Victims can speed up assistance process

Oklahoma residents affected by the April wild­fires can speed disaster as­sistance by understanding and preparing for on- site property inspections that determine eligibility, state and federal emergency managers said Friday.

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Manage­ment and Federal Emer­gency Management Agen­cy officials said that the first step in getting help is to register with FEMA. If you live in one of the nine counties, including Cart­er and Murray counties, where President Obama has authorized aid to indi­viduals, and if your prop­erty sustained damage from the wildfires, you should call toll- free (800) 621- 3362. You also can register via FEMA’s Web site, www.DisasterAssis­tance.gov.

When you register, you are assigned a FEMA ap­plication number. If you have questions after you apply, or if the information you provide changes, call the FEMA toll- free num­ber. When calling, have your application number ready.

After you apply, an in­spector will contact you to make an appointment to visit your property and assess the damage related to the wildfire disaster. There is no fee for the in­spection.

Although inspec­tors are contractors, not FEMA employees, they will have FEMA identifi­cation. You must be pres­ent for your scheduled appointment so you can provide the inspector with proof of ownership and oc­cupancy.

Proof of ownership can be shown by your deed, tax records, mortgage payment book or a copy of your dwelling’s insur­ance policy showing your address and listing you as the owner. Your address as it appears on your driv­er’s license, any first- class government mail sent to you within the last three months or recent utility bills in your name at that address can provide proof of occupancy.
 

The inspector will ask you to sign a form autho­rizing FEMA to verify the information you have pro­vided. Inspectors file your report but do not deter­mine your eligibility.

Following the inspec­tor’s visit, you will receive a letter from FEMA in­forming you of the deci­sion regarding your re­quest for help. If you are eligible, the letter will be followed by a U. S. Trea­sury check or a transfer of funds to your bank ac­count. The letter will ex­plain how the money can be used. You should use the money given to you as explained in the letter.

If you are not eligible for help, the letter will explain why and inform you of your right to appeal FEMA’s decision.

FEMA also may re­fer you to the U. S. Small Business Administration for an SBA low-interest disaster loan.

You automatically will be mailed an SBA applica­tion package. It is essen­tial to complete and re­turn the SBA application to ensure you are consid­ered for all disaster assis­tance programs.

Residents and business owners can receive more information about SBA disaster loans and assis­tance with the applica­tion process by calling the SBA at (800) 659- 2955, by e-mail at disasterassis­tance@sba.gov or by visit­ing the SBA Web site at
 www.sba.gov/services/di­sasterassistance.