FEMA access granted for 3 Oklahoma counties impacted by severe weather

HUGHES COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced on Wednesday that FEMA access has been granted for three Oklahoma counties impacted by severe weather on April 27 and 28.

Severe storms and tornadoes tore through the state Saturday and Sunday, leaving four people dead and around 300 injured. Assessments show that 238 homes were damaged across the three counties.

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According to the Office of the Governor, the White House has approved the state’s request for disaster assistance for Hughes, Love and Murray counties

“I appreciate the support and quick action from the White House and FEMA in approving Oklahoma’s request for federal disaster assistance in the wake of devastating storms,” Governor Stitt said. “As damage assessments continue, I will request aid for all counties that suffered losses to homes or businesses, whether from tornadoes, flooding, or other severe weather.”

The assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help residents with housing repairs or temporary housing. It can also provide U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to fix or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance and grants for important needs and disaster expenses not met by other programs.

Officials say the SBA is a leading provider of funds for privately damaged property.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Oklahoma’s small businesses and residents impacted by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding,” said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

According to the SBA, businesses of all sizes and private organizations may borrow up to $2 million for repairs or replacements regarding real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets of business. Additional funds may also be available for costs of improvements to protect, prevent or limit damage in the future.

There are also disaster loans for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses involved in aquaculture and the majority of private nonprofit organizations of any size.

Homeowners also have access to disaster loans up to $500,000 to fix or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters could qualify for up to $100,000 for damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

A business recovery center opens Friday, May 3, and will operate Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mary Parker Library, located at 500 West Broadway Avenue, Sulphur, OK.

For additional information regarding disaster recovery center, you may call 800-659-2955.

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To learn more or apply for disaster assistance, you may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit disasterassistance.gov.

The designation also provides limited public assistance for state and local governments in Hughes, Love and Murray counties to help with debris removal and emergency protective measures to include overtime for first responders.

According to the Governor’s Office, assessments found $8.35 million in debris and emergency response costs in the three counties. That includes more than $7.7 million in debris removal costs in just Murray County alone.

To report damage, residents can visit damage.ok.gov to make sure all areas of damage are included in assessments.

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