These two Oklahoma counties can apply for FEMA assistance after severe storms, tornadoes

Jana Hayes and Richard Mize, Oklahoman
·2 min read

Five days after at least 13 tornadoes battered central Oklahoma, federal assistance is now available for affected individuals in McClain and Pottawatomie counties.

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the two Oklahoma counties in light of the damage left behind from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on April 19, much of which is found in the towns of Cole and Shawnee. Assistance could include temporary housing and home repair grants, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss, as well as other programs.

State, tribal, eligible local governments and certain nonprofits can also receive federal funding for emergency work and debris removal.

How to get FEMA assistance after Oklahoma tornadoes

Any individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the two counties can apply for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA app or calling 1-800-621-3362.

Power has been restored to most storm victims

According to the OGE outage map, nearly 1,300 people were without power across the state as of about 3 p.m. Monday. Nearly all of those were in the Shawnee area.

The current latest restoration time is April 26 at 10 p.m. for customers on the north side of Shawnee.

Shawnee U-Haul offering free storage to Shawnee residents affected by tornado

Jeff Totten's living room is pictured at his home, Thursday, April, 20, 2023, in Shawnee, Okla., after tornado moved through the area Wednesday night in Shawnee, Okla.
Jeff Totten's living room is pictured at his home, Thursday, April, 20, 2023, in Shawnee, Okla., after tornado moved through the area Wednesday night in Shawnee, Okla.

U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage to Shawnee residents affected by the tornado who rent new units. U-Box deliveries include container drop-off and pick-up.

“The tornado hit Shawnee directly on the west side of town, and it tore up some houses over that way,” said Scott Brackin, U-Haul Company of Southwest Oklahoma City president. “There will be families going through the recovery process in the days and weeks to come. We are here to help them and support the Shawnee community.”

For more information, call (405) 273-0336 or go to U-Haul Moving & Storage of Shawnee, 2323 N Harrison St.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: FEMA assistance for Oklahoma tornadoes now available