Disaster News

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Small Business Administration

March 4, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Disaster Recovery Center in Carter County will reduce its hours of operation and will be closed on Sundays beginning Friday, March 6, state and federal emergency management officials announced today. The new hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

“We are far enough along in the operation of our Disaster Recovery Center that there is a noticeable decline in the number of applicants coming in over the weekends, especially on Sunday,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Doug Mayne. “We will continue to provide services Monday through Saturday to those in need.”

Anyone affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes is urged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 to register. Phone lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov 24 hours a day.

“Although individuals are asked to register with FEMA prior to going to the Disaster Recovery Center,” said State Coordinating Officer Fred W. Liebe, “anyone is welcome to visit the center in Lone Grove to find out what disaster assistance may be available to them and, if they have not already registered, they can do so at the center.”

The Carter County Disaster Recovery Center is located at:

The Old Dollar General Store
16999 U.S. Highway 70
Lone Grove, OK 73443.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Oklahoma City ceased operation March 3, having met the needs of Oklahoma and Logan county residents affected by February severe storms and tornadoes.

Residents in disaster-declared Carter, Logan and Oklahoma counties who have questions or need help with OEM, FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster applications can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.fema.gov or www.oem.ok.gov.

More information about SBA Disaster loan programs is available at 800-659-2955,

(TTY) 800-877-8339, or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

###