relates to non-flood zone flooding in the
County, and there are currently no initiatives to educate residents of these occurrences.
Overall goal: To save lives and property, reduce flood damage and increase educational
awareness of flooding in the communities within Cuyahoga County.
Coastal and Streambank Erosion
The Mitigation Core Group has prioritized the natural hazard of coastal and streambank erosion
as their third highest concern. The current state of coastal and streambank erosion in
Cuyahoga County is that erosion continues to occur and is exacerbated by other natural
hazards, such as flash floods and severe storms.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 155
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

• Existing structures and the construction of new homes on the coastline are a potential
disaster waiting to happen. The current water level does not pose an issue, but if/when
the water level increases, there will be devastating effects on structures along the
coastline.
• Streambank erosion has several peripheral issues that need to be further explored (i.e.,
maintenance of the waterways and drainage concerns).
• Natural areas around some of the waterways (specifically Brecksville and Bedford) have
been affected by stormwater and streambank erosion in recent years.
• There is a lack of consistent riparian area regulations in Cuyahoga County. The more
defined regulations of some areas are virtually unknown to most citizens.
• Outlying areas (i.e., Brecksville and Olmsted Township) are building out and causing
dramatic effects on stream erosion.
• There are infrastructure issues relating to roadways falling in, debris, redirecting traffic
and cleanup.
Overall goal: To increase educational awareness of coastal and streambank erosion in the
communities affected, as well as to learn about different techniques communities are using
to control erosion.
Tornadoes
The Mitigation Core Group has prioritized the natural hazard of tornadoes as their fourth highest
concern. The current state of tornadoes in Cuyahoga County is that they continue to occur
throughout the year and historically have had dramatic effects on the communities of the
County.
• There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County.
• Communities that do not have siren systems typically have stand-alone systems that are
not able to communicate with other areas. Each community has its own method of
distributing warnings.
• There are no tornado shelters in public areas or parks within Cuyahoga County.
Overall goal: To increase public educational awareness about the effect of tornadoes on the
community, and how to respond to warning sirens.
Earthquakes
The Mitigation Core Group has decided to prioritize the natural hazard of earthquakes as their
fifth highest concern. The current state of earthquakes in Cuyahoga County considers that in
the entire State of Ohio, the Cuyahoga area has had the most activity in recent years.
• There are little to no public awareness campaigns occurring in the County as it relates to
the seriousness of earthquakes and how an earthquake could affect the community as a
whole.
• There are no building standards that address earthquake resistance.
• Lack of weather radios in rural areas to notify residents of disasters.
Overall goal: To reduce the potential damage of earthquakes and to increase awareness.
Drought
The Mitigation Core Group has decided to prioritize the natural hazard of droughts as their sixth
highest concern. The current state of this hazard is that droughts will continue to occur, and the
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

County has several options to prepare for a drought and the other potential disasters that could
follow, such as fires.
• Wild land fires are a secondary effect of droughts. There is a potential lack of equipment
and/or accessibility to fighting wild land fires.
• An urban wild land interface map (public parks vs. homes) is needed to illustrate where
boundaries meet.
• Sensitive population concerns (elderly and children) about where they are located, in
relation to drought and heat distress.
• There is a lack of educational awareness about how droughts can affect a community
and how to react when one occurs.
• There is a lack of awareness about how droughts can lead to fires and how flash floods
can exacerbate the problem.
Overall goal: To reduce the potential damage of droughts by public awareness of the longterms
effects of a drought.
Mitigation Core Group Developed Action Alternatives
Severe Storms
• No action.
• Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System countywide that will be
interoperable.
• Develop Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the effects of ice storms. Seek
funding for alternative systems such as underground utilities.
• Plan for future resource (i.e. salt) use by using “worst case scenario.”
• PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of sensitive populations and identifying where the
special needs population resides.
• Mapping of critical facilities of every community with the County.
• Innovative PSAs on the susceptibility of certain locations within the County to severe
weather.
• PSAs on dealing with severe storms via mass mailing and community papers.
• Backup generators for critical facilities and residences (i.e. Orange Village and Olmsted
Township); evaluate pumping stations.
• Evaluate countywide communication interoperability.
• Evaluate other communities on how they mitigated sewage backup (back flow
prevention).
• Participate in coordinating efforts in the mitigation process so that local communities do
not bear sole financial burden when cleaning up after a severe storm.
• Increase awareness of existing mutual aid resource for post-storm law enforcement.
• Backups for critical lights and critical utilities. Underground utilities regulations required
for local communities who seek funding.
• Intelligent traffic transportation system.
Flooding
Flash Flooding
• Evaluate installing elevation markers or gates related to high hazard areas.
• Identify those geographic areas with undersized infrastructure and increase the pipe
size.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 157
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

• Develop partnerships to enhance stormwater regulations countywide. Phase II
stormwater utilities. Cooperational planning.
• Outreach to school aged children regarding the dangers of playing in highly hazardous
areas in relation to flash floods.
• NOAA weather radios in all critical facilities, schools and hospitals. Basin planning.
100-Year Floodplain Flooding
• Secure funding to update FEMA maps.
• Preventative PSAs about responsibility of debris cleanup. Develop debris management
program and plan.
• Develop riparian setback ordinance in relation to Phase II communities, 25-300 feet.
Revise 100-year floodplain maps. Evaluate the fully developed watershed concept
(Chagrin River Watershed). Coordinate with other counties on facilitating mapping and
regulations.
• Modify infrastructure to handle bigger storm events. Evaluate and rank infrastructure
problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for both utilities and roadways and seek
funding to permanently mitigate.
• Coordinate and facilitate Community Rating System (CRS). Determine benefits and
costs of the program for all communities.
Non –Flood Zone Flooding
• Seek funding for non-flood zone areas (Millcreek and I-77 at Fleet and Grant).
• PSAs about non-flood zone flooding awareness.
Coastal and Streambank Erosion
• High erosion zone of enforcement. Education. Determine areas of concern along Lake
Erie coastline and develop overlay zone to prohibit or restrict development.
• Seek funding to remove structures affected by erosion. Evaluate streambank erosion to
determine cause.
• Incorporate riparian setback requirements for new builds. Work with watershed groups
to evaluate causes of erosion and seek funding to create an action plan to reduce it.
• Seek funding to remove structures affected by erosion. Seek funding to permanently
mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by streambank erosion.
Tornadoes
• Seek funding for interoperable warning system (countywide) – NOAA radios, sirens,
Reverse 911.
• Large PSAs countywide. Evaluate other communities with existing systems.
• Evaluate Metro Park shelter system, mobile home parks, schools, out-door athletic
events.
Earthquakes
• PSAs on seriousness of earthquakes.
• Evaluate the regulations for wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with
Building Department to develop standards to mitigate potential damage during and after
an earthquake.
• Seek funding for NOAA radios and notification devices (countywide).
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 158
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Drought
• Seek funding for equipment to fight wild land fires.
• Create a map of the urban wild land interface.
• Create a map of the locations of sensitive populations.
• PSAs on how droughts can affect a community.
• PSAs on how droughts can lead to fires and how flash floods can exacerbate the
problem.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 159
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 8 – SEVERE STORM HISTORY

