Register For Aid And Then Visit Disaster Recovery Center 

Release Date: May 21, 2008
Release Number: 1752-003

» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. -- Call and then visit the Disaster Recovery Center - that's the message from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to those in Ottawa County who suffered losses starting May 10 from severe weather, tornadoes and flooding.

According to officials, the first step in applying for disaster assistance through the programs coordinated by OEM and FEMA is to call FEMA's toll-free number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7565 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Registration can also be accomplished online at www.fema.gov. Information requested on the application includes Social Security number, insurance company or agent and policy number and bank account information for those who wish to receive direct deposit. Those who wish may register by phone at the Disaster Recovery Center.

After registering, applicants may visit the Disaster Recovery Center to talk face-to-face with representatives from state and federal agencies and find answers to questions they may have about the recovery process. For example, FEMA workers can look up applications online and provide guidance. Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can answer questions about the SBA loan program, provide help in completing applications and receive completed applications. The SBA, the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, provides low-interest loans for residential and business losses.

The center, located at 116 Devilliers Circle in Picher, Okla., is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Officials remind those affected by the disaster that they need to register with FEMA, even if they already registered with the American Red Cross or any other voluntary agency.

FEMA  coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-May-2008 14:32:52