Disaster Assistance Totals Nearly $2.4 Million
Release Date: May 23, 2003
Release Number: 1465-21
» More Information on Oklahoma Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Oklahoma City, OK -- Federal and state officials announce nearly $2.4 million has been approved for disaster assistance to help those affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that began on May 8. Updated disaster information is as follows:
- Nearly 3,000 residents have registered for disaster
assistance since President George W. Bush's May 10 declaration. Under
the disaster declaration, individuals and businesses residing in the
counties of Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Delaware, Grady, Kay, Kingfisher,
Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Osage, Pontotoc,
Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, Texas and Washington are eligible to apply
for disaster assistance.
- The counties of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Osage and Lincoln
are eligible for Public Assistance in all seven categories that include
debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair of roads,
bridges, and public facilities. Twenty-one kick-off meetings have been
held for local governments.
- Approved disaster housing funds total nearly $550,000
and include assistance for temporary disaster housing and home repair.
More than $400,000 has been approved for Other Needs Assistance that
covers disaster-related medical, funeral, dental and transportation
expenses, along with replacement of personal property, and other serious
disaster-related needs.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued
more than 1,500 applications and approved more than $1.4 million for
low-interest disaster loans for repairing or replacing damaged property.
SBA urges those who receive application packets in the mail or at Disaster
Recovery Centers to complete the applications and return them quickly
to SBA. Completing the application is necessary to be eligible for other
forms of assistance. If you need help in filling out the SBA application,
you can visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers where SBA Loan Officers
will assist you.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available through
the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Applications may be filed
by calling toll-free 1-888-840-9675. The deadline
for filing an application is June 14, 2003.
- Consumers can report disaster-related fraud or price
gouging incidents by calling the Oklahoma State Attorney General's Consumer
Protection Hotline at 405-521-2029.
- Mitigation personnel have assisted more than 190 visitors
at Disaster Recovery Centers by supplying them with important information
on cost-effective measures to reduce or eliminate risk to human life
and property from natural disasters. Meetings with affected communities
are also underway to discuss rebuilding guidelines in flood-hazard areas.
Mitigation continues to work closely with the American Red Cross to
educate chapters on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
- Volunteer Agencies continue to identify those who
have disaster-related needs and the Oklahoma Long-term Recovery Committee
will be working with families who need assistance. The volunteer agencies
are offering assistance to those who are not able to clear disaster
debris from their homes. Residents can call 1-800-539-8541
for more information. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army have
served more than 85,000 meals and snacks to those in need.
- Both adults and children affected by the recent disaster
may become stressed and confused by the sudden adversity in their lives.
Crisis counseling assistance is available by calling the hotline number:
800-522-9054.
- To further help individuals and businesses affected
by the severe storms and tornadoes that began on May 8, state and federal
officials have three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in operation at
the following locations.
Moore Park & Recreation Community Ctr.
301 S. Howard
Moore, OKMidwest City Neighborhood Service Center
300 W. Mid-America
Midwest City, OKT. H. Rogers Lumber Bldg.
211 N. 3rd Ave.
Stroud, OK
- Legal assistance is available for those who may need advice on disaster-related legal issues such as lease or insurance problems. The Oklahoma Bar Association provides the free service, and those who need legal advice can call: 405-416-7000 or 1-800-522-8065, Mon. - Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Legal advice can also be obtained at any of the Disaster Recovery Centers listed above from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Individuals affected by this disaster may still register for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing- impaired.
While most assistance offered under government programs covers basic needs only and will not compensate individuals for their entire loss, disaster recovery programs can give a helping hand to those in need on the road to recovery.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:06:39