APPENDIX 8 – Severe Storm History
Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
1 CUYAHOGA 03/22/1955 0730 Tstm Wind 74 kts. 0 0 0 0
2 CUYAHOGA 05/12/1956 2000 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
3 CUYAHOGA 07/08/1956 1500 Tstm Wind 65 kts. 0 0 0 0
4 CUYAHOGA 08/05/1956 1835 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
5 CUYAHOGA 08/06/1956 0000 Tstm Wind 74 kts. 0 0 0 0
6 CUYAHOGA 08/18/1956 1528 Tstm Wind 65 kts. 0 0 0 0
7 CUYAHOGA 05/14/1957 1400 Tstm Wind 83 kts. 0 0 0 0
8 CUYAHOGA 06/25/1958 1620 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
9 CUYAHOGA 06/25/1958 1620 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
10 CUYAHOGA 08/07/1958 1400 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
11 CUYAHOGA 04/29/1959 1709 Tstm Wind 66 kts. 0 0 0 0
12 CUYAHOGA 04/22/1962 1703 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
13 CUYAHOGA 05/20/1962 1440 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
14 CUYAHOGA 07/20/1962 1900 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
15 CUYAHOGA 08/20/1962 2035 Tstm Wind 90 kts. 0 0 0 0
16 CUYAHOGA 04/18/1963 0012 Tstm Wind 53 kts. 0 0 0 0
17 CUYAHOGA 06/10/1963 1600 Tstm Wind 59 kts. 0 0 0 0
18 CUYAHOGA 08/03/1963 1635 Tstm Wind 74 kts. 0 0 0 0
19 CUYAHOGA 01/26/1965 1300 Tstm Wind 51 kts. 0 0 0 0
20 CUYAHOGA 05/16/1965 1251 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
21 CUYAHOGA 08/06/1965 1545 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
22 CUYAHOGA 03/23/1966 1430 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
23 CUYAHOGA 02/15/1967 2145 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
24 CUYAHOGA 03/23/1967 1600 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
25 CUYAHOGA 07/23/1967 0930 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
26 CUYAHOGA 05/15/1968 1740 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
27 CUYAHOGA 06/20/1968 1730 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
28 CUYAHOGA 06/25/1968 1800 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
29 CUYAHOGA 07/22/1968 1406 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
30 CUYAHOGA 08/06/1968 2200 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
31 CUYAHOGA 04/21/1969 1730 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
32 CUYAHOGA 07/04/1969 1800 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
33 CUYAHOGA 07/04/1969 1807 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
34 CUYAHOGA 06/15/1970 1435 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
35 CUYAHOGA 06/20/1971 1915 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
36 CUYAHOGA 08/10/1971 1325 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 160
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
37 CUYAHOGA 08/10/1971 1420 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
38 CUYAHOGA 07/18/1972 1617 Tstm Wind 56 kts. 0 0 0 0
39 CUYAHOGA 08/26/1972 1815 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
40 CUYAHOGA 06/03/1973 2216 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
41 CUYAHOGA 03/08/1974 1331 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
42 CUYAHOGA 04/14/1974 1200 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
43 CUYAHOGA 04/14/1974 1220 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
44 CUYAHOGA 05/11/1974 1700 Tstm Wind 65 kts. 0 0 0 0
45 CUYAHOGA 05/11/1974 1712 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
46 CUYAHOGA 06/30/1974 1545 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
47 CUYAHOGA 08/13/1974 1215 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
48 CUYAHOGA 08/13/1974 1420 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
49 CUYAHOGA 06/15/1975 1600 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
50 CUYAHOGA 02/18/1976 1539 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
51 CUYAHOGA 02/18/1976 1551 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
52 CUYAHOGA 03/04/1976 0320 Tstm Wind 53 kts. 0 0 0 0
53 CUYAHOGA 03/05/1976 0230 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
54 CUYAHOGA 03/12/1976 1856 Tstm Wind 51 kts. 0 0 0 0
55 CUYAHOGA 04/21/1976 1629 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
56 CUYAHOGA 07/10/1976 0730 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
57 CUYAHOGA 07/11/1976 1430 Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0
58 CUYAHOGA 07/15/1976 0010 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
59 CUYAHOGA 09/21/1976 1500 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
60 CUYAHOGA 07/07/1977 1515 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
61 CUYAHOGA 07/12/1977 1835 Tstm Wind 58 kts. 0 0 0 0
62 CUYAHOGA 05/20/1978 1745 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
63 CUYAHOGA 06/12/1978 1201 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
64 CUYAHOGA 08/19/1978 1400 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
65 CUYAHOGA 06/10/1979 1615 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
66 CUYAHOGA 06/20/1979 2020 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
67 CUYAHOGA 08/05/1979 1345 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
68 CUYAHOGA 05/13/1980 1735 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
69 CUYAHOGA 05/13/1980 1745 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
70 CUYAHOGA 06/07/1980 1905 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
71 CUYAHOGA 07/05/1980 0825 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
72 CUYAHOGA 08/02/1980 0730 Tstm Wind 70 kts. 0 0 0 0
73 CUYAHOGA 08/02/1980 0735 Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 161
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
74 CUYAHOGA 08/02/1980 1513 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
75 CUYAHOGA 06/22/1981 0335 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
76 CUYAHOGA 06/22/1981 0400 Tstm Wind 61 kts. 0 0 0 0
77 CUYAHOGA 06/22/1981 0430 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
78 CUYAHOGA 09/14/1981 0810 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
79 CUYAHOGA 09/14/1981 0915 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
80 CUYAHOGA 01/04/1982 0753 Tstm Wind 53 kts. 0 0 0 0
81 CUYAHOGA 03/31/1982 1149 Tstm Wind 53 kts. 0 0 0 0
82 CUYAHOGA 06/15/1982 1750 Tstm Wind 67 kts. 0 0 0 0
83 CUYAHOGA 06/15/1982 1755 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
84 CUYAHOGA 06/15/1982 1830 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
85 CUYAHOGA 04/28/1983 1201 Tstm Wind 68 kts. 0 0 0 0
86 CUYAHOGA 04/28/1983 1230 Tstm Wind 63 kts. 0 0 0 0
87 CUYAHOGA 05/02/1983 1255 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
88 CUYAHOGA 07/04/1983 1530 Tstm Wind 54 kts. 0 0 0 0
89 CUYAHOGA 07/04/1983 1540 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
90 CUYAHOGA 07/21/1983 1350 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
91 CUYAHOGA 09/06/1983 1640 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
92 CUYAHOGA 06/13/1984 1835 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
93 CUYAHOGA 06/18/1984 1426 Tstm Wind 60 kts. 0 0 0 0
94 CUYAHOGA 03/10/1986 1755 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
95 CUYAHOGA 03/10/1986 1800 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
96 CUYAHOGA 07/25/1986 1950 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
97 CUYAHOGA 08/26/1986 1415 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
98 CUYAHOGA 08/26/1986 1430 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
99 CUYAHOGA 06/29/1987 1250 Tstm Wind 61 kts. 0 0 0 0
100 CUYAHOGA 06/29/1987 1915 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
101 CUYAHOGA 08/02/1987 1720 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
102 CUYAHOGA 08/02/1987 1820 Tstm Wind 56 kts. 0 0 0 0
103 CUYAHOGA 05/09/1988 1530 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
104 CUYAHOGA 05/09/1988 1550 Tstm Wind 61 kts. 0 0 0 0
105 CUYAHOGA 05/15/1988 1920 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
106 CUYAHOGA 06/25/1988 1832 Tstm Wind 73 kts. 0 0 0 0
107 CUYAHOGA 07/10/1988 2030 Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
108 CUYAHOGA 08/05/1988 1300 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
109 CUYAHOGA 08/14/1988 1528 Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
110 CUYAHOGA 05/25/1989 2019 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 162
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
111 CUYAHOGA 11/15/1989 1634 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
112 CUYAHOGA 11/27/1989 2320 Tstm Wind 64 kts. 0 0 0 0
113 CUYAHOGA 06/03/1990 1720 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
114 CUYAHOGA 09/06/1990 1815 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 3 3 0 0
115 CUYAHOGA 09/07/1990 0150 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
116 CUYAHOGA 09/14/1990 1515 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
117 CUYAHOGA 09/16/1990 0856 Tstm Wind 62 kts. 0 0 0 0
118 CUYAHOGA 09/23/1990 1815 Tstm Wind 58 kts. 0 0 0 0
119 CUYAHOGA 03/27/1991 2220 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
120 CUYAHOGA 04/09/1991 1622 Tstm Wind 57 kts. 0 0 0 0
121 CUYAHOGA 04/09/1991 1700 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
122 CUYAHOGA 04/15/1991 0945 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
123 CUYAHOGA 05/30/1991 1750 Tstm Wind 65 kts. 0 0 0 0
124 CUYAHOGA 05/31/1991 2148 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
125 CUYAHOGA 06/15/1991 2100 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
126 CUYAHOGA 07/07/1991 2115 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
127 CUYAHOGA 08/30/1991 1345 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
128 CUYAHOGA 08/30/1991 1400 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
129 CUYAHOGA 05/17/1992 1535 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
130 CUYAHOGA 07/10/1992 1640 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
131 CUYAHOGA 07/14/1992 1724 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 1 0 0
132 CUYAHOGA 07/14/1992 1815 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
133 CUYAHOGA 07/14/1992 1845 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
134 CUYAHOGA 08/10/1992 2040 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
135 CUYAHOGA 08/10/1992 2248 Tstm Wind 65 kts. 0 1 0 0
136 CUYAHOGA 09/09/1992 1700 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
137 CUYAHOGA 10/14/1992 1853 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
138 E Portion 09/10/1993 1016 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
139 Middleburg Heights 04/12/1994 1000 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
140 Countywide 04/15/1994 1245 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
141 Parma 06/13/1994 1845 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
142 Garfield Heights And 06/15/1994 1430 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 1 0 5K 0
143 Countywide 06/20/1994 1700 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 50K 0
144 N Royalton 07/05/1994 1135 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
145 Bedford Heights 07/06/1994 2200 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
146 Parma 07/24/1994 1333 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
147 Cleveland 08/04/1994 1225 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 163
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
148 E Portion 08/28/1994 1340 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 1 0 5.0M 0
149 OHZ001>020 - 024>031 -
034>037 - 042>044 - 051>053 - 060
- 061 - 070
150 OHZ001>038 - 042>047 -
051>053 - 060>062 - 070 - 071
11/01/1994 2000 High Winds 0 kts. 0 1 500K 0
11/27/1994 1400 High Winds 0 kts. 0 1 50K 0
151 OHZ001>041 - 047 - 048 11/28/1994 1000 High Winds 0 kts. 0 0 500K 0
152 CUYAHOGA 03/07/1995 1825 High Winds 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
153 Countywide 03/20/1995 1631 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 5K 0
154 OHZ011 - 012 - 020 - 030 - 031 04/21/1995 1215 High Winds 0 kts. 0 0 120K 0
155 CUYAHOGA 05/28/1995 2255 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 250K 0
156 CUYAHOGA 05/28/1995 2305 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 400K 0
157 Lake Erie 07/13/1995 1845 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 1 9 500K 0
158 Countywide 07/13/1995 1900 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 600K 0
159 Countywide 07/15/1995 1835
Thunderstorm
Windshail
N/A 0 0 40K 0
160 Chagrin Falls 07/15/1995 1930 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 4K 0
161 Brook Park 07/15/1995 1938 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 150K 0
162 Cleveland 07/16/1995 1942 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 2K 0
163 Chagrin Falls 08/01/1995 1822 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 15K 0
164 Bay Village Westlake 08/13/1995 2020 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 12K 0
165 North Olmsted 09/13/1995 1855 Thunderstorm Winds N/A 0 0 0 0
166 Northern Ohio 10/05/1995 0900 Strong Winds N/A 0 0 80K 0
167 Northeast Ohio 10/20/1995 1230 High Winds 0 kts. 0 0 70K 0
168 Northern Ohio 10/24/1995 0600 Strong Winds N/A 0 0 25K 0
169 Northern Ohio 11/11/1995 0630 High Winds 0 kts. 0 0 260K 0
170 North Central And Nor 11/27/1995 1800 High Winds 0 kts. 0 0 40K 0
171 OHZ002>003 - 005>014 -
018>023 - 033
172 OHZ002>003 - 005>014 -
018>023 - 029
173 OHZ002>003 - 006>014 -
018>023 - 029>033 - 038
01/27/1996
02/10/1996
03/25/1996
174 Countywide 04/12/1996
175 Cleveland Heights 04/22/1996
176 OHZ007>013 - 018>022 -
027>032 - 036>038
04/25/1996
177 North Olmsted 06/13/1996
178 Independence 07/16/1996
06:00
AM
10:00
PM
10:00
AM
05:37
PM
09:50
AM
02:00
PM
10:55
PM
09:20
PM
High Wind 68 kts. 0 0 0 0
High Wind 50 kts. 0 0 45K 0
High Wind 55 kts. 0 0 529K 0
Tstm Wind 72 kts. 1 1 1.0M 0
Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
High Wind 52 kts. 0 0 44K 0
Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 164
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
179 Brecksville 08/15/1996
180 Cleveland 08/20/1996
181 Solon 08/20/1996
182 OHZ009>014 - 019>023 -
029>033 - 038 - 047
09/07/1996
183 Northern Portion 09/12/1996
184 OHZ002>003 - 005>014 -
017>023 - 027>033 - 036>038 - 047 10/30/1996
185 Western Portion 11/07/1996
186 Garfield Heights 12/01/1996
187 Northern Half 12/01/1996
188 OHZ007>014 - 019>023 -
029>033 - 038
189 OHZ011>014 - 021>023 -
031>033 - 038
02/21/1997
02/22/1997
190 Hunting Valley 02/22/1997
191 OHZ002>003 - 005>014 -
017>023 - 027>033 - 036>038 - 047 02/27/1997
192 OHZ011>012 - 014 03/09/1997
193 OHZ003 - 007 - 010>012 - 017
- 029>030 - 032 - 037 - 047
05/01/1997
194 Bay Vlg 05/19/1997
195 Westlake 08/16/1997
196 Highland Hgts 08/16/1997
197 Countywide 08/16/1997
198 Cleveland 08/16/1997
199 OHZ011 09/29/1997
200 OHZ011 03/27/1998
201 OHZ009>014 - 019>023 -
028>033 - 038
03/28/1998
202 Cleveland 05/31/1998
02:45
PM
06:04
PM
07:00
PM
04:00
AM
04:05
AM
12:10
AM
06:50
PM
01:51
PM
12:01
PM
10:30
AM
02:13
AM
03:15
AM
12:15
AM
10:21
PM
04:27
AM
01:55
PM
03:41
PM
03:45
PM
09:22
AM
09:30
AM
02:00
PM
03:00
PM
09:30
AM
05:00
PM
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 2K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 2K 0
High Wind 50 kts. 0 0 128K 200K
Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
High Wind 69 kts. 1 2 5.3M 2.3M
Tstm Wind 66 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 51 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 20K 0
High Wind 58 kts. 0 0 20K 0
High Wind 50 kts. 0 0 9K 0
Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 1K 0
High Wind 57 kts. 0 0 180K 0
High Wind 54 kts. 0 0 0 0
High Wind 60 kts. 0 0 63K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 54 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 2 0 75K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 10K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 1 0 2K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 305K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 6K 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 165
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
203 Lakewood 05/31/1998
204 Cleveland 05/31/1998
205 Countywide 06/12/1998
206 Garfield Hgts 06/13/1998
207 Countywide 07/21/1998
208 Countywide 09/07/1998
209 Countywide 11/10/1998
210 OHZ003 - 006>013 - 017>021 -
027>031 - 036>038 - 047
11/10/1998
211 OHZ011>014 - 029 03/17/1999
212 OHZ007>011 - 017>020 -
027>031 - 036>038 - 047
05/06/1999
213 Bedford 06/10/1999
214 North Olmsted 07/06/1999
215 Garfield Hgts 07/06/1999
216 Countywide 07/09/1999
217 Bay Vlg 07/24/1999
218 Cleveland Lakefront 07/28/1999
219 Cleveland Lakefront 07/28/1999
220 Cle Hopkins Intl Arp 07/31/1999
221 Countywide 07/31/1999
222 Countywide 10/13/1999
223 Countywide 10/13/1999
224 North Olmsted 04/20/2000
225 Cleveland 05/23/2000
226 Fairview Park 05/31/2000
05:00
PM
05:55
PM
07:03
PM
10:17
AM
07:04
PM
05:45
AM
04:40
PM
11:15
AM
04:40
PM
09:00
AM
04:30
PM
02:20
PM
02:32
PM
04:52
PM
07:56
PM
10:52
PM
10:53
PM
03:55
PM
04:00
PM
03:57
PM
04:31
PM
07:45
PM
05:00
PM
06:30
PM
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 1 0 10K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 10K 0
Tstm Wind 55 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 100K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 15K 0
Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 75K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 535K 0
High Wind 55 kts. 0 0 80K 0
High Wind 52 kts. 0 0 328K 50K
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 40K 0
Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 30K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 3 0 2K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 25K 0
Tstm Wind 56 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 59 kts. 0 0 50K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 200K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 20K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 75K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 15K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 10K 0
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Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
227 Brecksville 06/02/2000
228 Bay Vlg 07/14/2000
229 Cleveland 07/21/2000
230 Countywide 08/06/2000
231 Countywide 08/09/2000
232 Countywide 10/04/2000
233 Countywide 10/04/2000
234 Garfield Hgts 10/04/2000
235 OHZ006>014 - 017>023 -
027>033 - 036>038 - 047
236 OHZ003 - 006>014 - 017>023 -
027>031 - 033 - 038 - 047
237 OHZ003 - 006>007 - 009>014 -
017>019 - 021 - 023 - 027>029 -
031>033 - 036>038
238 OHZ003 - 006>013 - 017>022 -
027>033 - 036>038 - 047
12/11/2000
02/09/2001
02/25/2001
04/12/2001
239 North Royalton 06/20/2001
240 Fairview Park 09/21/2001
241 Shaker Hgts 09/21/2001
242 OHZ010>014 - 021>023 - 033 10/16/2001
243 Olmsted Falls 10/24/2001
244 OHZ003 - 006>014 - 017>023 -
027>033 - 036 - 038 - 047
245 OHZ003 - 006>014 - 017>023 -
028>033 - 037>038 - 047
246 OHZ003 - 006>014 - 017>023 -
027>033 - 036>038 - 047
10/25/2001
02/01/2002
03/09/2002
247 Seven Hills 04/09/2002
248 Cleveland 05/25/2002
249 University Hgts 06/14/2002
11:40
AM
05:00
PM
09:00
AM
10:15
PM
07:15
PM
03:00
AM
05:25
AM
05:28
AM
11:30
PM
08:00
PM
07:00
AM
09:00
AM
05:05
PM
05:45
PM
06:05
PM
12:00
PM
10:15
PM
11:00
AM
10:00
AM
02:30
PM
03:00
AM
07:33
PM
03:30
PM
Tstm Wind 59 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 54 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 51 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 15K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 25K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 1.0M 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 250K 0
Tstm Wind 51 kts. 0 0 0 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 4.4M 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 320K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 460K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 1 0 815K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 1 500K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 10K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 190K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 4 760K 0
High Wind 0 kts. 0 0 1.1M 0
High Wind 55 kts. 2 8 8.9M 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 500K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 10K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
250 Cleveland 06/21/2002 02:20 Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 25K 0
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Location or County Date Time Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
251 Garfield Hgts 06/21/2002
252 North Royalton 07/22/2002
253 Parma 07/22/2002
254 Solon 07/28/2002
255 Countywide 07/28/2002
256 Seven Hills 07/28/2002
257 Rocky River 07/29/2002
258 Cleveland 07/29/2002
259 North Olmsted 07/29/2002
260 Parma 08/04/2002
261 Cleveland 08/14/2002
262 North Royalton 09/03/2002
263 Solon 09/19/2002
264 Bedford 11/10/2002
Key to table abbreviations:
Mag = Magnitude (knots)
Dth = Deaths
Inj = Injuries
PrD = Property Damage
CrD = Crop Damage
PM
03:40
PM
01:20
PM
09:55
PM
06:00
PM
09:05
PM
09:05
PM
06:18
PM
06:42
PM
06:42
PM
08:25
PM
05:05
PM
02:30
PM
04:45
AM
07:00
PM
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 15K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 2K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 30K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 35K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 52 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 50 kts. 0 0 0 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 5K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 25K 0
Tstm Wind 0 kts. 0 0 15K 0
TOTALS: 18 32 37.526M 2.500M
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APPENDIX 9 – SNOW AND ICE EVENTS

