Oklahomans Have More Time to Register for Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma residents who suffered damage from the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds of May 5 through June 4 now have more time to register for state and federal disaster assistance. The new registration deadline is Wednesday, August 26.

The registration period normally lasts for 60 days following an official disaster declaration, but this extension gives Oklahomans an extra month to update insurance information and find other documents needed to complete or supplement their applications.

The extension comes within days of a request by Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM). The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the request July 17.
 

“This 30-day extension will help ensure that all residents of the designated counties are given ample opportunity to register for the FEMA Individuals and Households Assistance Program,” said OEM Deputy Director and State Coordinating Officer Michelann Ooten.
Survivors may apply for state and federal assistance online with any computer, smartphone or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Hours to register by phone are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time seven days a week.

“We’ve extended the registration deadline for people who have not had the opportunity to register for assistance,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer John Long. “But even with the extra time, we urge all affected residents to register as soon as they can.”

Disaster assistance to individuals includes grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.