Obama declares emergency in Oklahoma after winter storm

Obama declares emergency in Oklahoma after winter storm

2011-02-03 11:53:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday released federal aid for recovery efforts in Oklahoma by declaring an emergency in the region, as the week's winter storm continues to affect several parts of the country.

With the declaration, the President authorized the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the winter storm.

FEMA will be providing appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 77 counties in the State.

Furthermore, the agency is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.

Emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.

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