APPENDIX 10 – METHODOLOGY FOR
CREATING EROSION HAZARD MAP

APPENDIX 10 – Methodology for Creating Erosion Hazard Map
(Map can be found on page 89)
Excerpts from the Problem Ranking Methodology (Revised by JPS 6/13/03)
2.0 Problem Quantification
The severity of the problems were primarily quantified using the MIKE SWMM
Hydrologic/Hydraulic computer program. Erosion, local street flooding, arterial road flooding,
railroad flooding, highway flooding and structure flooding were identified and quantified using
length, depth of flooding, potential impacts, number of streets flooded, and what design storm
the flooding occurred.
Problems were grouped primarily by location. A problem location may have multiple types of
problems such as: debris, flooding, and erosion. An erosion problem may consist of a 5000-foot
reach of stream. A flooding problem may consist of a single structure or several streets and
dozens of houses within a predicted flooding area.
2.1 Erosion
Erosion can be a very subjective parameter to quantify its severity. For this reason, several
methods were utilized to identify observed and predicted streambank erosion. It is also very
difficult to predict if erosive conditions will scour the banks, downcut the streambed or deposit
sediment.
2.1.1 Observed Erosion Problems
For purposes of ranking and prioritizing erosion problems, erosion was quantified during the
RIDE Study stream walks by visual observations and recorded on the field forms as "High" or
"Medium" severity. These erosion observations were added to the list of RIDE problems along
with previous identified erosion problems from the RPSD Study. However, during the RPSD
Study, the observations only recorded a "YES" or "NO" and not High, Medium or Low. Thus, all
RPSD observed erosion problems were included in the RIDE list of problems.
2.1.2 Predicted Erosion Potential
The predicted erosion analysis that was performed included the following methods.
Out-Of-Bank Analysis: For a two-year/24 hour design storm, how much is the flow out of
banks compared with the estimated incised channel. If the flow area was 0 to 50% greater than
the incised channel, it was recorded as "L" (low) predicted erosion potential. If the flow area
was 50 to 100% greater than the incised channel, it was recorded as "M" (medium) predicted
erosion potential. If the flow area was greater than 100% greater than the incised channel, it
was recorded as "H" (High) predicted erosion potential. For each predicted erosion problem, a
length was documented from the SWMM model and recorded in the RIDE Problem Database.
Utilizing the results from the above methodology information for each problem area, the
predicted width of the cross section was overlaid onto the GIS map to identify the locations
where a structure or street could be impacted if erosion were to erode the streambanks to this
predicted potential width. Each erosion problem was also categorized in one of the following
two categories:
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a) "Erosion with no potential for structural or infrastructure impact" (i.e. If there were
no streets or structures or known pipes within the predicted width of the stream for a 2year
storm.)
b) "Erosion with potential for structural or infrastructure impact" (i.e. If there were
streets or structures or known pipes within the predicted width of the stream for a 2-year
storm.)
This information was used in the scoring of each problem as presented in Section 3.3.
Velocity Analysis: For a two-year/24 hour design storm, how high are the velocities compared
to the erosive velocity of the soil as identified from the available local soil maps? If the 2-year
predicted velocity was 0 to 2 feet per second greater than the allowable erosive velocity of the
soil, it was recorded as "L" (Low) predicted erosion potential. If the 2-year predicted velocity
was 2 to 4 feet per second greater than the allowable erosive velocity of the soil, it was recorded
as "M" (Medium) predicted erosion potential. If the 2-year predicted velocity was greater than 4
feet per second greater than the allowable erosive velocity of the soil, it was recorded as "H"
(High) predicted erosion potential. For each predicted erosion problem, a length was
documented from the SWMM model and recorded in the RIDE Problem Database.
2.1.3 Overall Erosion Ranking
The overall erosion ranking was developed by combining the information from field
observations, velocity analysis and out-of-bank analysis. Using this information, three severity
categories were developed as described below.
Low Erosion Severity
If there were no physical observations of erosion from the stream walks or community
information and the Velocity Analysis and Out-Of-Bank Analysis were both categorized as
"LOW", then the overall erosion rating was given a "LOW" severity. Also, any stream reach that
was not analyzed with the SWMM models or had 2-Year velocities less than the allowable
erosive velocity of the soil, then the stream reach was given a "LOW" severity.
Moderate Erosion Severity
"Moderate" erosion severity was documented if one of the following conditions were met:
or
a) If there no were physical observations of erosion from the stream walks or community
information but the Velocity Analysis was categorized as "MEDIUM", then the overall
erosion rating was given a "MODERATE" erosion severity.
b) If the physical observations from the RIDE stream walks recorded a "MEDIUM" erosion
problem then the "MODERATE" erosion severity was recorded in the RIDE Problem
Database.
High Erosion Severity
"HIGH" erosion severity was documented if one of the following conditions were met:
or
or
b) If the RIDE physical observations of erosion from the stream walks had a "HIGH" rating.
c) If the RPSD recorded any physical observations of erosion from the stream walks. (ie.
has a "YES" in the RIDE Problem database.)
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d) If there were no physical observations of erosion from the stream walks or community
information but the Velocity Analysis was categorized as "HIGH", then the overall
erosion rating was given a "HIGH" erosion severity.
2.1.4 Erosion and Capital Projects
The RIDE Study Team with input from NEORSD, determined that ONLY erosion problems that
are an immediate threat to a structure, road, bridge, culvert, pipeline, or concrete lined channels
(such as Big Creek due to the severity and safety issues associated with it) will be solved with a
capital project. All other erosion problems will be solved as part of a stream improvement
project or handled with the Overall RIDE Maintenance Program or the Replacement and
Renewal Program. For the scoring of erosion projects, if an erosion problem was predicted to
be an "immediate threat", then the problem was given an additional 2 points with a maximum
score of 10 for erosion.
3.1 Problem Priority Ranking Methodology
Each intercommunity problem location was prioritized based on the methodology presented in
this section. Intra-community problems and numerous reported or observed problems were
summarized on the table but were not prioritized. Each problem location was scored in five
different categories from a scale of 1 to 10. Each problem category was assigned a weighting
factor that is multiplied by the score in each category. The sum of the weight times the score for
all 5 categories provides the score for the problem location.
Below are the five categories and the weighting factors:
Category Weighting Factor
Debris 0.5
Erosion 1.5
Local Street Flooding 1.0
Arterial Street Flooding 2.0
Structure Flooding 5.0
With this system, Arterial Flooding is two times more important than Local Street Flooding and
Structure Flooding is 10 times more important than a Debris problem.
3.3 Scoring System for Erosion
Following is the methodology for scoring erosion problems for the RIDE Study:
SCORING SYSTEM FOR EROSION PROBLEMS
Erosion Type Low Length 2 High Length 3
Erosion with no potential for structural or infrastructure
impact 4
2 4
Erosion with potential for structural or infrastructure
impact 5
6 8
Notes:
1. A value of 2 is added to the above scoring matrix if if the erosion is an immediate threat to a
structure,
pipe, road, bridge/culvert, concrete lined channel or other utility.
2. Low Length = less than 2000 feet of erosion length
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3. High Length = greater than 2000 feet of erosion length
4. If there were no streets or structures or known pipes within the predicted width of the stream for a
2-year storm.
5. If there were streets or structures or known pipes within the predicted width of the stream for a 2-
year storm
Example:
If an erosion problem was not recorded in the field but it had the following characteristics:
- a 2-Year stream velocity of 8.5 feet per second
- the existing soil has a capacity to handle 4.0 feet per second
- the problem length was 3000 feet
- the out of bank analysis showed several houses within the width of the stream cross section
- there were NO immediate threats identified from the field
Then the Erosion Score = 8 (score) x 1.5 (weight factor) = 12
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APPENDIX 11 – OHIO COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

APPENDIX 11 – Ohio Coastal Management Program
Coastal Management Assistance Grants are available for the activities relating to the following
six areas:
1. Water resources and watersheds;
2. Coastal land use and development;
3. Coastal habitat, wetlands and natural areas;
4. Coastal flooding and erosion;
5. Recreational opportunities; and
6. Fish and wildlife resources.
These grants are 1:1 matching competitive grants. Eligible parties include:
• Units of local government, including municipalities, townships, counties and villages;
• Area-wide agencies, including county and regional planning agencies;
• State agencies whose activities affect or are affected by activities in the coastal area;
• Colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning;
• School districts;
• Park districts, conservancy districts and port authorities; and
• Nonprofit organizations that are legally constituted as 501 (c)(3) organizations and have
been nominated to undertake the project by one of the other eligible entities listed
above.
Funding priority for the grants is Comprehensive Community Planning. This priority comes
under the project category Coastal Land Use and Development. The goal is to promote
community planning that will address enhanced public access, hazard mitigation, natural
resource protection and restoration, and sustainable coastal development issues.
The following are examples of the types of projects that are not eligible:
• Restroom facilities;
• Construction of erosion control structures;
• Beach nourishment;
• Maintenance;
• General recreational facilities such as playgrounds, ball fields and courts, etc.;
• Road and parking lot construction;
• Water and sewer line construction; and
• Wetland or other habitat restoration that is required as a condition of a permit or other
regulatory action.
The following is a breakdown of the Coastal Management Assistance Grant Timeline:
• Applications printed and distributed annually in late September
• Applications due in early December
• Grant awards announced in March
• Projects begin in July and must be completed by 15 months later in September of the
following year
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 175
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 12 – HIGHEST RATED MITIGATION
ALTERNATIVES FOR EACH COMMUNITY

