FEMA Issues First Disaster Assistance Checks
Release Date: January 15, 2001
Release Number: 1355-08
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Winter Storm
Oklahoma City, OK -- Within four days of the Presidential declaration for disaster aid to 39 Oklahoman counties, checks for disaster housing assistance were mailed to some of the victims of the severe winter storms, say officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer, C. Michel Butler, the first checks are already out. "We've issued 149 checks for disaster housing payments, totaling $118,409. They're in the mail, and may have already been received."
"We are proud that we are able to send the first checks out to disaster victims within such a short period of time after the declaration," Butler said. "While these initial funds will assist storm--stricken residents to address housing needs, other checks will continue to flow to those eligible for disaster assistance under this and other federal and state programs."
"Those victims who have already paid for expenses, such as home repairs and temporary accommodations, may be reimbursed with paid receipts," said State Coordinating Officer Fred Liebe. Examples of eligible expenses include minimal repairs to a home or heating systems, or stays in hotels or motels until homes were livable.
Residents of counties who suffered losses from the winter storms that began Christmas Day are urged to call the FEMA toll--free registration line at 1--800--462--9029 (TTY for the speech--and hearing--impaired: 1--800--462--7585) to register for assistance. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
Last Modified: Monday, 20-Oct-2003 13:36:01