Disaster Assistance For Power Outage Victims
Release Date: February 19, 2002
Release Number: 1401-10
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Oklahoma City, OK -- In response to the needs of the Oklahoma winter ice storm victims who experienced power outages, disaster assistance for people in the designated counties will include assistance for those who purchased generators, non-electric heaters and chainsaws, state and federal officials announced today.
The eligible items for assistance include chainsaws (up to $220), generators (up to $500), non-electric heaters (up to $150) and firewood (up to $100 per cord with a maximum of two cords) purchased during the incident or emergency period of Jan. 30 through Feb. 11.
Additionally, generator reimbursement assistance is available for those who experienced power outages beyond the incident period and purchased their generator after Feb. 11. In order to receive generator assistance (up to $500), victims will need a letter from their electric company stating that they had an extended power outage beyond Feb. 11.
The application process is easy, efficient and begins with a single phone call to FEMA's toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). This number is answered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice, including Presidents' Day, Monday, February 18. Those who are speech impaired can apply by calling a special toll-free number (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
"Meeting the immediate recovery needs of disaster victims is a top priority of our joint FEMA and state recovery team," James Roche, Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinating officer, said.
So far, almost $1 million in disaster housing assistance grants has already been issued to nearly 2,500 victims of the ice storm. Under the Presidentially-declared disaster, various forms of disaster assistance are available to those who suffered damages from the winter ice storm in the 45 designated counties, including grants for alternate rental housing and emergency repairs needed to make a residence habitable, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for renters, homeowners and business owners for repair, replacement or rebuilding of disaster-damaged homes and businesses.
"Don't assume you aren't eligible for assistance," urged Fred Liebe, Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management coordinating officer. "We don't want to miss anyone who has been affected by these weather events who may need help in the recovery process."
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 16:26:41