Disaster Recovery News Weekly
Release Date: February 22, 2002
Release Number: 1401-18
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Oklahoma City, OK -- In the three weeks since President Bush declared a major disaster in Oklahoma, more than $1.3 million has been issued in disaster housing grants to 3,265 applicants throughout the 45 counties eligible for Individual Assistance.
According to figures released by the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the close of business on February 21, the following numbers of people have applied for or received assistance:
- 19,236 Applications have been received
- 3,265 Disaster housing grants issued, totaling $1,315,161
- 3,002 Housing inspections issued
- 2,771 Housing inspections completed
- 9,198 SBA loan applications issued
- 171 Individual and Family Grant registrations approved, totaling $96,732
- 2,706 People have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers
Application Numbers Continue to Operate
Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses in the designated counties should apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's special toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1 800 462-7585). These numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is April 8.
Counties eligible for individual disaster assistance include Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Major, McClain, Noble, Nowata, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, Rogers, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Tulsa, Washington, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.
Disaster Recovery Centers Open Throughout the Disaster-Designated Counties
A total of 2,706 disaster victims have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers to meet face-to-face with representatives from various assistance agencies to find out more about disaster assistance and recovery programs. The center in Guthrie will close operations Sunday at 6 p.m. The centers are located at:
El Reno National Guard Armory, 2600 Malone Drive
Enid National Guard Armory, 600 East Elm
Ponca City Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, 5th and Overbrook
Weatherford National Guard Armory, 223 West Rainey Avenue
Guthrie, Logan County Courthouse, 301 East Harrison (closing 6 pm Sunday)
The centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, until further notice.
Disaster Housing Assistance
To date, 3,265 Oklahoma residents have been sent disaster housing grant checks, for a total of $1,315,161. Individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged by the recent winter ice storm, may be eligible for Disaster Housing Assistance. This assistance may be used for alternate rental housing, essential emergency repairs to make a residence habitable, or mortgage assistance. These funds may also be used for projects to reduce the risk of future disaster damages.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA has issued 6,690 loan applications to homeowners and renters and 2,508 to business owners. Officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned, it will delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers for applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork.
Individual and Family Grant Program
So far, 171 Individual and Family Grants (IFG) have been approved, totaling $96,732 The IFG Program provides grants to individuals and families to meet serious disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other federal, state or voluntary agency disaster assistance programs. The program is administered by the state, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds and the remaining 25 percent coming from the state.
Disaster Food Stamps
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) will be accepting applications for Disaster Food Stamps. Applications will be accepted at the 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.
Voluntary Agencies
- AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) has assisted 63 affected families in Ponca City and Enid with debris removal and clean-up. Team members are focusing on the homes of elderly, disabled, and those with special needs. A team will be moved to the El Reno area early in the coming week.
- The American Red Cross (ARC) continues to offer casework services to families affected by the ice storm. To date, the ARC has provided casework services for 1,892 families. The ARC continues to provide more than 500 meals a day in the community of Crescent. Feeding efforts are being supported by the Southern Baptist Men. The ARC hotline is 1-800-283-0711.
- The Salvation Army in Enid and Ponca City has been providing lodging and meal support to AmeriCorps NCCC teams.
- The Regional Food Bank has provided more than 25,000 pounds of food and 125,000 gallons of water to shelters in all affected communities.
- Requests for debris removal assistance are being coordinated by the United Way in both Ponca City and Enid, and through a statewide debris hotline for other affected areas. The hotline, a collaborative effort of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (OKVOAD), is coordinating debris removal requests with AmeriCorps NCCC, Mennonite Disaster Services and local faith-based groups, 1-800-539-8541.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program, which is administered by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, is available to help individuals who became unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster. Eligible persons include: self-employed agricultural and hourly workers; self-employed business people; business owners unable to provide services; and other unemployed workers who are out of work as a direct result of the disaster and who do not otherwise qualify for unemployment benefits. DUA applications will be taken for a 30-day period, ending March 13. To locate the nearest state employment office to file an application call 1-888-840-9675.
Crisis Counseling Program
People in the declared areas have seen their lives severely affected by the ice storms. The emotional needs often extend beyond the financial assistance FEMA provides to disaster victims to help them begin to rebuild their lives. 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: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 14:44:26