Disaster News
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency 

For Immediate Release:

August 31, 2007

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN BLAINE COUNTY OPENS SEPT. 6

OKLAHOMA CITY – State and federal officials announced today a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Blaine County Sept. 6 and be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following location:

Blaine County DRC
City Hall Auditorium
117 North Weigle Ave.
Watonga, OK73772

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are establishing a DRC in Blaine County to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who were affected by the severe weather which occurred prior to July 25 and by recent severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes which began on Aug. 18, 2007.

Before visiting the DRC, disaster victims are urged to register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or on-line at www.fema.gov. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Those who have questions may visit the DRC to meet with disaster recovery specialists.

Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

State and federal officials said all DRCs in Oklahoma will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3. However, applicants may go on-line or call the toll-free number to register on Labor Day.

SBA Customer Service Representatives will be at the DRC to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each individual and business owner complete their application.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and   private non-profit organizations for losses not fully covered by insurance. The SBA may loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Up to $1.5 million is available for uncompensated business disaster losses.

Residents and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and help

with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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