$1M in Wildfire Loss Grants Issued for Okla. Individuals

Checks totaling more than $1,000,000 are in the hands of 113 Oklahoma residents who qualify for federal and state disaster assistance for damages and losses caused by the wildfires that have affected the state since Nov. 27, 2005. More grants are being approved on a daily basis.

President Bush declared 12 Oklahoma counties major disaster areas on Jan. 10. An additional 14 counties were added to the declaration on Jan. 27. In all, 549 individuals have registered for various disaster aid programs.

“This is an important early step in the recovery process,” Federal Coordinating Officer Philip Parr said, “because it helps those in need to meet pressing needs, just as the speedy response reflects our commitment to provide disaster assistance without delay.”

“Overcoming emergency needs, especially those directly concerning housing and essential needs, is a top priority for us,” said State Coordinating Officer Kathleen Shingledecker. “Helping to get people out of harm’s way, into safe and sanitary living quarters and meeting their immediate necessities is of vital interest to us.”

Anyone with wildfire damages and losses is urged to apply for federal and state disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The speech and hearing impaired may call 1-800-462-7585. An application can also be made online at www.fema.gov.