Residents urged to report storm and flood damage

May 31-- May 31--It's important for people who have sustained damage to their property as a result of recent flooding and storms to report that damage to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, which is preparing disaster assessments. Damage assessments serve several purposes. They help emergency management officials determine what resources are needed and where they should go. They also help determine the amount of disaster aid a certain area will receive.

Both City of Stillwater and Payne County officials are urging anyone who had had any type of storm damage or water in their home, business or outbuilding to make a report. Damage to other structures, landscaping and trees or agriculture should also be included.

Automobiles, which would be covered by auto insurance, are excluded from this damage assessment.

Payne County Emergency Management Director Jeff Kuhn said the county has to meet a certain threshold to qualify for FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and documenting every bit of damage is important to achieving that.

Flood damage is excluded from standard homeowner's insurance policies so people who suffered flood damage and don't have flood insurance will be largely on their own without federal disaster aid.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared a State of Emergency in all 77 counties of Oklahoma, which allows state agencies to suspend normal purchasing procedures and get resources to local jurisdictions faster.

Declaring a State of Emergency is also the first step toward seeking federal assistance.

State residents and property owners impacted by recent flooding, tornadoes, severe storms or straight-line winds that began in April are urged to report their property damage online at damage.ok.gov or by calling 211.

How to Help Livestock Producers

Hay donations are needed to assist Oklahoma farmers and ranchers after the recent statewide flooding disaster. These donations are currently being accepted at the Muskogee Fairgrounds, located at 1444 S Cherokee St. in Muskogee. For questions or more information, please contact Rowdy Fewel at 918-261-6800.

A flood relief fund has been set up through the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation for Oklahoma Cattlemen affected by the ongoing flooding across the state. One hundred percent of the donated funds will be distributed to the affected cattlemen. Donate at https://www.okcattlemen.org/flood-relief-fund. -- Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Price gouging illegal after disasters

Oklahoma's price gouging statute is in effect statewide in the aftermath of recent severe weather and flooding. The Emergency Price Stabilization Act prohibits increasing the price of goods and services more than 10% after the governor issues a state of emergency. The law allows the attorney general to pursue charges against businesses and individuals that engage in price gouging.

For more information or to report a complaint, people can contact the Attonrey General's Consumer Protection Unit at 405-521-2029 or consumer protection@oag.ok.gov. -- Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

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