FEMA Completes Ice Storm Assessment

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) _ Federal emergency management officials have completed another major assessment of damage done by an ice storm in eastern Oklahoma last month. <br/><br/>FEMA teams finished the individual

Friday, February 16th 2007, 7:35 pm

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) _ Federal emergency management officials have completed another major assessment of damage done by an ice storm in eastern Oklahoma last month.

FEMA teams finished the individual damage assessment earlier this week, then compiled a report to be sent to Washington.

If President Bush approves a major disaster declaration for individuals, that would open the door for FEMA assistance for qualified uninsured property losses for individuals, as well as small businesses.

Bush previously signed an order declaring the ice storm a major disaster, but only for public assistance to entities such as communities and counties.

Oklahoma FEMA spokesman John McDermott said there's now way to predict how long the process will take. The agency's Washington office will make a recommendation to approve or deny the request for individual assistance, and the president makes the final decision.