FEMA Deadline Approaching For Rogers County Tornado Victims

Two months after a tornado tore through parts of Northeast Oklahoma, many homes were still in pieces. 

The director of Rogers County Emergency Management, Scotty Stokes, wanted people to know help was available.

"A lot of people think that just because they have homeowners' insurance that they would be ineligible for any kind of assistance, but that's not true," he said. 

Until August 14th, 2024, FEMA took applications for those in Rogers County affected by the storm.

"A lot of these families are hurting after this tornado hit and we just want to make sure that they are getting every bit of assistance they are offered," Stokes said. 

Some people who lived there said they weren't exactly sure what help was being provided.

"I've heard of FEMA, everybody's heard of FEMA, but it's not something that's adequately explained," said Deborah Crust. 

Crust's home was one of many in the path of the tornado. She said she wished she would have known more about FEMA assistance funds earlier.

"If they had explained anything when they brought the flyers, we might have known a little bit more about FEMA and how it worked, and we could have done it ahead of time instead of two months after the event," she said. 

Stokes wanted those in Rogers County to know there was still time and assistance for those who needed it.

"It doesn't hurt to go apply and just see if there is any kind of assistance out there."

People could apply for assistance in person at the Rogers County Health Department, online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or by calling 800-621-3362.

The deadline to apply is August 14th, 2024.