President Orders Disaster Aid For Oklahoma Tornado Victims
Release Date: May 10, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-111
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Washington, D.C. -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the release of federal disaster funds to help meet the recovery needs of families and businesses in tornado-ravaged Oklahoma.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and undersecretary for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the President ordered the aid under a major disaster declaration issued today after receiving FEMA's analysis of the state's expedited request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms and tornadoes that began May 8.
"President Bush committed to helping Oklahoma recover from these storms by swiftly making federal assistance available," Brown said. "FEMA will be there every step of the way during the recovery process to make good on the President's commitment."
Under the declaration, Brown said stricken residents and business owners are eligible to apply for federal aid in the counties of Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the counties of Cleveland and Oklahoma to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that more counties and additional forms of assistance for the state and local government agencies may be designated later based on the results of ongoing damage assessments. He named Justin DeMello of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
DeMello said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Sunday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:28:17