May 3, 2010

GOVERNOR BARBOUR ANNOUNCES OKTIBBEHA COUNTY
TO RECEIVE FEDERAL AID

Governor Haley Barbour today announced Oktibbeha County residents impacted by the April 24 storms can receive federal assistance to aid recovery.

Residents must contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency to receive Individual Assistance. Other counties that have been approved for Individual Assistance programs include: Monroe, Union, Attala, Choctaw, Holmes, Warren and Yazoo.

“To begin the recovery process, residents need to take the first step by calling FEMA and registering for help,” Governor Barbour said. “There are many programs the federal government offers to help our communities rebuild. I appreciate FEMA’s swift action in helping our counties recover.”

Damage assessments continue in Warren, Issaquena and Monroe counties.

Residents may register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Individual Assistance programs available to families and individuals will include the Individuals and Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, the Disaster Food Stamp Program and Small Business Administration loans.

For more information call MEMA’s Public Information Line at 866-519-MEMA.