APPENDIX 12 – Highest Rated Mitigation Alternatives for Each Community
The following action items were the highest rated mitigation alternatives based on the matrix
returned from each community. These actions are thus listed as the chosen action items for
that community.
Bay Village
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The older communities located in Cuyahoga County (such as Chagrin Falls
and Cleveland) have severe problems with sewage backups during severe storm events, which
cause ecological, environmental and health issues. Evaluate other communities on how they
mitigated sewage backup (back flow prevention).
Score: 33
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located within the city’s boundaries.
Beachwood
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Most communities in Cuyahoga County follow the minimum NFIP and still
allow new structures to be built in the 100-year floodplain. Develop riparian setback ordinance.
Potentially evaluate the fully developed watershed concept. Coordinate with watershed groups
to seek funding.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities, which means
that there are 59 interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a communication problem
among the communities about what other districts are doing and how there can be more
continuity. Coordinate and facilitate outreach to all participating NFIP communities within
Cuyahoga County. Evaluate higher standards that could be implemented in the County.
(Determine benefits and costs of the program for all communities.)
Score: 40
Hazard: Non-Flood Zone Flooding
Action Alternative: No action.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Determine areas of concern along the Lake Erie coastline and develop an
overlay zone to prohibit or restrict development. Create map to show sensitive areas. Several
structures have been affected by erosion. Seek funding to remove structures severely affected
by erosion.
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Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Incorporate riparian setback requirements for new builds. Develop
consistent riparian area regulations countywide.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Work with established watershed groups to evaluate causes of erosion and
seek funding to create an action plan to reduce it.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: There are infrastructure issues relating to roadways falling in, debris,
redirecting traffic and cleanup. Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being
affected by streambank erosion.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: County must develop detailed PSAs on siren system as part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Alternative: There are little to no public awareness campaigns occurring in the County as
it relates to the seriousness of earthquakes and how an earthquake could affect the community
as a whole. Develop PSAs targeting children and senior citizens.
Score: 40
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Alternative: There are no building standards that address earthquake resistance.
Evaluate regulations for wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with Building
Department to develop standards to mitigate potential damage during and after an earthquake.
Score: 40
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Alternative: Lack of weather radios in rural areas to notify residents of disasters. Seek
funding for NOAA radios and notification devices (countywide).
Score: 40
Bedford
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e., elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe storm events.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 177
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1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those populations
2) Locate and identify special needs populations
Score: 35
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 35
Bedford Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e., elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe storm events.
1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those populations
2) Locate and identify special needs populations
Score: 36
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located within the city’s boundaries.
Bentleyville
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Communities within Cuyahoga County have difficulty predicting resources
needed to respond to severe storm events, such as the need for salt during the winter season.
Develop plans for the future using “worst case scenario.”
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities do not know where all of their critical
facilities are located countywide. Map all of the critical facilities of every community within the
County.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities within Cuyahoga County may not be able to communicate
with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular community (i.e.,
actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication interoperability. Seek
funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 178
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Alternative: The older communities in Cuyahoga County (such as Chagrin Falls and
Cleveland) have severe problems with sewage backups during severe storm events, which
cause ecological, environmental and health issues. Evaluate other communities on how they
mitigated sewage backup (back flow prevention).
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some
severe storm events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden emergency response
services. Develop outreach for communities and awareness of existing mutual aid resources.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Critical lights and critical utilities (charged power lines down) can become a
problem after a severe storm event. Seek funding for critical lights and critical utilities backup.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Severe storm events have the potential to cause dramatic effects on traffic
and transportation, and there are no contingency plans for diverting traffic to avoid storm
damage. Seek funding for an intelligent traffic information system.
Score: 35
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: There are infrastructure issues relating to roadways falling in, debris,
redirecting traffic and cleanup. Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being
affected by streambank erosion.
Score: 35
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 35
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 35
Bratenahl
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e., well water, septic systems and long-term power outages). Seek
funding for backup generators for critical facilities and residences with a history of utility
problems (case by case basis).
Score: 34
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Brecksville
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: People drive through floodwaters. Seek funding to install elevation markers
at areas of flash flooding.
Score: 28
Broadview Heights
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on siren system as part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 37
Brooklyn
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities do not know where all of their critical
facilities are located countywide. Map all of the critical facilities of every community with the
County.
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e., well water, septic systems and long-term power outages). Seek
funding for backup generators for critical facilities and residences with a history of utility
problems (case by case basis).
Score: 35
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located within Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e., actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 35
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: Youth play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods. There needs
to be further education focused on youth about the potential for danger. Develop outreach for
school aged children in the form of PSAs or other innovative connection.
Score: 35
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some
areas of Cuyahoga County. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios in all critical facilities.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 180
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Score: 35
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 35
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on siren system as part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 35
Brooklyn Heights
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: Other communities within their watershed who are unable to handle the
runoff they generate directly affects neighboring communities. Develop partnerships to enhance
stormwater regulations countywide.
Score: 30
Brook Park
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e., elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe storm events.
1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those populations
2) Locate and identify special needs populations
Score: 32
Chagrin Falls
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Cleveland
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The older communities within Cuyahoga County (such as Chagrin Falls and
Cleveland) have severe problems with sewage backups during severe storm events, which
cause ecological, environmental and health issues. Evaluate other communities on how they
mitigated sewage backup (back flow prevention).
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 181
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Score: 36
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the eight repetitive loss structures located within the city’s
boundaries.
Cleveland Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Ice storms have dramatic effects on communities within Cuyahoga County,
in relation to public utilities. Seek funding for alternative systems such as underground utilities.
Score: 37
East Cleveland
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located within Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e., actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 36
Fairview Park
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Ice storms have dramatic effects on communities within Cuyahoga County,
in relation to public utilities. Seek funding for alternative systems such as underground utilities.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms, which
creates some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event. Develop innovative PSAs via
mass mailing and community papers to reach residents of the County.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located within Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e., actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
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Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There are no tornado shelters in public areas or parks within Cuyahoga
County. Evaluate the MetroParks system and mobile home park sites to determine the potential
to install multi-use tornado shelters. Seek funding to implement installation of tornado shelters.
Score: 40
Garfield Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e., elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe storm events.
1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those populations
2) Locate and identify special needs populations.
Score: 36
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities do not know where all of their critical
facilities are located countywide. Map all of the critical facilities of every community within the
County.
Score: 36
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located within the city’s boundaries.
Gates Mills
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 35
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Alternative: Lack of weather radios in rural areas to notify residents of disasters. Seek
funding for NOAA radios and notification devices (countywide).
Score: 35
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the two repetitive loss structures located within the village’s
boundaries.
Highland Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 183
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms,
which creates some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event. Develop innovative
PSAs via mass mailing and community papers to reach residents of the County.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e., well water, septic systems and long-term power outages). Seek
funding for backup generators for critical facilities and residences with a history of utility
problems (case by case basis).
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e., actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The older communities within Cuyahoga County (such as Chagrin Falls and
Cleveland) have severe problems with sewage backups during severe storm events, which
cause ecological, environmental and health issues. Evaluate other communities on how they
mitigated backup (back flow prevention).
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The local communities bear “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a
storm event. Develop a plan for participation to coordinate efforts in the mitigation process.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some
severe storm events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden emergency response
services. Develop outreach for communities and awareness of existing mutual aid resources.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Critical lights and critical utilities (charged power lines down) can become a
problem after a severe storm event. Seek funding for critical lights and critical utilities backup.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: The undersized infrastructure is unable to handle the stormwater in some
areas of Cuyahoga County. Seek funding to replace inadequate, undersized infrastructure in
defined areas.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 184
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Alternative: Other communities within their watershed who are unable to handle the
runoff they generate directly affects neighboring communities within Cuyahoga County.
Develop partnerships to enhance stormwater regulations.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: Youth plan in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods. There
needs to be further education focused on youth about the potential for danger. Develop
outreach for school aged children in the form of PSAs or other innovative connection.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some
areas of Cuyahoga County. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios in all critical facilities.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: The Flood Insurance Rate Maps for most of Cuyahoga County are outdated,
some as much as 20-30 years old. Secure funding to update FEMA Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRM).
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Due to the northern location of Cuyahoga County, secondary affects of
winter flooding are a problem. Debris cleanup and dealing with ice are sometimes as bad as
the actual flood. Develop a debris management program and plan.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Most communities in Cuyahoga County follow the minimum NFIP and still
allow new structures to be built in the 100-year floodplain. Develop a riparian setback
ordinance. Potentially evaluate the fully developed watershed concept. Coordinate with
watershed groups to seek funding.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Undersized utilities and roadways are directly affected by flood events.
Modify infrastructure to handle bigger storm events. Evaluate and rank infrastructure problems.
Determine areas of vulnerability for both utilities and roadways and seek funding to permanently
mitigate.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities, which means
59 interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a communication problem among the
communities about what other districts are doing and how there can be more continuity.
Coordinate and facilitate outreach to all participating NFIP communities within Cuyahoga
County. Evaluate higher standards that could be implemented in the County. (Determine
benefits and costs of the program for all communities).
Score: 40
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 185
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hazard: Non-Flood Zone Flooding
Action Alternative: There is a lack of accurate and updated NFIP maps for Cuyahoga County.
There is a great concern about areas that flood but have no related NFIP maps. Seek funding
to map non-flood zone areas within the County.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Determine areas of concern along the Lake Erie coastline and develop an
overlay zone to prohibit or restrict development. Create a map to show sensitive areas.
Several structures have been affected by erosion. Seek funding to remove structures severely
affected by erosion.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Streambank erosion has several peripheral issues that need to be further
explored (i.e., maintenance of the waterways and drainage concerns). Develop a plan.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Incorporate riparian setback requirements for new builds. Develop
consistent riparian area regulations countywide.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: Work with established watershed groups to evaluate causes of erosion and
seek funding to create an action plan to reduce it.
Score: 40
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Alternative: There are infrastructure issues relating to roadways falling in, debris,
redirecting traffic and cleanup. Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being
affected by streambank erosion.
Score: 40
Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: Wild land fires are a secondary effect of droughts. There is a lack of
equipment and/or accessibility to fighting wild land fires. Seek funding for equipment to fight
wild land fires.
Score: 40
Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: An urban wild land interface map (public parks vs. homes) is needed to
illustrate where boundaries meet. Create a map delineating areas.
Score: 40
Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: There are concerns regarding the sensitive population (elderly and children)
about where they are located in relation to drought and heat distress. Create a map. Determine
where sensitive population is located (i.e., senior centers, low-income, etc.). Work with County
Housing Authority to locate.
Score: 40
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 186
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: There is a lack of educational awareness about how droughts can lead to
fires, how flash floods can exacerbate the problem, the effects of a drought on a community and
how to react when one occurs. Develop PSAs.
Score: 40
Hunting Valley
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities have difficulty responding to the needs of
sensitive populations (i.e., the elderly, foreign languages) during and after severe storm events.
1) Develop PSAs that reflect the “special needs” of those populations
2) Locate and identify special needs populations.
Score: 36.5
Independence
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The local communities bear “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a
severe storm. Develop a plan for participation to coordinate efforts in the mitigation process.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some
severe storm events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden emergency response
services. Develop outreach for communities and awareness of existing mutual aid resources.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: Other communities within their watershed who are unable to deal with the
runoff they generate directly affect communities of the County. Develop partnerships to
enhance stormwater regulations countywide.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: Youth play in highly hazardous areas in relation to flash floods. There needs
to be further education focused on youth about the potential for danger. Develop outreach for
school aged children in the form of PSAs or other innovative connection.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: There is not sufficient warning time as it relates to flash flooding in some
areas of Cuyahoga County. Seek funding to acquire NOAA radios in all critical facilities.
Score: 40
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Within Cuyahoga County, there are 59 individual communities, which means
59 interpretations of the NFIP regulations. There is a communication problem among the
communities about what other districts are doing and how there can be more continuity.
Coordinate and facilitate outreach to all participating NFIP communities within Cuyahoga
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 187
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

County. Evaluate higher standards that could be implemented in the County. (Determine
benefits and costs of the program for all communities.)
Score: 40
Hazard: Non-Flood Zone Flooding
Action Alternative: There is generally a lack of awareness as it relates to non-flood zone
flooding in the County, and there are currently no initiatives to educate residents of these
occurrences. PSAs about non-flood zone flooding awareness.
Score: 40
Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: There are concerns regarding the sensitive population (elderly and children)
about where they are located, in relation to drought and heat distress. Create a map.
Determine where the sensitive population is located (i.e., senior centers, low-income areas).
Work with the County Housing Authority to locate.
Score: 40
Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: There is a lack of educational awareness about how droughts can lead to
fires, how flash floods can exacerbate the problem, the effects of a drought on a community,
and how to react when one occurs. Develop PSAs.
Score: 40
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the eight repetitive loss structures located in the city’s boundaries.
Maple Heights
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 38
Moreland Hills
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Newburgh Heights
Hazard: Non-Flood Zone Flooding
Action Alternative: There is a lack of accurate and updated NFIP maps for Cuyahoga County.
There is a great concern about areas that flood but have no related NFIP maps. Seek funding to
map non-flood zone areas within the County.
Score: 40
Oakwood Village
Hazard: Severe Storms
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 188
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga communities do not know where all of their critical facilities are
located countywide. Map all of the critical facilities of every community within the County.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Areas of Cuyahoga County have problems with their utilities during and after
severe storm events (i.e. well water, septic systems and long-term power outages). Seek
funding for backup generators for critical facilities and residences with a history of utility
problems (case by case basis).
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e. actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for an interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: County must develop detailed PSAs on siren system as part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Drought
Action Alternative: There is a lack of educational awareness about how droughts can lead to
fires, how flash floods can exacerbate the problem, the effects of a drought on a community and
how to react when one occurs. Develop PSAs.
Score: 40
Olmsted Falls
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Ice storms have dramatic effects on communities within Cuyahoga County,
in relation to public utilities. Seek funding for alternative systems such as underground utilities.
Score: 32
Orange Village
Hazard: Severe Storms
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 189
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Alternative: Cuyahoga residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms, which
creates some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event. Develop innovative PSAs via
mass mailing and community papers to reach residents of the County.
Score: 40
Parma
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County residents are accustomed to dealing with severe storms,
which creates some apathy as it relates to the seriousness of an event. Develop innovative
PSAs via mass mailing and community papers to reach residents of the County.
Score: 36
Parma Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located in Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e. actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
Richmond Heights
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 36
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 36
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located within the city’s boundaries.
Rocky River
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: People drive through floodwaters. Seek funding to install elevation markers
at areas of flash flooding.
Score: 40
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 190
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located with the city’s boundaries.
Shaker Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: All communities located within Cuyahoga County may not be able to
communicate with each other based on the type of communication utilized within a particular
community (i.e., actual equipment used, radios, etc.). Evaluate countywide communication
interoperability. Seek funding to make communities’ first responders interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Solon
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Seek funding for an enhanced Siren and Warning System Countywide that
will be interoperable. Note: Currently 14 communities have warning systems but none are
interoperable.
Score: 40
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The local communities bear “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a
severe storm. Develop a plan for participation to coordinate efforts in the mitigation process.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 40
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop detailed PSAs on the siren system as a part of the
countywide interoperable system.
Score: 40
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 191
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Alternative: There are no building standards that address earthquake resistance.
Evaluate regulations for wind resistance and earthquake resistance. Work with Building
Department to develop standards to mitigate potential damage during and after an earthquake.
Score: 40
South Euclid
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 30
University Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: Cuyahoga County communities do not know where all of their critical
facilities are located countywide. Map all of the critical facilities of every community within the
County.
Score: 36
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: The local communities bear “sole financial burden” when cleaning up after a
severe storm. Develop a plan for participation to coordinate efforts in the mitigation process.
Score: 36
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: There is a lack of warning sirens throughout Cuyahoga County. Seek
funding for a countywide interoperable warning system.
Score: 36
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Alternative: The County must develop innovative PSAs on the siren system as a part of
the countywide interoperable system.
Score: 36
Valley View
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Alternative: There is a lack of law enforcement in securing areas affected by some
severe storm events, which can lead to looting issues that further burden emergency response
services. Develop outreach for communities and awareness of existing mutual aid resources.
Score: 33
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Alternative: Due to the northern location of Cuyahoga County, secondary effects of
winter flooding are a problem. Debris cleanup and dealing with ice are sometimes as bad as
the actual flood. Develop debris management program and plan.
Score: 33
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 192
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the twenty-five repetitive loss structures located in the city’s
boundaries.
Warrensville Heights
Hazard: Flash Flooding
Action Alternative: People drive through floodwaters. Seek funding to install elevation markers
at areas of flash flooding.
Score: 40
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Alternative: No action.
Score: 40
The communities listed below were sent an action items survey due to the fact that they did not
return a matrix as part of the planning process. Their choice of action item(s) to support and
implement are the following:
Berea
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Item: Seek funding for an enhanced Countywide Siren and Warning System that will be
interoperable.
Hazard: 100-Year Floodplain Flooding
Action Item: Evaluate and rank infrastructure problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for
both utilities and roadways and seek funding to permanently mitigate.
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Item: Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by
streambank erosion.
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Item: Seek funding for a Countywide interoperable warning system.
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Item: Develop PSAs targeting children and senior citizens.
Hazard: Drought
Action Item: Develop PSAs to promote educational awareness about droughts and their effects.
Cuyahoga Heights
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Item: Seek funding for an enhanced Countywide Siren and Warning System that will be
interoperable.
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Item: Seek funding for a Countywide interoperable warning system.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 193
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Lakewood
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Item: Seek funding for an enhanced Countywide Siren and Warning System that will be
interoperable.
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Item: Evaluate countywide communication interoperability. Seek funding to make
communities’ first responders interoperable.
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Item: Map all of the critical facilities of every community with the County.
Hazard: Flooding
Action Item: Evaluate and rank infrastructure problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for
both utilities and roadways and seek funding to permanently mitigate.
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Item: Seek funding for a Countywide interoperable warning system.
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Item: County must develop detailed PSAs on siren system as part of the Countywide
interoperable system.
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the four repetitive loss structures located with the city’s boundaries.
Mayfield Village
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located within the village’s boundaries.
Middleburgh Heights
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located within the city’s boundaries.
North Royalton
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located with the city’s boundaries.
Olmsted Township
Hazard: Severe Storms
Action Item: Seek funding for an enhanced Countywide Siren and Warning System that will be
interoperable.
Hazard: Flooding
Action Item: Evaluate and rank infrastructure problems. Determine areas of vulnerability for
both utilities and roadways and seek funding to permanently mitigate.
Hazard: Coastal and Streambank Erosion
Action Item: Seek funding to permanently mitigate infrastructure that is being affected by
streambank erosion.
Hazard: Tornadoes
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 194
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Action Item: Seek funding for a Countywide interoperable warning system.
Hazard: Tornadoes
Action Item: Evaluate Metropark system and mobile home park sites to determine potential to
install multi-use tornado shelters. Seek funding to implement installations of tornado shelters.
Hazard: Earthquakes
Action Item: Develop PSAs targeting children and senior citizens.
Pepper Pike
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the two repetitive loss structures located with the city’s boundaries.
Westlake
Hazard: Flooding
Action Alternative: Mitigate the repetitive loss structure located with the city’s boundaries.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 195
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 13 – EXISTING PLANNING DOCUMENTS /
ORGANIZED WATERSHED GROUPS

