Oklahoma Disaster Recovery News Summary 

Release Date: May 11, 1999
Release Number: 1272-04

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

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Federal and state agencies are working in partnership to help Oklahoma residents following the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding of May 3-5. The following is a summary of ongoing response and recovery efforts since the Presidential disaster declaration.

MORE THAN $620 THOUSAND IN HOUSING FUNDS APPROVED - APPLICATIONS CONTINUE TO CLIMB

At the close of business Monday, $623,971 in disaster housing assistance funds were approved for distribution to 599 applicants. Disaster housing funds represent monies for emergency home repairs and temporary housing. Statewide, 6,084 disaster victims have applied for federal and state assistance through the toll-free teleregistration number, 800-462-9029 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

Residents and business owners with disaster-related losses or damages may be eligible for individual assistance, public assistance and hazard mitigation. The individual assistance program includes funds for emergency housing repairs and temporary housing, low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and individual and family grants administered by the State of Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM) to persons who cannot receive aid from other sources. The public assistance program provides local governments and certain nonprofit organizations with funds for emergency community cleanup and infrastructure repairs. Hazard mitigation addresses repair and construction projects that will minimize future disaster damages.

LOCAL HIRES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR DISASTER CLEANUP

Local manpower, equipment and trucks are needed to assist with disaster-related debris cleanup on public property, according to state and federal officials. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to handle the debris removal for participating jurisdictions, has contracted with an independent business for debris cleanup activities. The prime contractor has a need for assistance from local companies in removing and disposing of debris. Interested companies may fax capabilities and callback number to 405-525-8185 or 405-557-1489.

SBA URGES EARLY APPLICATION RETURN

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster officials today urged everyone to complete and turn in their SBA disaster loan application as quickly as possible.

"Insurance claims frequently take time to settle and SBA can simply reduce the loan by the amount of the insurance settlement after a disaster loan has been approved," said SBA Regional Director Rueben Guerrero. "We encourage individuals, renters and business owners with disaster-related losses to return the SBA application quickly so we can help them in their recovery process."

At close of business Monday, of the 4,580 SBA applications requested by storm victims, 274 had been returned.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS OPERATING IN FOUR LOCATIONS

At the close of business Monday, a total of 632 individuals had visited one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers operating from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

South Metro Center,
Super Flea Bingo Building
2600 S.W. Service Road

Circuit City Building
6830 E. Reno Road

Moore (Cleveland County)
Bank One Building
7400 S. Pennsylvania

Midwest City (Oklahoma County)
Bridge Creek School District
New Highschool Gym

Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County)
Rt 1, Off Sara Road & Bridge Creek Road
Near Tuttle (Grady County)

RECOVERY TIMES: DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS

More than 50,000 Recovery Times, the state and federal disaster assistance newsletter packed with information of value to disaster victims, are being distributed within the disaster declared counties.

This newsletter is produced by FEMA with input from state, local, federal and voluntary agencies. The Recovery Times provides information for disaster victims about disaster assistance programs, the response and recovery process, and mitigation and preparedness activities.

This issue includes information on housing assistance, low-interest loans, grants and assistance for farmers. Articles also provide helpful information regarding disaster-related unemployment, the rebuilding and repairing process, safety tips and important agency phone numbers.

TELEREGISTRATION: QUICK, SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT

Individuals and business owners who sustained damages during the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding of May 3-5 can begin their recovery process with a simple phone call: 800-462-9029 (TTY: 800-462-7585), seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. until further notice.

"Teleregistration is both easy and convenient," said Federal Coordinating Officer Robert E. Hendrix. "One toll-free call opens the door for any state and federal assistance available under a disaster declaration."

Last Modified: Wednesday, 17-Dec-2003 18:05:02