Hamilton County wants residents who lived through July's flash flooding to help shape the next disaster plan.

The Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (EMHSA) launched a preparedness survey that will feed directly into the county's 2028 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. The confidential survey is open to anyone who lives or works in Hamilton County and closes Sept. 21.

On July 17, powerful storms turned streets in Hyde Park, Oakley and Mount Lookout into rivers in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, according to WCPO. Neko Sushi near Hyde Park Square flooded for the fifth time since 2018. Zip's Cafe on Delta Avenue in Mount Lookout, which had just celebrated its 100th anniversary, shut down for the weekend.

Hamilton County's preliminary damage assessment counted 118 properties that met FEMA's damage criteria, including 89 residences and 29 businesses, WLWT reported. The county said it likely would not qualify for federal disaster assistance because most damage was classified as minor. Cincinnati City Council voted Aug. 5 to double the city's flooding relief fund from $1 million to $2 million, Local 12 reported.

EMHSA Assistant Director Ryan McEwan said the survey responses will help identify community needs before, during and after emergencies. The agency shares results with local jurisdictions, he said, and elected leaders use them to make decisions about risk perception and mitigation priorities.

Questions ask whether a household could manage at least three days without electricity or running water and whether anyone in the home would need special assistance during an evacuation.

The survey takes about 10 minutes. Residents can complete it online at hcema.org/Survey2026. Paper copies are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 513-946-8000. The effort is part of National Preparedness Month.

No timeline has been announced for when the 2028 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan will be drafted or released for public review.

Coming up: The Hyde Park Square Sidewalk Sale supporting flood-hit shops is set for Sept. 12.