President Declares Major Disaster for Oklahoma
Release Date: April 14, 2006
Release Number: HQ-06-062
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for Oklahoma to help people and communities recover from the effects of severe storms and tornadoes on March 12, 2006.
Acting Director of FEMA R. David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Delaware County.
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.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for Delaware County.
Paulison named Phillip Parr as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area. Parr said additional designations may be made at a later date after damage assessments are fully completed in the affected areas.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in Delaware County can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at the Online Individual Assistance Center or 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 operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-May-2006 09:43:46