THE BRIEFING ROOM
Sunday, February 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Declaration of major disaster in the State of Oklahoma
THE WHITE HOUSEOffice of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release February 15, 2009
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes during the period of February 10-11, 2009.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Carter, Logan, and Oklahoma.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Douglas G. Mayne has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.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 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
MD5: 51c3a1e9152a245cacd9287e77f9ecb2 Original URL: http://whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Declaration-of-major-disaster-in-the-State-of-Oklahoma/