FEMA and SBA offer disaster assistance to Oklahoma wildfire survivors

In the wake of destructive wildfires that scorched parts of Oklahoma earlier this year, federal disaster aid is now available through the FEMA and the Small Business Administration. Survivors in designated counties can access grants, low-interest loans, and in-person help at local disaster recovery centers. 

News On 6 spoke with FEMA spokesperson Fabian Gutierrez and SBA Public Information Officer Kim Wetherby to answer common questions about what assistance is available, who qualifies, and how to apply.

FEMA Assistance with Fabian Gutierrez, FEMA Region 6

Q: Should I apply even if I have insurance?

A: We realize that some people may have homeowner's insurance, and homeowner's insurance may not cover the entire portion of your recovery. So that's where FEMA comes in to help offset some of that.

Q: Will FEMA cover all of my losses?

A: FEMA assistance is not going to cover your full amount, that's why you have homeowner's insurance. That's why we encourage you to apply and file a claim with your homeowner's insurance first.

Q: How long will FEMA be in Oklahoma?

A: We want to make sure that we help as many people as possible. So we're going to be on the ground in the Oklahoma area for several weeks.

SBA Disaster Loans with Kim Wetherby, Small Business Admin. PIO

Q: What kind of loans can homeowners and renters apply for?

A: Homeowners, for example, can apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace their physical home. And then homeowners and renters are able to apply for up to $100,000 to replace their personal property that was damaged.

Q: What are the interest rates?

A: Homeowner renter loans are as low as 2.75% and the business ones are up 4%. They are fixed and we want to keep those down.

Q: Can I apply before I receive my insurance payout?

A: You don't have to wait for your insurance money to come in in order to apply for an SBA loan. We will grant you a loan. If you’re approved, you’ll start seeing the money.

Q: Where can I get in-person help?

A: Go to one of those disaster recovery outreach centers. We have customer service reps. They are ready to help you fill the application out. They will do everything.

FEMA Designated Disaster Relief Locations:

1st Baptist Church Cleveland (Pawnee)

201 W Crestview Rd, Cleveland, Oklahoma 74020\

First Baptist Church (Creek)

105 Greenwood Ave, Mannford, Oklahoma 74044

City of Stillwater Center (Payne)

315 W 8th Ave, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074

Logan City Courthouse Annex (Logan)

312 E Harrison Ave, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044

Carney High School (Lincoln)

203 S Carney, Carney, Oklahoma 74832

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FEMA Disaster Assistance Application: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ 

SBA Disaster Declaration Application: https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/