Ottawa County residents among those urged to apply for FEMA funds

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. (KOAM) - The deadline to receive federal assistance for those impacted by storm damage in Oklahoma earlier this year is fast approaching.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting assistance applications until July 31st.

“We're here to help survivors get onto the road to recovery, to make up for some of those losses that could otherwise put families into further distress,” says Leyla Gulen, a FEMA spokesperson.

After severe storms caused damage across counties in Oklahoma, including Ottawa county, FEMA is looking to help those impacted.

The agency is offering help in the form of rental assistance, basic home repairs, personal property loss and other expenses related to storm damage.

“We do have inspectors that will go out to the property to then take in all the information and data, go back, use the assessment to make a determination. But again, it's a case by case basis," says Gulen. "So what you qualify for is not necessarily going to be the same as what your neighbor qualifies for.”

Both Gulen and the Ottawa County Emergency Manager say people impacted by the storms should apply for assistance even if they don't think they qualify.

“There were several encounters with survivors who said, you know what, I haven't I haven't applied yet because I don't think I'm going to qualify. And lo and behold, a few days later, they had money in their account," says Gulen. "So even if you doubt that you could possibly qualify for assistance, register anyways.”

Applications can be filled out online , by phone at 800-621-3362 or in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

According to the Ottawa County Emergency Manager, applicants must use insurance first and FEMA will assist in filling in the gaps.

Gulen says FEMA has already distributed more than $8 million to Oklahoma residents impacted by these storms. She says the agency is excited to be able to help any residents they can in Ottawa County.

“While we don't make survivors whole, every little bit counts," says Gulen.

"And what we have heard from survivors is in some cases, they weren't expecting anything. And then when they receive money in their account to help make up for some of those losses, it truly makes a 100% difference in their lives.”

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