Cole Resident Seeks Help From FEMA Following Tornado

"I hate to see all the mess. It was all so pretty," said Cole homeowner Mary Rayburn. "I lost most of my flowers." 

On April 19th, the EF3 Tornado hit Cole and Mary's home. 

"I knew a cloud was coming up, and my TV went off, and that is when the tornado came. I had no time to go anywhere, so I went into my closet," said Rayburn. 

And when Mary went back outside, her roof and porch were torn to shreds. 

"I didn't have any insurance. This house is almost 100-years-old, and with the volunteer fire department, it would've cost so much," said Rayburn.

So, she applied for federal assistance and had an inspection.

"She took the application, and four days later, I heard from FEMA," said Rayburn.

To apply for FEMA, they need basic information, like any insurance coverage available.

In some cases, FEMA inspectors must come to your home.

Once the proper paperwork and inspections are done, a letter will tell you how much money you will receive.

"We hope to get FEMA to the community center here, and we are just trying to make it convenient. So, they just have to drive as short as possible and get the assistance they need," said Ron Johnson, McClain County's Emergency Management Director.

Johnson said he's met with FEMA and will update the Cole community when FEMA is here.

"Just get up here. We can get them going on the paperwork. So, they can help get the assistance they need," said Johnson.

For more information on how to able for federal assistance: https://www.fema.gov/locations/oklahoma