(Columbus)--Donna Owens, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, is asking local certified building departments across the state to volunteer inspection services to victims of Ohio's recent flooding.

"With flood waters receding, we must make every effort to get Ohioans back into their homes, and to get vital businesses up and running," Director Owens said. "I am urging all certified building departments to provide inspectors to help ensure that homes and businesses are safe to be occupied."

The plea is an expansion of efforts involving the 1997 floods, when the Department of Commerce provided inspections and secured inspection assistance from several local building departments. Commerce's Division of Industrial Compliance oversees building inspections for the state.

"With the large number of counties affected and the fact that this is the peak construction season, we will have a greater need for inspectors from more departments to help get people back into their homes," said Director Owens.

Building departments willing to offer structural, electrical or plumbing inspection services to flood victims should contact the Department of Commerce at 1/800-523-3581. The Department will be coordinating the efforts and assigning teams to cover inspection requests.

Flood victims needing inspection services should contact the department through its toll free line, 1/800-523-3581. The line is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.

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