Plains States Tornado Disaster Update
Release Date: May 11, 1999
Release Number: 1274-02a
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federal, state and local officials are responding to the disasters in Oklahoma Kansas, and Texas. Only two people are still missing, both in Oklahoma, and no additional storm-related fatalities have been reported.
As field staff began to take charge of operations, the FEMA Headquarters Emergency Support Team was deactivated as of Monday afternoon.
Oklahoma:
For complete FEMA coverage of this disaster
- Debris removal is ready to begin under a contract awarded by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers.
- Emergency Support Function #10 (Hazardous Materials) is working on plans for disposal of household hazardous materials.
- Door-to-door visits by Community Relations personnel have been completed in Moore and Del City and are underway in other affected areas.
- Housing needs assessments are underway for displaced victims.
- An Economic Recovery Program for the town of Stroud is being developed in conjunction with the Economic Development Administration.
- A Safe Room national pilot program is being developed in conjunction with the State and the Small Business Administration.
- FEMA is working with the Department of Labor to develop a temporary jobs program under the Joint Training and Partnership Act signed by the President.
Kansas:
For complete FEMA coverage of this disaster
- FEMA is working with state officials on the issues and strategies for heavy debris disasters like the current tornado disaster.
- Public Assistance program Kick-Off meetings are in process.
- Housing assessments indicate rental resources for displaced residents should be plentiful.
- The first Kansas Disaster Recovery Center, located in Haysville, opened yesterday.
- FEMA's Kansas City, Mo. ROC (Region VII) will remain active until the Disaster Field Office in Wichita is fully operational.
Texas:
For complete FEMA coverage of this disaster
- FEMA Region I Emergency Response Team from Boston, Mass. s is moving into the Texarkana Disaster Field Office (DFO). The DFO is scheduled to be operational by Wednesday, May 12.
- Community Relations teams door-to-door visits began yesterday.
- Field assessment of rental resources is underway and debris removal has also begun.
- FEMA's Regional Operations Center (ROC) in Denton, Texas (Region VI)is still active and supporting operations in Texas.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Dec-2003 16:34:23