Community Resilience: Cuyahoga County Businesses Adapt with ‘Tornado Menu’ Amid Recovery from Storms

CLEVELAND — In the aftermath of devastating storms that swept through Cuyahoga County, local businesses and emergency services are doing everything possible to restore normal life for affected residents. Among them is Bill Pauley, the owner of a bar in Parma Heights. Facing unprecedented challenges, Pauley has introduced a unique “tornado menu” to adapt to the situation.

“We had a tornado. We were closed. We didn’t have any power,” Pauley explained, emphasizing the necessity for creativity in tough times. While his establishment has power to maintain coolers, his main grill remains inoperable. Pauley is utilizing outdoor grills to serve patrons, showcasing his determination to overcome the adversities precipitated by the storm.

Despite incurring financial losses, Pauley praised the local power companies for their dedicated work in restoring electricity. “Honestly, I think they’re doing phenomenal. I mean, you can only do what you can do,” he remarked, reflecting the community spirit in the face of hardship.

Many residents in the area are still grappling with power outages. Public works teams are concentrating their efforts on the hardest-hit neighborhoods. The Office of Emergency Management has taken a lead role in coordinating these recovery efforts, ensuring that resources and manpower are aptly utilized.

According to Kevin Friis, Planning Manager at the Office of Emergency Management, their teams are well-equipped to handle the situation. In response to the current emergency, they are deploying temporary cell phone towers, facilitating utilities restoration, and coordinating food distribution and debris clearance efforts. Friis stated, “I would love to say we could go faster. But it’s a time-intensive process to recover from disaster.”

Although there has yet to be an official emergency declaration, officials indicate it could be forthcoming. Friis mentioned that with the potential massive costs of cleanup and power restoration, the county is on course to meet the required $5.9 million threshold necessary for financial assistance. “I’m guessing we’re going to get there,” he added.

In the thick of recovery, there has been a marked increase in calls for food assistance, a reality that David Merriman, Director of Health and Human Services for Cuyahoga County, has noted. “We’ve had a significant increase in our number of calls relating to food assistance, and we are grateful for the public’s patience as we work through those calls,” he stated.

In response to this pressing need, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is establishing locations to distribute food over the weekend, aiming to serve those who are struggling.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Pauley remains optimistic. “It’s unbelievable how the community comes together in times like this,” he expressed, showcasing the resilience and collaborative spirit of Cuyahoga County in the face of adversity.