Oklahoma Receives Presidential Declaration For Blaine, Caddo And Kingfisher Counties
Release Date: August 25, 2007
Release Number: 1718-003
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that individuals in Blaine, Caddo, and Kingfisher counties are now eligible for federal individual assistance. The Presidential Disaster Declaration of August 24 makes federal disaster aid available for the State of Oklahoma to supplement state and local recovery efforts in these three counties affected by recent severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes beginning on August 18, 2007 and continuing.
The assistance, to be coordinated by OEM and 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 (SBA) also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensate by insurance.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.
Phillip E. Parr has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Parr said damage surveys have been scheduled and are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.fema.gov 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 8 p.m. (local time) Monday thru Sunday. For inquires regarding the status of applications, applicants should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing or speech impaired.
The SBA is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. Disaster victims should first register with FEMA. Anyone with questions about SBA disaster assistance may contact SBA by calling toll-free 1-800-659-2955 or visit the website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Aug-2007 08:35:28