APPENDIX 13 – Existing Planning Documents / Organized Watershed Groups
Community
Comprehensive
Plan
Floodplain
Ordinances
Land Use
Ordinances
Bay Village Disaster Plan X X
Organized
Watershed
Groups
Beachwood Under review X X X
Bedford Ch. 1353
Other Documents
Master Storm Sewer Maps
and FEMA floodplain maps
Bedford Heights X X X City Disaster Plan
Bentleyville Ch. 1446, 1272 Section 1266
Berea X X
Bratenahl In process X
Brecksville Ch. 1159
Broadview Heights X X
Brookyln Ord. #1986-46
Brooklyn Heights
Brook Park
Zoning and land use
studies underway
Ord. #1987-1,
1991-88
X X
Flood
Prevention
Ordinance
Chagrin Falls X X X X
Cleveland Civic Vision 2000 X Zoning Code X
Cleveland Heights X X X X
Cuyahoga Heights None None None None
East Cleveland
Euclid X X
Fairview Park
Garfield Heights X X X
Gates Mills X X X
Chagrin River
Watershed
Partners
Stormwater Management
Plan, Stormwater
Management Ordinance
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 196
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community
Comprehensive
Plan
Floodplain
Ordinances
Land Use
Ordinances
Organized
Watershed
Groups
Highland Heights X X X X
Hunting Valley X X X
Independence X X
Lakewood X X X
Lyndhurst X X X
Maple Heights X
Mayfield Heights Master Plan
Storm
Management
Plan in process
Rocky River
Watershed
Council
Other Documents
Maps depicting 100 and 500yr
flood plains
Stormwater Management
Plan
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 197
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
X
Zoning
Ordinances
Mayfield Village X X X X
Middleburg Heights
Moreland Hills X Ord. #1339 X
Chagrin River
Watershed
Partners
Newburgh Heights X X None
North Olmsted
North Randall X X
North Royalton X X X
Oakwood Village
Olmsted Falls X X X
Olmsted Township
Rocky River
Watershed
Council
Orange Village X X
Parma X X X
Parma Heights X X
West Creek
Preservation
Group
Phase II EPA NPDES
General Permit

Community
Pepper Pike
Comprehensive
Plan
Floodplain
Ordinances
Land Use
Ordinances
Richmond Heights X
Rocky River
Seven Hills X X X
Organized
Watershed
Groups
Shaker Heights X X X Doan Brook
Solon X X X
South Euclid X X X X
Strongsville X X
University Heights X X X X
Valley View X Ch.1228
Walton Hills Master Plan Ch.1468
Planning and
zoning code
Planning and
zoning code
Warrensville Heights X X X
Westlake X X X
Mill Creek
Watershed
Partnership
Other Documents
Comprehensive Erosion
Study
Rocky River Watershed
Council
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 198
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 14 – ADDITIONAL CRITICAL FACILITIES

APPENDIX 14 – Additional Critical Facilities
Community Type Address Zipcode
Bay Village Normandy Elementary School 26920 Normandy Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay Village Middle School 27725 Wolf Rd. 44140
Bay Village Westerly Elementary School 30301 Wolf Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay High School 29230 Wolf Rd. 44140
Bay Village Glenview Center for Child Care Learning 28727 Wolf Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay Village Montessori School 493 Forestview Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay Kiddie Kollege and Day Care 28607 Wolf Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay Presbyterian Nursery School 25415 Lake Rd. 44140
Bay Village Cooperative Pre-School of Bay Village 29931 Lake Rd. 44140
Bay Village Westside Christian Academy 468 Bradley Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay Village City Hall 350 Dover Center Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bay Village Board of Education 377 Dover Center Rd. 44140
Bay Village Bradley Bay Nursing Home 605 Bradley Rd. 44140
Bay Village St. Raphael's Catholic School 525 Dover Center Rd. 44140
Beachwood Beachwood Government Offices 2700 Richmond Rd. 44122
Beachwood Beachwood City Jail
Beachwood Beachwood Middle School 2860 Richmond Rd. 44122
Beachwood Hilltop Elementary School 24524 Hilltop Dr. 44122
Beachwood Fairmount Elementary School 24601 Fairmount Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Bryden Elementary School 25501 Bryden Rd. 44122
Beachwood Agnon School 26500 Shaker Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Fairmount Temple - Religious School 23737 Fairmount Blvd. 44122
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 199
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Beachwood Fairmount Temple 23727 Fairmount Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Temple-Tifereth Israel 26000 Shaker Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Green Road Synagogue 2437 South Green Rd. 44122
Beachwood Jewish Community Center 26001 South Woodland Street 44122
Beachwood Tikvat Yisrael Messianic Congregation 22111 Chagrin Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Young Israel of Beachwood 2463 S. Green Rd. 44122
Beachwood Shaarey Tikrah 26811 Fairmount Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Trinity Presbyterian Church 22111 Chagrin Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Menorah Park Nursing Center 27100 Cedar Rd. 44122
Beachwood Villa Sancta Anna Home for the Aged 25000 Chagrin Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Beachwood Nursing and Healthcare 23900 Chagrin Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Harborside Healthcare 3800 Park East Drive 44122
Beachwood Hospice of NCJW Montefiore 27080 Cedar Rd. 44122
Beachwood Stone Gardens Assisted Living 27090 Cedar Rd. 44122
Beachwood Beachwood High School 25100 Fairmont Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Akiva High School 26500 Shaker Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Cleveland Hebrew School - Main OFC 25400 Fairmount Blvd. 44122
Beachwood Suburban Temple - Kol AMI 22401 Chagrin Blvd. 44122
Bedford Board of Education 475 Northfield Rd. 44146
Bedford Glendale Primary School 400 W. Glendale Ave. 44146
Bedford Central Primary School 799 Washington St. 44146
Bedford Carylwood Intermediate School 1387 Caryl Drive 44146
Bedford High School 481 Northfield Rd. 44146
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 200
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Bedford St. Mary School 270 Union St. 44146
Bedford St. Pius X 370 Center Rd. 44146
Bedford St. Peter Chanel High School 480 Northfield Rd. 44146
Bedford Bedford Nursery 365 Center Rd. 44146
Bedford Childtime Child Care
Bedford Dee's Little Darlings 455 Broadway Ave. 44146
Bedford University Hospital Health Systems Bedford Medical Center 44 Blaine Ave. 44146
Bedford Heights City Hall Complex 5661 Perkins Rd. 44146
Bedford Heights Aurora Upper Intermediate School 24200 Aurora Rd. 44146
Bedford Heights Columbus Intermediate School 23600 Columbus Rd. 44146
Bedford Heights Heskett Middle School 5771 Perkinds Rd. 44146
Berea Berea City Hall 11 Berea Commons 44017
Berea Berea Rec Dept. 451 Front Street 44017
Berea Berea Service Dept. 400 Barrett Rd. 44017
Berea Berea Water Plant 57 1/2 Westbridge St. 44017
Berea Aristocrat Berea Nursing Home 255 Front St. 44017
Berea Berea Center - Alzheimer Care 49 Sheldon Rd. 44017
Berea Berea Board of Education 390 Fair St. 44017
Berea Baldwin Wallace College 275 Eastland Rd. 44017
Berea Berea High School 165 E. Bagley Rd. 44017
Brecksville Brecksville Community Center 1 Community Drive 44141
Brecksville Young Friends of Brecksville 10091 Brecksville Rd. 44141
Brecksville R.I.T.A. 10107 Brecksville Rd. 44141
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 201
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Brecksville Central School 23 Public Square 44141
Brecksville Highland School 9547 Highland Drive 44141
Brecksville Haven Hill 4411 Oakes Rd. 44141
Brecksville Brecksville Co-Op School 4430 Oakes Rd. 44141
Brecksville South Suburban Montessori School 4448 Oakes Rd. 44141
Brecksville Blossom School 4450 Oakes Rd. 44141
Brecksville Power Plant 4454 Oakes Rd. 44141
Brecksville Veterans Hospital 10000 Brecksville Rd. 44141
Brecksville Loving Care Nursery 8131 Brecksville Rd. 44141
Brecksville Cuyahoga County Career Center 8001 Brecksville Rd. 44141
Brecksville Horizon Nursery School 65 Public Square 44141
Brecksville St. Basil Church (Kindergarten) 8700 Brecksville Rd. 44141
Brecksville Hilton Elementary 6812 Mill Rd. 44141
Brecksville Chippewa Elementary School 8611 Wiese Rd. 44141
Broadview Heights City Hall 9543 Broadview Rd. 44147
Broadview Heights Harborside Healthcare 2801 E. Royalton Rd. 44147
Broadview Heights Assumption Catholic Church 9183 Broadview Rd. 44147
Broadview Heights Lawrence School 1551 E. Wallings Rd. 44147
Broadview Heights Brecksville/Broadveiw Heights High School 6380 Mill Road 44147
Brooklyn Heritage Christian School 4403 Tiedeman Rd. 44144
Brooklyn Brooklyn High School 9200 Biddulph Rd. 44144
Brooklyn Brookridge Elementary School 4500 Ridge Rd. 44144
Brooklyn Brooklyn Senior Center 7727 Memphis Ave. 44144
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 202
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Brooklyn St. Thomas More Church 4170 North Amber 44144
Brooklyn Roadoan Elementary School 4525 Roadoan Rd. 44144
Brooklyn Brooklyn City Hall 7619 Memphis Ave. 44144
Brooklyn Brooklyn Recreation Center 7600 Memphis Ave. 44144
Brooklyn Brooklyn Service Garage 9400 Memphis Ave. 44144
Brook Park Brook Park Memorial Elementary School 16900 Holland Rd. 44142
Brook Park Brookview Elementary School 14105 Snow Rd. 44142
Brook Park Ford Middle School 17001 Holland Rd. 44142
Brook Park Berea High School 165 E. Bagley Rd. 44142
Brook Park Midpark High School 7000 Paula Drive 44130
Brook Park Polaris Vocation School 44142
Brook Park Southwest General Health Center 44142
Cleveland EMS Headquarters
Cleveland EMS Dispatch Center
MetroHelath Medical Center, 1708
Southpoint Drive, 9th Floor
Cleveland St. Augustine Manor 7911 Detroit Ave.
3rd District Police Station, 2001 Payne
Ave., 4th Floor
Cleveland Lutheran Medical Center 2609 Franklin Blvd.
Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center 2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland Deaconess Hospital 4229 Pearl Rd. 44102
Cleveland St. Michael's Hospital 5163 Broadway Ave. 44127
Cleveland Caritas-St. Vincent Charity 2351 East 22nd St. 44115
Cleveland St. Luke's Hospital 11314 Hulda Ave.
Cleveland Fariview/Westpark Center 15531 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland Euclid General 18901 Lake Shore Blvd. 44119
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 203
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
44109
44115

