Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahomans who had family treasures, heirlooms, photos and books damaged during the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding between May 7 and June 9, shouldn’t throw them away just yet. They may be salvageable and expert advice is available to help.Here are some tips on how to save some of your family treasures:Flood water may be contaminated. Wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles.If an object is still wet, rinse it gently with clean water. If dry, remove silt and other foreign material with a soft brush...

Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahomans affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding between May 7 and June 9 are advised to get proper permits when rebuilding their damaged property.Every part of a building — from roofs, walls and siding to plumbing, septic systems and heating/air conditioning systems — may require a permit before rebuilding. A permit may also be needed for demolition.Permits protect owners, residents, communities and buildings by making sure repairs and/or construction meet current building codes, standards, floodplain ordinances and construction techniques. Permits also provide a...

Little Rock, Ark. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Wednesday in Fort Smith (Sebastian County) to offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in counties included in the federal disaster declaration for flooding in Arkansas between May 21 and June 14. Representatives from the State of Arkansas, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other organizations are at the centers to explain available assistance programs and help connect survivors with resources that best match their recovery needs. The Disaster Recovery Center will be located at: Central MallSuite 605, upstairs near Dillards 5111 Rogers...

Little Rock, Ark. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Thursday, June 27 in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) to offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in counties included in the federal disaster declaration for flooding in Arkansas between May 21 and June 14. Representatives from the State of Arkansas, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other organizations will be at the centers to explain available assistance programs and help connect survivors with resources that best match their recovery needs. The Disaster Recovery Center will be located at: JEFFERSON COUNTYDonald W Reynolds Community...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas survivors who sustained property damage or loss caused by flooding and severe storms between May 21 and June 14 should assess damages and insurance coverage and apply for disaster assistance with FEMA if there are unmet needs. Survivors in Arkansas, Conway, Crawford, Desha, Faulkner, Jefferson, Logan, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Sebastian and Yell counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance that may include money to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or other disaster-related expenses. Also, businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations and homeowners...