| Oklahoma residents have one month left to apply for wildfire disaster aid from FEMA and the U.S. SBA |
Oklahoma residents have one month to register for wildfire disaster help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The deadline for residents to apply for disaster assistance for damages or losses caused by April wildfires is Tuesday, August 18, 2009.
"If you live in one of the counties declared eligible for disaster assistance, don't disqualify yourself for possible aid by failing to register," said Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth R. Tingman, who heads the FEMA recovery team. "Even if your losses were minimal, signing up with FEMA by the deadline can put you in a position for possible disaster program funding and other services."
A toll-free line is available between 7 am and 10 pm every day to take registrations. The number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Individuals and business owners also can register for help online.
Federal and state recovery aid to residents can include:
- Grants for emergency disaster housing and essential repairs;
- Grants for necessities not covered by insurance or other sources; and
- Low-interest loans from the SBA.
People who have registered with the American Red Cross or other volunteer and civic agencies also must register with FEMA if they want access to the wide array of federal and state aid that becomes available when a major disaster is declared by the president.
Residents in the following 9 counties can register for assistance: Carter, Cleveland, Grady, Lincoln, McClain, Murray, Oklahoma, Payne and Stephens.