OKLAHOMA CITY – Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be on hand at several home improvement stores starting Thurs. Aug. 8 to provide tips and techniques to help Oklahomans rebuild and repair homes to lessen and prevent future disaster damage.
Mitigation specialists provide free publications with information on building hazard-resistant homes and can answer questions. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors. Information includes details on flood insurance, elevating utilities, safe rooms and rebuilding flooded homes.
All information and assistance will be available in English and Spanish.
FEMA advisors will be available at the following locations from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Monday, Aug. 12 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.:
Canadian County
Lowe’s
1605 South Garth Brooks Blvd.
Yukon, OK 73099
Kay County
Lowe’s
3500 North 14th St.
Ponca City, OK 74601
Muskogee County
Lowe’s
2901 Old Shawnee
Muskogee, OK 74403
Rogers County
Lowe’s
1746 Lynn Riggs Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74018
Tulsa County
Home Depot
4041 S. Sheridan Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74145
Tulsa County
Home Depot
901 S. Elgin Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74120
Oklahomans affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred from May 7 to June 9, 2019 have until Aug. 14 to register for disaster assistance from FEMA. Survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or toll-free at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). For TTY call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Registering with FEMA is the first step toward qualifying for disaster assistance, which may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacements and disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
# # #
FEMA's mission is to help before, during and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.