Community Type Address Zipcode
Cleveland St. Luke's Hospital 11311 Shaker Blvd. 44104
Cleveland Algart Health Center 8902 Detroit Ave. 44102
Cleveland Amasa Stone House 975 East Blvd. 44108
Cleveland Baldwin Manor 2437 Baldwin Rd. 44104
Cleveland Cedarwood Plaza 12504 Cedar Ave. 44106
Cleveland Cityview Nursing 6606 Carnegie Ave 44103
Cleveland Cleveland Clinic Subacute Services 9500 Euclid Ave, Unit 31 44195
Cleveland Cleveland Rehab Special Care 8800 Carnegie Ave 44106
Cleveland Covenant Care Center 4401 West 150th St. 44135
Cleveland Deaconess Skilled Nursing Facility 4229 Pearl Rd. 44109
Cleveland Elizabeth Severance Prentiss Center 3525 Scranton Rd. 44109
Cleveland Eliza Bryant Village 7201 Wade Park Ave. 44103
Cleveland Eliza Jennings Home 10603 Detroit Ave. 44102
Cleveland Extended Rehab Center At Lutheran Hospital 1730 W. 25th St. 44113
Cleveland Fairfax Health Care Center 9014 Cedar Ave. 44106
Cleveland Fairview Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit 18101 Lorain Ave. 44111
Cleveland Forest Hills Center Div. Of Altercare 736 Lakeview Rd. 44108
Cleveland Franklin Plaza 3600 Franklin Blvd. 44113
Cleveland Geri Care Inc. 2438 Mapleside Rd. 44104
Cleveland Hanna House Skilled Nursing Center 11100 Euclid Ave. 44106
Cleveland Hillside Plaza 18220 Euclid Ave. 44112
Cleveland Judson Park/Breuning 2181 Ambleside Rd. 44106
Cleveland Kethley House at Benjamin Rose Place 11900 Fairhill Rd. 44120
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 204
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Cleveland Little Sisters of the Poor 4291 Richmond Rd. 44122
Cleveland Madonna Hall 1906 East 82nd St. 44103
Cleveland Manor Care Health Services 4102 Rocky River Dr. 44135
Cleveland Manor Care Health Services 16101 Lake Shore Blvd. 44110
Cleveland Metro-Health Medical Center - Division 6A 2500 MetroHealth Rd. 44109
Cleveland MetroHealth Center for Skilled Nursing - East 4310 Richmond Rd. 44122
Cleveland Overlook House 2187 Overlook Rd. 44106
Cleveland Palmcrest Bellaire Nursing Home 12709 Bellaire Rd. 44135
Cleveland Rae Ann Center 4650 Rocky River Dr. 44135
Cleveland Rudwick Manor Special Care Center 17322 Euclid Ave. 44112
Cleveland Singleton Health Care 1867 E. 82nd St. 44103
Cleveland Slovene Home for the Aged 18621 Neff Rd. 44119
Cleveland St. Augustine Manor 7801 Detroit Ave 44102
Cleveland St. Vincent Charity Hospital Skilled Unit 2351 E. 22nd St. 44115
Cleveland Suburban Pavilion 20265 Emery Rd. 44128
Cleveland Sunset Nursing Home 1802 Crawford Rd. 44106
Cleveland Traditions Care Center 4387 W. 150th St. 44135
Cleveland UHHS- St. Michael Skilled Nursing Unit 5163 Broadway Ave. 44127
Cleveland University Manor 2186 Ambleside Rd. 44106
Cleveland Villa Care Center 4835 Broadway Ave. 44109
Cleveland Willow Park Convalescent Home 18810 Harvard Rd. 44122
Cleveland Heights City Hall 40 Severance Circle Dr.
Cleveland Heights Cedarwood Plaza Nursing Home 12504 Cedar Rd.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 205
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Cleveland Heights Cleveland Heights High School 13263 Cedar Rd.
East Cleveland Christ the King School 1862 Noble Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Chambers Elementary 14305 Shaw Ave. 44112
East Cleveland East Cleveland Developmental Center 14900 Shaw Ave. 44112
East Cleveland Kirk Middle School 14410 Terrace 44112
East Cleveland Mayfair School 13916 Mayfair Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Prospect School 1843 Standwood Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Rozelle School 12917 Phillips 44112
East Cleveland Shaw High School 15320 Euclid 44112
East Cleveland Superior School 1865 Garfield Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Caledonia School 914 Caledonia 44112
East Cleveland Meridia Huron Hospital 13951 Terrace Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Fire Station No.1 1822 Marloes 44112
East Cleveland Fire Station No.2 14301 Shaw Ave. 44112
East Cleveland Police Department (jail) 14340 Euclid Ave. 44112
East Cleveland Martin Luther King Civic Center 14900 Shaw Ave. 44112
East Cleveland East Cleveland City Hall 14340 Euclid Ave. 44112
East Cleveland Eastern Star 2114 Noble Rd. 44112
East Cleveland McGregor Home 14900 Private Dr. 44112
East Cleveland Candlewood Park 1835 Belmore Ave. 44112
East Cleveland Owl's Nest 2020 Taylor Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Crystal Tower 16000 Terrace Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Apthorp Tower 12900 Superior Rd. 44112
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 206
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
East Cleveland Terrace Tower 15600 Terrace Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Windsor Park Place 13855 Superior Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Park Lane 13800 Terrace Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Forest Hill Terrace 14000 Terrace Rd. 44112
East Cleveland Forest Hill Terrace 14030 Terrace Rd.
East Cleveland Forest Hill Terrace 14100 Terrace Rd.
East Cleveland Helen S. Brown 1821 Noble Rd. 44112
Euclid Euclid Hospital 18901 Lake Shore Blvd. 44119
Euclid Thomas Jefferson Magnet School 1455 East 260th St.
Euclid Euclid High School 711 East 222nd St. 44123
Euclid Upson Elementary 490 East 260th St.
Euclid Roosevelt Elementary 551 East 200th St. 44119
Euclid Lincoln Elementary 280 East 206th St. 44123
Euclid Euclid Central Middle School 20701 Euclid Ave.
Euclid Glenbrook Elementary School 23500 Glenbrook Blvd.
Euclid St. Christine's School 840 E. 222nd St. 44123
Euclid St. Felicitas School 140 Richmond Rd. 44143
Euclid St. William's School 351 E. 260th St. 44132
Euclid Forest Park School 27000 Elinore Ave. 44132
Euclid Holy Cross School 175 E. 200th St. 44119
Euclid St. Paul School 1200 E. 200th St. 44117
Euclid St. Robert's School 23802 Lake Shore Blvd. 44123
Euclid Eastwood Day Treatment 1941 Sagamore 44117
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 207
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Euclid Mary Mavec 21101 Lake Shore Blvd. 44123
Euclid Braeview Care & Rehabilitation Center 20611 Euclid Ave. 44117
Euclid Gateway Retirement Community 3 Gateway Drive 44119
Euclid Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home 21800 Chardon Rd. 44117
Euclid Indian Hills Health Care 1500 East 191 St. 44117
Euclid Rosemary Center 19350 Euclid Ave. 44117
Euclid Euclid Family Homes 19853/19855 Grand Blvd. 44117
Euclid Euclid Group Home 23050 Euclid Ave. 44117
Euclid Hillandale Manor 1691 Hillandale Drive 44092
Euclid Hilltop Retirement Village 25900 Euclid Ave. 44132
Euclid
Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation and
Development Disabilities
1490 East 191 St.
Euclid Euclid City Hall 585 E. 222nd Street
Euclid Euclid City Jail 545 E. 222nd Street
Fairview Park City Hall 20777 Lorain Rd. 44126
Fairview Park Fairview High School 4507 W. 213 St. 44126
Fairview Park Parkview School 21610 Mastick Rd. 44126
Fairview Park Garnett School 4275 W.208th St. 44126
Fairview Park Coffinberry Early Education School 19020 Coffinberry 44126
Highland Heights City Hall 5827 Highland Rd. 44143
Highland Heights Millridge School 950 Millridge Rd. 44143
Highland Heights St. Paschal School 5360 Wilson Mills 44143
Highland Hills Highland Hills Village Hall 3700 Northfield Road
Highland Hills Police Department 3700 Northfield Road
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 208
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Highland Hills Fire Depart 4019 Northfield Road
Highland Hills Cleveland House of Corrections Millcreek Blvd.
Highland Hills Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus 4250 Richmond Rd.
Hihgland Hills Cuyahoga Hills Boys School 4321 Green Rd.
Highland Hills Green Road Development Center 4329 Green Rd.
Highland Hills MetroHealth Center for Skilled Nursing Care 4510 Richmond Rd.
Highland Hills Ohio National Guard Armory 4303 Green Rd.
Independence Independence City Hall 6800 Brecksville Rd. 44131
Independence Independence High School 6111 Archwood Rd. 44131
Independence Independence Primary School 7600 Hillside Rd. 44131
Lakewood Animal Shelter 1699 Metropark Valley Pky. 44107
Lakewood Aristocrat Nursing Home 13900 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Crestmont Nursing Home 13330 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Div. Of Aging - East/Fedor Manor 12400 Madison 44107
Lakewood Div. Of Aging - West 16022 Madison 44107
Lakewood Divison of Community Development 12900 Madison 44107
Lakewood Emerson Junior High 13439 Clifton 44107
Lakewood Franklin School 13465 Franklin 44107
Lakewood Garfield School 13114 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Grant School 1470 Victoria 44107
Lakewood Harding Junior High 16600 Hilliard 44107
Lakewood Harrison School 2069 Dowd 44107
Lakewood Hayes School 16401 Delaware 44107
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 209
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Lakewood Health Dept./ Water Dept. 12805 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Horace Mann Junior High 1215 W. Clifton 44107
Lakewood Lakewood Armory 1437 Wayne 44107
Lakewood Lakewood Board of Education 1456 Warren 44107
Lakewood Lakewood City Hall/Police Dept. 12650 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Lakewood High School 14100 Franklin 44107
Lakewood Lakewood Hospital Belle & Detroit 44107
Lakewood Lakewood Library Detroit & Arthur 44107
Lakewood Lakewood Lutheran School 1419 Lakeland 44107
Lakewood Lincoln School 15615 Clifton 44107
Lakewood Madison Library 13229 Madison 44107
Lakewood Madison School 16601 Madison 44107
Lakewood McKinley School 1351 W. Clifton 44107
Lakewood Northwesterly 1341 Marlowe 44107
Lakewood Roosevelt School 14237 Athens 44107
Lakewood Southwesterly 14401 Detroit 44107
Lakewood St. Augustine High School 14808 Lake 44107
Lakewood St. Clement School 14505 Madison 44107
Lakewood St. Cyril & Methodius 1639 Alameda 44107
Lakewood St. Edward High School 13500 Detroit 44107
Lakewood St. James School 17400 Northwood 44107
Lakewood St. Luke School 13889 Clifton 44107
Lakewood Taft School 13701 Lake 44107
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 210
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Lakewood WWTP 1699 MetorPark Valley Pkwy. 44107
Lakewood Westerly Building "7" 14300 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Westerly Building "11" 14306 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Westerly Buidling "15" 14312 Detroit 44107
Lakewood Wright Nursing Home 13315 Detroit 44107
Cuyahoga Heights Town Hall 4863 E. 71st St. 44125
Lyndhurst Lyndhurst High School
Lyndhurst Lyndhurst Nursing Homes
Lyndhurst Brush High School 4875 Glenlyn Rd. 44124
Maple Heights Maple Heights High School 5500 Clement St. 44137
Maple Heights Maple Heights Middle School 5460 West Blvd. 44137
Maple Heights Dunham Elementary School 5965 Dunham Rd. 44137
Maple Heights Raymond Elementary School 18500 Raymond St. 44137
Maple Heights Maple Heights Building Dept. 5353 Lee Rd. 44137
Maple Heights City Hall 5353 Lee Rd. 44137
Maple Heights Service Dept. 5353 Lee Rd. 44137
Maple Heights Rockside Elementary School 5740 Lawn St. 44137
Maple Heights Stafford Elementary School 19800 Stafford Ave. 44137
Maple Heights St. Wenceslas School 5250 Arch St. 44137
Maple Heights St. Martin of Tours School 14600 Turney Rd. 44137
Maple Heights Marymount Hospital 12300 McCracken Rd. 44137
Maple Heights Bedford Medical Center 44 Blaine Ave.
Maple Heights Maplecare 16231 Broadway Ave. 44137
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 211
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Mayfield Heights Mayfield Heights City Hall 6154 Mayfield Rd. 44124
Mayfield Heights Mayfield Heights Community Building 6306 Marsol Rd. 44124
Mayfield Heights Hillcrest Hospital 6780 Mayfield Rd. 44124
Mayfield Heights Lander Elementary School 1714 Lander Rd. 44124
Mayfield Heights Mayfield Middle School 1123 S.O.M. Center Rd. 44124
Mayfield Heights Manor Care Nursing Home 6757 Mayfield Rd. 44124
Middleburg Heights St. Bartholomew Academy Bagely Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Midpark High School 7000 Paula Drive 44130
Middleburg Heights Big Creek Elementary School 7247 Big Creek Parkway 44130
Middleburg Heights Royal Oak Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 6973 Pearl Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Century Oak Care Center 7250 Old Oak. Blvd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Southern Hills Health & Rehabilitiation Center 19530 Bagley Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Southwest General Health Center 18697 Bagley Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Parkside Villa Skilled Nursing 7040 Hepburn Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Brookside Estates 15435 Bagley Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Fire Department 15800 Bagley Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights Police Department 15750 Bagley Rd. 44130
Middleburg Heights City Hall 15700 Bagley Rd. 44130
Newburgh Heights Municipal Center 4000 Washington Park Blvd. 44105
Newburgh Heights Washington Park Elementary School 4000 Washington Park Blvd. 44105
North Olmsted North Olmsted City Hall 5200 Dover Center Rd. 44070
North Olmsted North Olmsted Rec Center 26000 Lorain Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Senior Center 28114 Lorain Rd. 44070
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 212
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
North Olmsted Senior High School 5755 Burns Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Middle School 27351 Butternut Ridge Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Middle School Annex 27253 Butternut Ridge Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Butternut Primary School 26669 Butternut Ridge Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Chestnut Intermediate School 30395 Lorain Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Forest Primary School 28963 Tudor Drive 44070
North Olmsted Maple Intermediate School 24101 Maple Ridge Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Pine Intermediate School 4267 Dover Center Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Spruce Primary School 28595 Windsor Drive 44070
North Olmsted Olmsted Manor Nursing Home 27420 Mill Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Manor Care Nursing Home 23225 Lorain Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Wellington Place (Assisted Living) 4800 Clague Rd. 44070
North Olmsted North Coast Behavioral Group Home 4058 Walter Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Heatherbrook Group Home 4650 Dover Center 44070
North Olmsted North Coast Community Home 6609 Cypress 44070
North Olmsted North Coast Community Home 5656 Decker 44070
North Olmsted North Coast Community Home 6797 Stearns 44070
North Olmsted The Johnson House 29794 Lorain Rd. 44070
North Olmsted The Johnson House 29756 Lorain Rd. 44070
North Olmsted Birch Primary School 24100 Palm Drive 44070
North Olmsted North Coast Community Home 23733 Curtis 44070
North Olmsted Our Lady of the Wayside 6544 McKenzie 44070
North Royalton North Royalton City Hall 13834 Ridge Rd. 44133
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 213
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
North Royalton North Royalton PD and Jail Facility 14000 Bennett Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton Office on Aging/Human Services 13500 Bennett Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton Wastewater Dept. and Animal Control Facility 11675 Royalton Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton Wastewater Dept. 11355 Sprague Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton Recreation Dept. 14631 York Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton Board of Education 6579 Royalton Rd. 44133
North Royalton Albion Elementary School 9360 Albion Rd. 44133
North Royalton Royal View Elementary Schoool 13220 Ridge Rd. 44133
North Royalton Valley Vista Elementary School 4049 Wallings Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton Middle School 14709 Ridge Rd. 44133
North Royalton North Royalton High School 14713 Ridge Rd. 44133
North Royalton St. Albert the Great School 6667 Wallings Rd. 44133
North Royalton Royal Redeemer Lutheran School 11680 Royalton Rd. 44133
North Royalton Mount Royal Villa Care Center 13900 Bennett Rd. 44133
North Royalton Patrician Skilled Nursing Center 9001 West 130th Street 44133
North Royalton Cleveland Water Facility 15950 Ridge Rd. 44133
North Royalton
North Royalton Service Center: Building/Engineering/Service
Depts.
11545 Royalton Rd. 44133
North Royalton Royalton Woods 14277 State Rd. 44133
Oakwood Village Oak Park Nursing 24613 Broadway Ave. 44146
Oakwood Village Heritage Care Nursing 24579 Broadway Ave. 44146
Oakwood Village Stratford Commons Nursing 7000 Cochran Rd. 44139
Oakwood Village Walton Manor Nursing 19859 Alexander Rd. 44146
Olmsted Falls Olmsted Falls City Hall 26100 Bagley Rd. 44138
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 214
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Olmsted Falls Falls-Lennox Elementary School 26450 Bagley Rd. 44138
Olmsted Falls Kemper House of the Falls Alzheimer's Facility 25880 Elm Street 44138
Olmsted Falls Community Center 8170 Mapleway Drive 44318
Olmsted Falls Olmsted Falls Service Dept. 8051 Brookside Dr. 44138
Olmsted Falls Village of the Falls Assisted Living 25920 Elm Street 44138
Olmsted Falls Olmsted Falls Middle School 27045 Bagely Rd. 44138
Olmsted Falls Fitch Intermediate 7105 Fitch Rd. 44138
Olmsted Township High School
Olmsted Township Middle School
Olmsted Township Elementary School
Orange Village University Hospital Health System & Urgent Care 3909 Orange Place 44122
Orange Village Orange Christian Academy 27200 Emery Rd. 44122
Orange Village Orange Village Town Hall 4600 Lander Rd. 44022
Parma 1st Step Preschool 7377 Chateau Dr. 44130
Parma Bethany Assembly of God 6195 Broadview Rd. 44134
Parma Bethany Lutheran 6041 Ridge Rd. 44129
Parma Bethel Christian Academy 12901 W. Pleasant Valley 44130
Parma Bethany Christian School 6195 Broadview Rd. 44134
Parma Bethlehem Lutheran 7500 State Rd. 44134
Parma Dag Hammarskjold 4040 Tamarak Dr. 44134
Parma Dentzler Elementary 3600 Dentzler Rd. 44134
Parma Green Valley Elementary 2401 W. Pleasant Valley 44134
Parma Greenbriar Junior High 11810 Huffman Rd. 44130
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 215
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Parma Holy Family Parochial 7367 York Rd. 44130
Parma James Hanna Elementary 11212 Snow Rd. 44129
Parma John Muir Elementary 5531 W. 24th St. 44134
Parma Normandy Senior High 2500 W. Pleasant Valley 44134
Parma Padua Senior High 6740 State Rd. 44134
Parma Parkview Elementary 5210 Loya Parkway 44134
Parma Parma Park Church of God 6800 Commonwealth Blvd. 44130
Parma Parma Senior High School 6285 W. 54th Street 44134
Parma Pleasant Valley Elementary 9906 Pleasant Valley 44130
Parma Renwood Elementary 8020 Deerfield Dr. 44129
Parma Ridgebrook Elementary 7915 Manhattan 44129
Parma St. Anthony Parochial 6800 State Rd. 44134
Parma St. Bridget's Parochial 5620 Hauserman Rd. 44130
Parma St. Charles Parochial 7107 Wilber Ave. 44129
Parma St. Columbkilles Parochial 6740 Broadview Rd. 44134
Parma St. Frances De Sales 3434 George Ave. 44134
Parma St. Josephats Parochial 5720 State Rd. 44134
Parma Shiloh Junior High 2303 Grantwood Dr. 44134
Parma State Road Elementary 6121 State Rd. 44134
Parma Thoreau Park Elementary 5401 W. 54th St. 44134
Parma Bethlehem Lutheran 7500 State Rd. 44134
Parma Col. John Glen Elementary 1300 Dartmoor Ave. 44134
Parma City Hall 6611 Ridge Rd. 44129
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 216
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Parma Justice Center 5555 Powers Blvd. 44129
Parma Communications Center 6617 Ridge Rd. 44129
Parma Senior Center 7001 W. Ridgewood Dr. 44129
Parma Schaaf Community Center 5983 W. 54th Street 44134
Parma USPS Parma Branch 7801 Day
Parma USPS Briggs Branch 5611 State
Parma Monte Armory 5301 Hauserman
Parma Arden Courts 9205 W. Sprague
Parma Broadview Multicare 5520 Broadview
Parma Holy Family Cancer Home 6707 State
Parma Mt. Alverna Rest Home 6765 State
Parma Parma Care Center 5553 Broadview
Parma Pine Grove Habilitation 5608 Pearl
Parma Pleasant Lakes Villa 7260 Ridge
Parma Pleasantview 7377 Ridge
Parma Seasons of Life Hospice 9511 W. Pleasant Valley
Parma Sunrise Assisted Living 7766 Broadview
Parma Heights Valley Forge High School 9999 Indepence Blvd.
Pepper Pike Pepper Pike City Hall
Pepper Pike Hillcrest Hospital
Pepper Pike Orange Schools
Pepper Pike Ursuline College
Pepper Pike Beechbrook 3737 Lander Rd. 44124
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 217
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Richmond Heights University Hospital Richmond Heights 27100 Chardon Rd. 44143
Richmond Heights Richmond Heights Local Schools 447 Richmond Rd. 44143
Richmond Heights United States Postal Office 454 Richmond Rd. 44143
Richmond Heights Cuyahoga County Airport
Richmond Heights Grand Pointe Nursing Home 3 Merit Drive 44143
Richmond Heights Homewood Assisted Living 3 Homewood 44143
Rocky River Rocky River City Hall 21012 Hilliard Blvd. 44116
Rocky River The Welsh Home 22199 Center Ridge Rd. 44116
Rocky River Normandy Manor 22709 Lake Rd. 44116
Rocky River Sunrise Assisted Living 21600 Detroit Rd. 44116
Rocky River St. Christopher 1610 Lakeview 44116
Rocky River St. Thomas 21211 Detroit Rd. 44116
Rocky River Magnificat High School 20770 Hilliard Blvd. 44116
Rocky River Lutheran West High School 3850 Linden 44116
Rocky River Rocky River High School 20951 Detroit Rd. 44116
Rocky River Rocky River Middle School 1631 Lakeview 44116
Rocky River Kensington Intermediate 20140 Lake Rd. 44116
Rocky River Goldwood Primary 21600 Center Ridge Rd. 44116
Rocky River Ruffing Montessori 1285 Orchard Park 44116
Rocky River Rocky River Civic Center 21018 Hilliard Blvd. 44116
Rocky River Harbor Court 22900 Center Ridge Rd. 44116
Seven Hills Seven Hills Community Recreation Center 7777 Summitview Drive 44131
Seven Hills Hillside Middle School Educational Park Drive 44131
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 218
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Seven Hills Col. John Glen Elementary 1300 E. Dartmoor Ave. 44131
Shaker Heights Shaker Heights Board of Education 15600 Parkland 44120
Shaker Heights Boulevard Elementary 14900 Drexmore 44120
Shaker Heights Fernway Elementary 17420 Fernway 44120
Shaker Heights Lomond Elementary 17917 Lomond 44120
Shaker Heights Mercer Elementary 23325 Wimbledon 44120
Shaker Heights Onaway Elementary 3115 Woodbury 44120
Shaker Heights Woodbury Elementary 15400 South Woodland 44120
Shaker Heights Shaker Heights Middle School 20600 Shaker Blvd. 44120
Shaker Heights Shaker Heights High School 15911 Aldersyde 44120
Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown 19600 North Park Blvd. 44120
Shaker Heights Laurel School 1 Lyman School 44120
Shaker Heights University School 20701 Brantley 44120
Shaker Heights St. Dominic's 3455 Northwood 44120
Shaker Heights Greenview Treatment 14201 Southington 44120
Shaker Heights Shaker Family Center 19824 Sussex Rd. 44120
Shaker Heights Taylor Road Nursery 3635 Lee Rd. 44120
Shaker Heights Nana Ella's Day Care 3685 Lee Rd. 44120
Shaker Heights CCBMR/Early Childhood Program 19824 Sussex Rd. 44120
Shaker Heights Plymouth Parents Day Out 2860 Coventry 44120
Shaker Heights Heights Christian Nursery 17300 Van Aken 44120
Shaker Heights Plymouth Head Start 2860 Coventry 44120
Shaker Heights First Baptist Day Care 3630 Fairmount Blvd. 44120
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 219
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Shaker Heights Jewish Day Nursery 22201 Fairmont 44120
Shaker Heights Somerset Nursing Facility 3550 Northfield Rd. 44120
Shaker Heights Sunrise Assisted Living 16333 Chagrin Blvd. 44120
Shaker Heights Shaker Heights City Hall 3400 Lee Rd. 44120
Shaker Heights Carol Nursery 19824 Sussex Rd. 44120
Solon Solon Medical Campus 33001 Solon Rd. 44139
Solon Solon High School 33600 Inwood Dr. 44139
Solon Orchard Middle School 6800 SOM Center Rd. 44139
Solon Solon Middle School 6835 SOM Center Rd. 44139
Solon Dorothy E. Lewis School 32345 Cannon Rd. 44139
Solon Grace L. Roxbury School 6795 Solon Blvd. 44139
Solon Arthur Road Elementary 33425 Arthur Rd. 44139
Solon St. Rita Catholic School 32820 Baldwin Dr. 44139
Solon Emerald Ridge Senior & Health Care Community of Solon 6525 Emerald Ridge Parkway 44139
Solon Solon Correctional Facility 33000 Solon Rd. 44139
Solon Solon City Hall 34200 Bainbridge Rd. 44139
Solon Solon Recreation Dept. 6679 SOM Center Rd. 44139
Solon Solon Dept. of Senior Services 33790 Bainbridge Rd. 44139
Solon Solon Recreation Dept. Portz Parkway 44139
Solon Solon Fire and Rescue 7401 SOM Center Rd. 44139
Solon Parkside Elementary 6845 SOM Center Rd. 44139
Solon Solon Service Dept. 6600 Cochran Rd. 44139
Solon Solon Water Reclamation Dept. 6951 Cochran Rd. 44139
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 220
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
South Euclid University Suburban Health Center 1611 S. Green Rd. 44171
South Euclid South Euclid-Lyndhurst Board of Education 5044 Mayfield Rd. 44124
South Euclid Brush High School 4875 Glenlyn Rd. 44124
South Euclid Memorial Jr. High School 1250 Professor Rd. 44124
South Euclid Greenview Upper Elementary School 1825 Green Rd. 44124
South Euclid Adrian Elementary School 1071 Homestead Rd. 44121
South Euclid Lowden Elementary School 4106 Lowden Rd. 44141
South Euclid Ridgebury Elementary School 1111 Alvey Rd. 44121
South Euclid Rowland Elementary School 4300 Bayard Rd. 44121
South Euclid Southlyn Elementary School 1340 Professor Rd. 44121
South Euclid Sunview Elementary School 5520 Meadow Wood Blvd. 44124
University Heights City Hall Silsby Rd. and Warrensville Rd. 44118
University Heights John Carroll University 20700 North Park Blvd. 44118
University Heights Wiley School 2181 Miramar Blvd. 44118
University Heights Gearity School 2328 Wrenford Rd. 44118
University Heights Gesu School 2450 Miramar Drive 44118
University Heights Bet Sefer School 44118
Village of Bentleyville Village Hall 6253 Chagrin River Rd. 44022
Village of Bratenahl Village Hall
Village of Hunting
Valley
Village of Moreland
Hills
Village of Moreland
Hills
University School (Upper Campus) 2785 SOM Center Rd. 44022
Moreland Hills Elementary School
Brady Middle School
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 221
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Village of North Randall Suburban Pavillion Nursing Home
Village of Walton Hills Walton Manor Health Care Center 19859 Alexander Rd. 44146
Village of Walton Hills Village Hall and Community Center 7595 Walton Rd. 44146
Village of Walton Hills Walton Hills Service Center 6800 Dunham Rd. 44146
Warrensville Heights City Hall 4301 Warrensville Center Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Civic and Senior Center 4567 Green Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Service Garage 18909 Miles Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights ODOT Yard 25609 Emery Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Board of Education 4500 Warrensville Center Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Eastwood Elementary 4050 Eastwood Lane 44128
Warrensville Heights Westwood Elementary 19000 Garden Blvd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Randallwood Elementary 21865 Clarkwood Parkway 44128
Warrensville Heights John Dewey Elementary 23401 Emery Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Middle School 4285 Warrensville Center Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights High School 4270 Northfield Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Rec Dept. and Pool 4285 Warrensville Center Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Meridia Southpointe Hospital 4110 Warrensville Center Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Little Sister of the Poor 4291 Richmond Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights St. Judes Church (School) 4761 Richmond Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Clarkwood Childcare 4771 Richmond Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Clarkwood Daycare 23600 Emery Rd. 44128
Warrensville Heights Visions for Children Daycare 18105 Miles Rd. 44128
Westlake St. John Westshore Hospital 29000 Center Ridge Rd. 44145
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 222
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Westlake Cleveland Clinic Medical Center 30033 Clemens Rd. 44145
Westlake Lakewood Urgi-Care 850 Columbia Rd. 44145
Westlake Metro Health Care 2001 Crocker Rd. 44145
Westlake University Hospital Medical Center 950 Clague Rd. 44145
Westlake Fairview Physician Center 805 Columbia Rd. 44145
Westlake Recreation Center 28955 Hilliard Blvd. 44145
Westlake Senior Center 29694 Center Ridge 44145
Westlake Service Garage 741 Bassett Rd. 44145
Westlake Dover Elementary 2300 Dover Rd. 44145
Westlake Bassett Elementary 2155 Bassett Rd. 44145
Westlake Holly Lane Elementary 3057 Holly Lane 44145
Westlake Hilliard Elementary 24365 Hilliard 44145
Westlake Parkside Elementary 24525 Hilliard 44145
Westlake Burneson Middle 22240 Dover Rd. 44145
Westlake Westlake High School 27830 Hilliard 44145
Westlake St. Paul Lutheran 27981 Detroit Rd. 44145
Westlake St. Bernadette Catholic 2300 Clague Rd. 44145
Westlake Westlake Montessori 26830 Detroit Rd. 44145
Westlake The Goddard School 30502 Center Ridge Rd. 44145
Westlake Westlake Developmental Center 24211 Center Ridge Rd. 44145
Westlake Westlake Health Care 4000 Crocker Rd. 44145
Westlake Harborside 27601 Westchester 44145
Westlake Lutheran Home 2116 Dover Rd. 44145
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 223
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Community Type Address Zipcode
Westlake Oakridge Home 26520 Center Ridge Rd. 44145
Westlake Rae Ann Suburban 29505 Detroit Rd. 44145
Westlake Rae Ann Westlake 28303 Detroit Rd. 44145
Westlake Eliza Jennings 2345 Crocker Rd. 44145
Westlake Westlake Village 28460 Westlake Village Drive 44145
Westlake Alterra Wynnwood 27569 Detroit Rd. 44145
Westlake Arden Court 28400 Center Ridge Rd. 44145
Westlake The Belvedere 29591 Detroit Rd. 44145
Westlake Our House 27633 Bassett Rd. 44145
Westlake Brighton Gardens 27819 Center Ridge Rd. 44145
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 224
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 15 – SUMMARY TABLE OF PARTICIPATION

