Oklahoma Winter Storm Disaster Update
Release Date: January 26, 2001
Release Number: 1355-13
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Winter Storm
Oklahoma City, OK -- A month ago, severe winter storms swept across the state on Christmas Day, leaving thousands of Oklahomans cold and without electricity. Responding to a request from the governor, state and federal assistance administered by the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency became available to 39 storm--affected counties.
As of January 25th:
- 16,205 individuals have registered for disaster housing assistance.
- $2,446,263 in housing assistance has been approved.
- $193,600 in SBA loans have been approved.
- $242,256 in Individual and Family Grant Program grants have been approved.
- 3,027 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers.
- 278 Requests for debris removal and emergency protective measures received.
- $3,213,753 have been obligated for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
Highlights of state and federal assistance:
Jan. 5: President declares 39 Oklahoma counties eligible for state and federal assistance that includes:
- Grants for rental assistance, to make minor housing repairs and for individuals who have needs not met by other programs. Also available are low interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Storm--affected individuals can register for disaster assistance at 800--462--9029 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday.
Assistance to help local and state governments with debris removal, emergency protective measures and essential utility restoration.
Jan. 9: First checks mailed to disaster assistance housing applicants.
Jan. 9: First Disaster Recovery Centers open providing additional information to storm victims who had registered for disaster assistance. Currently centers are operating in McIntosh, Pittsburg, McCurtain, Le Flore and Pontotoc Counties. Hours are Mon.-- Sat. From 9 to 6 and 1 to 6 on Sunday.
Jan. 10: The first of a series of briefings to local governments, tribal nation and certain non--profit organization officials to guide them in submitting a Request for Public Assistance to the state.
Disaster Unemployment assistance becomes available to individuals not normally eligible for unemployment compensation who were unable to work because of the storm.
Jan. 16: Disaster food stamps become available.
Jan. 19: Thirty--nine counties designated eligible to apply for Public Assistance funds for debris removal, emergency protective measures, work on roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks, recreational facilities and other items. The federal share for debris removal is 90 percent and 75 for the other categories. The remaining costs are covered by the state and local governments.
Jan. 25: Fourteen additional counties eligible for state and federal assistance.
Jan. 26: State and FEMA officials continue coordination with county and city officials in undeclared and un--surveyed counties to complete their damage assessments.
The Oklahoma counties designated eligible for disaster assistance include Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Beckham (infrastructure only), Caddo, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Craig (housing only), Creek, Delaware, Garvin, Grady, Greer(infrastructure only), Harmon(infrastructure only), Haskell, Hughes, Jackson(infrastructure only), Jefferson, Johnston, LeFlore, Latimer, Lincoln, Love, Marshall, McClain, McCurtain, McIntosh, Mayes (housing only), Murray, Muskogee, Nowata(infrastructure only), Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Stephens, Tillman (housing only), Tulsa, Wagoner and Washington, Washita(infrastructure only).
Last Modified: Monday, 20-Oct-2003 13:28:23