WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Cole (OK-4) announced deadlines for counties in Oklahoma seeking reimbursement from FEMA for expenses related to the latest ice storm.  All agencies that have already helped with the recovery efforts or those that might in the future must file a Request for Public Assistance.  The deadlines include the following counties:

Cotton County-March 15                                  Canadian County-March 22

Comanche County-March 22                             Garvin County-March 22

Jefferson County-March 22                               Pontotoc County-March 22

Tillman County-March 22                                  Cleveland County-April 3

McClain Country-April 3

"I urge all parties seeking public assistance after the recent ice storm to apply for reimbursement through FEMA. It is vital for organizations to submit this form soon so that they can be eligible for funding," Congressman Cole said.

This is the first step in applying for public assistance funds. By filling out this form, an agency's name will be added to the FEMA list and they will be contacted by a FEMA Project Officer to facilitate expenditure reimbursement at a future date.

            For a copy of this form please call 405-917-3800. It can also be downloaded at: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/fema_forms/ff90-049.pdf. The form should be faxed to the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, care of Kathleen Shingledecker at 405-948-1509 by the specific deadline.

            Agencies will need to keep detailed records of man hours, overtime, equipment use, damages to equipment, etc. in order to receive reimbursement from public assistance funds. 

            Individuals seeking assistance related to the ice storms need to register with FEMA either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 or online at www.fema.gov. There is not a deadline for individual filers but they are urged to do so in a timely manner.

###