Senator Inhofe promises Oklahomans "Help is on the way"

Following a month's worth of flooding and other severe weather in the Great Plains, Inhofe, Oklahoma's senior senator, came to Kay County on Friday to discuss flood recovery efforts with local farmers and ranchers. Earlier in the day, he had flown to El Reno, where a tornado wiped out a hotel and claimed two lives.

Inhofe spoke to a small gathering of farmers and ranchers in a crowded room at Enrique's Mexican Restaurant. He passed out flyers detailing resources that producers can access in order to get help rebuilding their operations.

Here are the top programs for producers that Inhofe discussed.

HELP FOR AGRICULTURE-RELATED DAMAGE

The United States Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Farm Service Agency, makes emergency loans available to producers who need help recovering from a flood. A full list of loan options and other USDA resources can be found by visiting https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE DISCOVERY TOOL

There are five questions producers need to answer in order to determine what types of aid they may be able to receive. That tool can be found at this address: https://www.farmers.gov/recover/disaster-assistance-tool.

EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM

The Secretary of Agriculture's emergency loan program helps producers who suffer farm-related losses directly caused by a disaster in a county that has been declared a disaster area. The program is in effect when the president declares an emergency, which President Donald Trump has already done. For more information on these loans, visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index.

LIVESTOCK INDEMNITY PROGRAM

Assistance for livestock owners and contract growers who had higher than normal livestock deaths due to weather-related events may qualify for assistance through the FSA. Visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-indemnity/index for more information.

REPORTING DAMAGE

Inhofe encouraged those affected by flooding to begin documenting damage to their homes, businesses, and farms when it is safe to do so. Damage should be reported to the Oklahoma Emergency Management Division at http://www.damage.ok.gov. It should also be reported to one's insurance provider.

THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION: WHAT DOES IT DO?

Under the emergency declaration signed by President Trump late last month, the federal government can provide emergency shelters to those affected by flooding. Federal agencies can also help with sandbagging, shoring up damaged structures, making emergency repairs to structures, demolishing structures that pose safety hazards, and removing health and safety hazards. For more information, contact the Oklahoma Emergency Management Division Help Line at 405-521-2481.