APPENDIX 15 – Summary Table of Participation
Municipality Returned Survey Returned Matrix Returned at-risk res com TOTAL
City of Bay Village x x x 149 0 149
City of Beachwood x x x 87 11 98
City of Bedford x x x 56 21 77
City of Bedford Heights x x x 11 0 11
City of Berea x x 105 2 107
City of Brecksville x x x 9 11 20
City of Broadview Heights x x x 56 4 60
City of Brookpark x x x 43 8 51
City of Brooklyn x x 84
City of Cleveland x x 521
City of Cleveland Heights x x N/A 0 0 0
City of East Cleveland x x N/A 0 0 0
City of Euclid x x 8 0 8
City of Fairview Park x x x 22 0 22
City of Garfield Heights x x x 22 134 156
City of Highland Heights x x x 43 5 48
City of Independence x x x 26 70 96
City of Lakewood x x 30 3 33
City of Lyndhurst x x 23 1 24
City of Maple Heights x x x 6 0 6
City of Mayfield Heights x N/A 0 0 0
City of Middleburg Heights x x 34 1 35
City of North Olmsted x x 225 114 339
City of North Royalton x 112
City of Olmsted Falls x x x 52 6 58
City of Parma x x x 167 7 174
City of Parma Heights x x 82
City of Pepper Pike x x 13 0 13
City of Richmond Heights x x x 39 0 39
City of Rocky River x x x 101 4 105
City of Seven Hills x x 21 0 21
City of Shaker Heights x x x 160 35 195
City of Solon x x x 28 123 151
City of South Euclid x x x 16 0 16
City of Strongsville x 197
City of University Heights x x N/A 0 0 0
City of Warrensville Heights x x 22
City of Westlake x 251
Olmsted Township x x 32 1 33
Village of Bentleyville x x x 14 0 14
Village of Bratenahl x x x 5 1 6
Village of Brooklyn Heights x x x 1 0 1
Village of Chagrin Falls x x x 26 5 31
Village of Cuyahoga Heights x x 87 0 87
Village of Gates Mills x x x 53 6 59
Village of Glenwillow x 10 3 13
Village of Highland Hills x N/A 0 0 0
Village of Hunting Valley x x x 11 0 11
Village of Linndale x 0 1 1
Village of Mayfield x x 44 68 116
Village of Moreland Hills x x x 13 0 13
Village of Newburgh Heights x x N/A 0 0 0
Village of North Randall x N/A 0 0 0
Village of Oakwood x x x 15 0 15
Village of Orange x x x 3 0 3
Village of Valley View x x x 129 85 214
Village of Walton Hills x 20
Village of Woodmere N/A 0 0 0
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 225
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 16 – TORNADO EVENTS

