Nearly $1.2 million in disaster assistance has been approved for Oklahoma residents affected by the April wildfires, state and federal emergency managers said Tuesday.
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said at the close of business on Monday:
* 187 individuals in declared counties had registered for individual assistance;
* $1,093,000 in housing assistance grants had been approved;
* $94,000 had been approved for other needs assistance such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees and replacement or repair of personal property.
* 118 home inspections had been completed.
* And 126 residents had visited disaster recovery centers.
State and FEMA officials encourage those affected by wildfires to apply for assistance and to tell their friends and neighbors that financial aid is available. The FEMA individual assistance program covers basic needs for eligible applicants. Assistance can include emergency home repair, temporary disaster housing, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs.
Nine Oklahoma counties, including Carter and Murray counties, received a disaster declaration from President Obama for damage caused by the wildfires April 9-12. Those individuals affected by the wildfires can call FEMA’s toll-free helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 to register for assistance. An additional option is to register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Once individuals in Carter and Murray counties have registered with FEMA, they can visit the disaster recovery center at the Ratliff City Baptist Church, 234 Church St., Ratliff City. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Help also is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies and organizations.
