Disaster News
May 27, 2010
FEMA News Desk: 405-917-3250
OEM PIO Michelann Ooten: 405-521-2481
THREE DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS SERVING OKLAHOMA TORNADO SURVIVORS OPENING
OKLAHOMA CITY – Specialists from the state of Oklahoma and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies will be reaching out to Oklahoma tornado survivors at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) opening this week in Cleveland, Pottawatomie and Oklahoma counties.
“The May 10-13 tornadoes and storms brought considerable damage and heartache to Oklahomans throughout the state,” said State Coordinating Officer Fred Liebe. “We are glad to have this chance to begin the assistance process.”
“We want to give the survivors every opportunity to register and get help as they recover from these devastating storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gregory W. Eaton. “Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center can be that first step.”
A DRC opens Friday, May 28 at 9 a.m. in Cleveland County:
Little Axe School
2000 NE 168th Ave.
Norman, OK 73026
Two more DRCs will open Saturday, May 29 at 9 a.m. in Pottawatomie and Oklahoma counties:
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Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center
1700 W. Independence St.
Shawnee, OK
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East Side Church of Christ
916 S. Douglas Blvd.
Midwest City, OK
The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The centers will be open on Memorial Day.
Additional centers will be opening soon in other areas affected by the tornadoes.
Registering for assistance before visiting a DRC will shorten applicants’ time at the center. However, visiting a center is not required to be considered for assistance.
FEMA and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management establish DRCs to circulate information to assist survivors with their recovery. Those with property damage can register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired. Registration can also be completed online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Representatives from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information. Written materials about various assistance programs and other agencies are also available to individuals and business owners. FEMA does not distribute cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers at DRCs.
For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/oklahoma or www.oem.ok.gov. Information can also be accessed via smart phone at m.fema.gov.
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