Residents of Okmulgee County who were affected by the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding May 2-8 have one month remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline to apply is Sept. 28.

There may be several reasons that you have not applied with FEMA. However, federal assistance may be a necessary step in your disaster recovery.

Common Misconceptions Debunked: “I have my own insurance.” Even if you have insurance you should apply for assistance. Sometimes damage is found that insurance won’t cover, but federal disaster assistance may.

“I’m still waiting on a visit from my insurance adjuster.” You should still apply with FEMA, as your insurance may not meet all your disasterrelated needs.

“I think I make too much money to apply for assistance.” Most state and federal disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The kind of help provided depends on the applicant's circumstances and unmet needs.

“I don’t think I sustained enough damage to qualify.” Damage that may not be visible now, may be discovered during repair work. If you applied for disaster assistance, these repairs may be covered.

“I don’t want to take assistance from someone else.” There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant, so you should not worry that you are taking money from other applicants whom you feel need it more.

“I’m worried that disaster assistance will interrupt or interfere with my other federal assistance.” Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income or any other federal programs.

If You Have Not Applied for Federal Assistance: Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov. The website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To locate the closest DRC to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit the DRC Locator. You can also text 43362 and type DRC (your ZIP Code); for example, DRC 12345.

Download the FEMA mobile app at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobileproducts for more information about DRCs.

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/ 4657. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.