Office of Governor Brad Henry 
State of Oklahoma  
State Capitol – Oklahoma City OK 73105  
405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 23, 2010

Oklahoma City – Gov. Brad Henry today asked the White House to approve federal disaster assistance for Oklahoma County residents impacted by last week’s flooding and severe storms that left one dead and hundreds of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.

“Many Oklahomans were affected by last week’s torrential rains and Oklahoma City saw flooding in areas that had never flooded before,” Gov. Henry said. “We will seek all available federal assistance to help Oklahoma families repair damaged property and recover from these devastating storms.”

The Governor’s request for individual assistance comes after state Department of Emergency Management surveys showed 221 homes were damaged by the June 14 record rainfall. Only two percent of the structures were insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. The primary reason for the low insurance coverage is most of the homes that sustained damage are located outside an identified flood zone.

If the Governor’s request is approved, Oklahomans who suffered uninsured storm-related damage would be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

As reports of damage to homes and businesses in other counties are confirmed, more counties may be added to the declaration request. In the meantime, emergency management officials are gathering information to request public assistance for infrastructure repairs and response costs in counties impacted by storms.

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