Common Misunderstandings May Cause Some To Miss Disaster Aid 

Release Date: February 21, 2002
Release Number: 1401-17

» More Information on Oklahoma Ice Storm

Oklahoma City, OK -- In the weeks that follow a disaster, half-truths and rumors about how individuals can find help may mislead residents. When you have suffered a loss, the last thing you need is misinformation. According to state and federal disaster recovery officials, the best way to avoid that problem is to call and let the operators help determine what assistance programs you may be eligible for. Don't prejudge yourself.

Oklahomans who suffered damages and losses because of the winter ice storm can apply for assistance immediately by calling the FEMA toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362. Those with a speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Already 18,499 Oklahomans have called the toll-free number to apply for assistance. In just two weeks since Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Joe M. Allbaugh announced that 45 counties were eligible for individual assistance, FEMA has issued $1.2 million in Disaster Housing grants to nearly 3,000 applicants. These grants include temporary rental assistance for those whose homes were not livable and funds to make essential emergency repairs and the housing assistance check may be just the first check these applicants will receive.

Some common misconceptions about disaster assistance are:

I have insurance. There is no other help available to me.
Not True: Insurance is your main source for money to put your life back in order after the disaster. But there are many things that insurance does not cover. That is where federal and state disaster programs may be able to help. You may also be "underinsured" and disaster assistance can help make up the difference.

I have to wait for my insurance adjuster before I apply for disaster assistance.
Not True: You do not have to wait for an adjuster before applying for aid or making repairs needed to make your house livable. You should find out what your policy covers, however, and be sure to keep papers and receipts for any repair work.

I got help from the voluntary agencies, so now I can't get help from FEMA or the state.
Not True: FEMA and the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM) coordinate a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the American Red Cross and other voluntary agencies.

I registered with the shelter (or local and county officials, or the Salvation Army), so I'm already registered with FEMA?
Not True: Registration with a shelter is not the same as registration with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must first apply by calling the toll-free registration line - 1-800-621-3362 (or TTY 1-800-462-7585).

I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid.
Not True: Federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. The programs are not "welfare." The kinds of help provided depend on the applicant's circumstances.

I must own a business to apply for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Not True: Based on the type and extent of "uninsured" or "underinsured" disaster-related losses and damages, individuals may be eligible for low-interest loans for home or personal property losses. SBA is the primary source of financial disaster assistance.

I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan.
Not True: The SBA, which handles low-interest disaster loans, has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant's eligibility. The SBA will decide whether or not you are able to repay a loan. If you are not qualified for a loan, you may be eligible for a grant, but it is necessary to go through the SBA application process first.

I don't want a loan so I don't have to fill out the SBA application.
Not True: If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be considered for other forms of assistance, like the Individual and Family Grant program, which helps meet serious, disaster-related needs. However, you must complete and return the SBA loan packet. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance.

I rent an apartment. I can't get help to replace my damaged property.
Not True: A renter may qualify for an SBA low-interest disaster loan to replace personal property. If you do not qualify to receive a loan, you may be eligible for other forms of assistance, but you have to go through the SBA application process first. Grants may be available for rental assistance and to an eligible individual or family with serious, disaster-related needs and necessary expenses that are not covered by insurance or other disaster assistance programs.

I'm self-employed and out of work; I can't qualify for disaster unemployment benefits.
Not True: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), funded by FEMA and administered by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed. Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should visit the nearest employment services office. DUA applications will be taken only for a 30-day period ending March 13. Call 1-888-840-9675 to locate the nearest state employment office.

I bought a generator when the power was out, but since I didn't receive damage to my house I can't get assistance.
Not True: You should call the FEMA registration number 1-800-621-3362 to apply for assistance. FEMA/State disaster assistance will reimburse disaster victims for certain items purchased to help in the recovery process of those who suffered power loss. 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.

There isn't any help for cleaning the downed tree debris in my yard.
Not True: Although there is no financial assistance for help with debris removal in your yard, voluntary agencies are committed to helping those in need. AmeriCorps volunteers and various volunteer and faith-based organizations are working together to help those residents who are disabled or elderly with tree trimming and tree limb removal. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) receives and coordinates requests for help with tree limb removal. The UMCOR hotline is 1-800-539-8541.

When the power went out I lost a whole freezer-full of food and there's no assistance for me.
Not True: The Regional Food Bank is providing the local food pantries with the resources needed to meet the needs of those affected by the ice storm. Call a local church or the local American Red Cross or Salvation Army chapter to find the location of the nearest food pantry. The Food Stamp Program could also be an option, even if you have not qualified for Food Stamps previously. Applications will be accepted at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) County Offices in the 45 disaster-designated counties for a one-week period, Feb. 22 through Feb. 28, including Saturday and Sunday. Check with the local office for extended hours of operations during this seven-day application period.

There's no help for people who may have been emotionally affected by the disaster.
Not True: Residents in the disaster-designated counties can receive free crisis counseling and educational materials on stress to help them cope with losses brought about by the ice storm. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is staffing two toll-free hotlines to assist callers with mental health concerns related to the winter storm. Reach-Out at 1-800-522-9054 is a 24-hour service providing free information and referrals to appropriate help in or near the caller's community. The Teenline at 1-800-522-8336 is open from noon to midnight to provide a caring listener for teens and young adults with questions or concerns.

Last Modified: Monday, 25-Aug-2003 14:41:30