APPENDIX 16 – Tornado Events
ID Begin Date:
Begin
Location
Beg Lat End Lon
End
Location
End Lat End Lon Length Width Ma
g
Dth Inj PrD CrD
1 22 Jun 1951, 1530 CST Not Known 41.416 -81.85 Not Known 1 Mile 100 Yards F2 0 0 $ 2.5 M 0
2 24 May 1952, 1505 CST Not Known 41.416 -81.5 Not Known F1 0 0 $ 25 K $0.00
3 08 Jun 1953, 2000 CST Not Known 41.366 -81.966 Not Known 41.5 81.716 16 Miles 33 Yards F4 6 300 $ 0 $0.00
4 20 Aug 1962, 2030 CST Not Known 41.40 -81.8 Not Known 1 Mile 500 Yards F2 4 20 $ 2.5 M $0.00
5 11 Apr 1965, 2220 CST Not Known 41.333 -82 Not Known 41.33 81.833 9 Miles 400 Yards F4 1 100 $ 25 M $0.00
6 29 Sep 1966, 1545 CST Not Known 41.45 -81.55 Not Known 41.45 81.45 5 Miles 60 Yards F3 0 20 $ 2.5 M $0.00
7 15 Jul 1970, 0215 CST Not Known 41.4 -81.85 Not Known F2 0 1 $ 250 K $0.00
8 08 May 1973, 1600 CST Not Known 41.416 -81.833 Not Known 0 Mile 27 Yards F0 0 0 $ 2.5 K $0.00
9 02 Apr 1977, 2057 CST Not Known 41.383 -81.433 Not Known 2 Miles 177 Yards F1 0 0 $ 2.5 M $0.00
10 02 May 1983, 1455 CST Not Known 41.333 -81.65 Not Known 41.366 81.433 12 Miles 100 Yards F3 1 25 $ 25 M $0.00
11 31 Mar 1985, 1625 CST Not Known 41.433 -81.7 Not Known 0 Mile 77 Yards F0 0 0 $ 250 K $0.00
12 12 Jul 1992, 1842 CST Not Known 41.416 -81.85 Not Known 1 Mile 100 Yards F0 0 0 $ 250 K $0.00
13 28 Jul 1999, 10:58:00 PM EST Valley View 41.4 -81.6 Valley View 41.4 81.6 2 Miles 200 Yards F1 0 0 $ 175 K $0.00
14
10 Nov 2002, 07:08:00 PM
EST
Solon 41.383 -81.43 Solon 41.383 81.43 4 Miles 100 Yards F1 0 0 $ 6.8 M $0.00
15 08 Jun 1953, 2000 CST Not Known 41.5 81.716 Not Known 41.5 81.716 16 Miles 33 Yards F4 6 300 $ 0 $0.00
16 11 Apr 1965, 2220 CST Not Known 41.33 -81.833 Not Known 41.33 81.833 9 Miles 400 Yards F4 1 100 $ 25 M $0.00
17 29 Sep 1966, 1545 CST Not Known 41.45 -81.45 Not Known 41.45 81.45 5 Miles 60 Yards F3 0 20 $ 2.5 M $0.00
18 02 May 1983, 1455 CST Not Known 41.366 -81.433 Not Known 41.366 81.433 12 Miles 100 Yards F3 1 25 $ 25 M $0.00
Key to table abbreviations:
Mag = Magnitude (knots)
Dth = Deaths
Inj = Injuries
PrD = Property Damage
CrD = Crop Damage
TOTALS: 20 911 $123 M $0.00
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 226
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 17 – INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MAPS

Appendix 17 – Individual Community Floodplain Maps
Bay Village
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 227
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Beachwood
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 228
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Bedford Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 229
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Bedford
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 230
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Bentleyville
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 231
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Berea
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 232
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Bratenahl
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 233
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Brecksville
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 234
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Broadview Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 235
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Brook Park
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 236
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Brooklyn Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 237
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Brooklyn
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 238
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Chagrin Falls Village
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 239
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cleveland
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 240
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cuyahoga Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 241
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Euclid
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 242
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Fairview Park
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 243
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Garfield Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 244
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Gates Mills
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 245
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Highland Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 246
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Hunting Valley
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 247
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Independence
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 248
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Lakewood
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 249
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Maple Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 250
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Mayfield
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 251
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Middleburg Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 252
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Moreland Hills
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 253
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

North Olmsted
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 254
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

North Royalton
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 255
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Oakwood
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 256
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Olmsted Falls
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 257
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Olmsted Township
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 258
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Orange
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 259
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Parma Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 260
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Parma
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 261
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Pepper Pike
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 262
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Richmond Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 263
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Rocky River
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 264
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Seven Hills
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 265
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Shaker Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 266
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Solon
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 267
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

South Euclid
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 268
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Strongsville
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 269
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Valley View
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 270
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Walton Hills
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 271
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Warrensville Heights
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 272
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Westlake
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 273
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

APPENDIX 18 – DOCUMENTATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT

Appendix 18 – Documentation of Public Comment
Comments received from Hunting Valley Police Chief
(All comments were in reference to the introductory section on the community profile.)
1. Hunting Valley is bordered on the west by only Pepper Pike, not Pepper Pike and
Woodmere
2. It was pointed out that there were two Van Swerigen brothers who purchased land in the
area for settlements.
3. It was clarified that it is the Mater College of Western Reserve University students that
studied horticulture and pharmaceuticals in the arboretum.
4. Changes were made to the land area and population – from 7 square miles to 8 and the
population was changed to include the population that lives in the section of Hunting
Valley that lies in Geauga County.
5. The caption under the photo was changed to read former town hall instead of estate
house.
6. The Chagrin River Watershed organization was changed to reflect its correct name, the
Chagrin River Watershed Partners.
Comments from Beachwood Chief of Fire, Patrick Kearns
Chief Kearns sent an email with comments on several areas of the plan. The following emails
are included for documentation.
Email sent 9/30/03
Katie Dixon,
Thank you for forwarding the cd of the draft proposal on the mitigation plan. I have done my
initial review and found a couple areas of concern directly relating to the City of Beachwood.
They are as follows:
1. On page 44 the correct spelling of my name is Chief Patrick J Kearns
2. On page 73 Beachwood is listed as not having flood plain ordinances, the fact is we do.
Please advise me how we need to correct this for this report.
3. On page 110 Again the mis spelling of my name, Chief Patrick J Kearns.
4. On page 166 "100 year flood plain flooding." We already have flood plain ordinances
and belong to and support three different watershed organizations.
5. On page 166 "Coastal and stream bank erosion" We do not border Lake Erie in any
way.
6. On page 166 "Coastal and stream bank erosion." We are already in three different
watershed groups.
7. On page 167 "earthquakes" We have building standards.
8. On page 183 We are not marked for any category. We do have a disaster plan which is
currently under review. We do have floodplain ordinances. We do have land use
ordinances. We not only belong to three different watershed groups, we started one of
them.
Please advise me on the best way to make these corrections for this report and what you need
as far as documentation. I thank you greatly for assisting us in insuring an accurate report.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 274
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Patrick J. Kearns, Chief
Beachwood Department of Fire & Rescue
2655 Richmond rd
Beachwood Ohio 44122
216 292 1987
Reply sent 10/1/03
Chief Kearns,
Thank you for your comments on the Draft Plan. I will try to address each one of them. I
apologize for the mistakes in our records in regards to your name.
1. On page 44 the correct spelling of my name is Chief Patrick J Kearns
• Corrected
2. On page 73 Beachwood is listed as not having flood plain ordinances, the fact is we
do. Please advise me how we need to correct for this report.
• Corrected – This section of your community survey was left blank when it was
returned to us which is why we did not have anything checked off for you in that
category.
3. On page 110 Again the mis spelling of my name, Chief Patrick J Kearns.
• Corrected
4. On page 166 "100 year flood plain flooding." We already have flood plain
ordinances and belong to and support three different watershed organizations.
• Whoever it was that filled out your community's matrix gave this action item the
highest possible scores. The action item refers to developing a riparian setback
ordinance, not a flood plain ordinance. The action item also refers to coordinating
with watershed groups for funding for the watershed concept which is something
that you could do being that you are a member of three different watershed
organizations. If you would like this action item taken off of this list of highest rated
items for your community, let me know and I will delete it.
5. On page 166 "Coastal and stream bank erosion" We do not border Lake Erie in any way.
• Again, whoever completed the matrix for your community ranked this action item
highest. I can take it off of the list if you'd like me to.
6. On page 166 "Coastal and stream bank erosion" We are already in Three different
Watershed groups.
• This action item stated that the community work with established watershed groups
to evaluate causes of erosion and to seek funding to create an action plan to
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 275
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

educe it. This could be done by your community since you are already a
participant in several watershed groups. I can delete it off of the list if you'd prefer
that.
7. On page 167 "earthquakes" We have building standards.
• Shall I delete this from the list for your community then even though it was given the
highest rating on your matrix?
8. On page 183 We are not marked for any category. We do have a disaster plan which is
currently under review. We do have flood plain ordinances. We do have land use
ordinances. We not only belong to three different watershed groups we started one of
them.
• Corrected - again, the survey was left blank for this section when it was returned
Thank you again for your feedback. Let me know about the items above and I will take care of
those.
Reply sent 10/6/03
Katie Dixon,
Thank you for taking the time to address these concerns. If we remove items 4, 5, 6, and 7 will
this have a negative impact on us getting federal assistance in the future? If not they are a low
priority to me considering what we have in place already and our location. So I would say to
give them a very low priority or remove them entirely. I look forward to your response.
Patrick J Kearns.
Reply sent 10/6/03
Chief Kearns,
This is what I've learned from a plan reviewer at OEMA regarding concerns about losing out on
funding. The way he explained it to me is that each year, the state comes up with a list of
prioritized mitigation items that they want to implement. As an example, I'll use buying out
repetitive loss structures as one of the high priority items per the state. Whatever plans have
an action item that talks about buying out repetitive loss structures will be thrown into the mix
for funding, no matter how the county or community has prioritized the activity. Does this
make sense?
In light of that, maybe it would be in the community's best interests to keep those action items
listed. What do you think?
Katie Dixon
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 276
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Reply sent 10/6/03
Katie Dixon,
Thank you for the info. If I understand you correctly the more we have down, the more funds
we should be in on in the future if the state decides to go forward in a particular area. If this is
true, we would agree that it is best to be left in.
Patrick J Kearns.
Countywide All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan 277
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

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