White House approves Gov. Fallin’s request for Tornado assistance
More counties may be added to the declaration as additional damage, unmet financial needs identified
Oklahoma City – The White House yesterday approved Gov. Mary Fallin’s request for federal disaster assistance related to the May 22-25 tornadoes. Ten people were killed and more than 1,000 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed in the violent storms.
The announcement means individuals and business owners in Canadian, Delaware, Grady, Kingfisher, Logan and McClain counties who were impacted by the tornadoes may now qualify for disaster aid. More counties may be added to the declaration as additional damage and unmet financial needs are identified.
The assistance may include help with housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.
To apply for disaster assistance, individuals and business owners may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.disasterassistance.gov
Emergency management officials continue to gather information to request public assistance for infrastructure repairs and response costs in areas impacted by the storms.
Updated: May 31, 2001
Homes and Businesses Damaged in May 22-25, 2011 Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Caddo County: 5 destroyed, 4 major, 3 minor, 2 affected = Total 14
Canadian County: 130 destroyed, 23 major, 23 minor, 49 affected = Total 225
Delaware County: 31 destroyed, 35 major, 64 minor, 17 affected = Total 147
Grady County: 71 destroyed, 44 major, 89 minor, 54 affected = Total 258
Kingfisher County: 23 destroyed, 6 major, 1 minor, 1 affected = Total 31
Logan County: 60 destroyed, 9 major, 17 minor, 13 affected = Total 99
McClain County: 119 destroyed, 19 major, 33 minor, 148 affected = Total 319
Combined Counties: 439 destroyed, 140 major, 230 minor, 284 affected
Total Homes and Businesses Damaged = 1,093
Updated: Friday, May 27, 2011
The State Emergency Operations Center has returned to normal operations. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) remains in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and continues to coordinate the delivery of any needed resources with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
The State of Emergency remains in effect for 68 Oklahoma counties. Governor Mary Fallin issued the executive order due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight line winds and flooding that began Tuesday.
FATALITIES AND INJURIES
The following 10 fatalities are attributed to the tornadoes and severe storms, according to the Oklahoma State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In addition to the age and gender, the location where the victim was found is included for each of the fatalities. The Medical Examiner is working to determine cause and manner of death on the victims.
16 month old boy – Piedmont
3 year old boy -- Piedmont
Unidentified female – Calumet
Unidentified female – Calumet
Unidentified male -- Calumet
Unidentified male -- Calumet
63 year old male -- Cashion
58 year old female -- Cashion
24 year old female -- Chickasha
22 year old male -- Calumet
238 injuries are attributed to the storm, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
Initial reports identify more than 600 homes and businesses damaged by Tuesday’s tornadoes. This number may increase after a more comprehensive damage assessment begins on Friday when the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration join local emergency managers in conducting damage assessments for potential federal disaster assistance in the counties affected by this week’s tornadoes. The teams will work to determine the unmet financial needs of those whose homes and businesses sustained damage.
WORKING WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
The Oklahoma Insurance Department recommends taking the following steps after your property has been damaged by a tornado or other severe weather:
-- Survey the damage and take pictures.
-- Protect property from further loss or damage. Make temporary repairs and keep receipts for all materials and labor.
-- Make a list of all personal property destroyed or damaged. Note the approximate date, price, and place of purchase and attach any sales receipts you may have.
-- Contact your insurance company. Keep a record of the name of each person you talk to as well as the time and date of the call.
-- Your insurance company will send an adjuster to your property. Ask the adjuster for identification and please remember that your insurance company pays the adjusters so you should not be asked for payment.
-- If your home is uninhabitable, ask your insurance company if your policy covers any additional living expenses until repairs are made, such as lodging, food and clothing.
