State's Damage Assessment Hotline to Close Friday

News Release

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4, 2007

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) needs to hear from all who sustained damage from flooding and other severe weather since August 18th. Individuals and business owners are urged to call the Oklahoma Damage Assessment Hotline (877) 216-1618 before it closes Friday at 7 p.m.

Already more than 1,200 calls have been received on the toll free line which opened August 23rd. Calls are taken from 8 a.m.to 7 p.m. daily. The damage reports are needed to strengthen the state’s case to add more counties to the current disaster declaration that delivers individual assistance to Blaine, Caddo and Kingfisher counties.

Those calling to report damages are asked to provide their name, address of the damaged property and the type damage their property sustained. They are also asked if they sustained financial loss because their business or place of employment was closed due to the severe weather.

Additionally, anyone with property damage is urged to contact FEMA at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Callers outside of Blaine, Caddo and Kingfisher counties will be told their county has not been declared for disaster assistance however, FEMA will take the applicants’ information and contact them if their county is declared at a later date. Registrations are also taken on-line at www.fema.gov . Due to privacy laws, FEMA cannot share with state officials information obtained from individuals. Therefore, the two phone calls are necessary.

Callers cite damages from flooding, high winds and lightning. Many Oklahomans need assistance due to flooded homes, water wells, septic tanks, personal property and automobiles. Many home owners cannot travel their private roads and driveways due to flood damage. A number of callers reported appliances damaged due to power surges. Business owners reported damage as well as loss of income.