Community members:

On Monday night, an EF-5 tornado tore through communities near Oklahoma City, causing massive devastation in the cities of Newcastle and Moore, Oklahoma. First responders have been working since the tornado made landfall to rescue survivors from the massive destruction within the impacted area. The tireless dedication and work of these crews is truly remarkable and has saved lives.

THE OKLAHOMA TORNADOES: HOW TO GET HELP

Individuals and families impacted by the storms and tornadoes can apply for assistance in one of three ways:

• Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov;
• By phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362); or
• By web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Get tips about talking to children affected by disasters: http://www.ready.gov/kids/parents-teachers.

Have a story to share about your tornado experience or want to learn from others?Weigh in here.

THE OKLAHOMA TORNADOES: HOW TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED

As President Obama said in a briefing after the devastation occurred on Monday “we’re a nation that stands with our fellow citizens as long as it takes. We’ve seen that spirit in Joplin, in Tuscaloosa; we saw that spirit in Boston and Breezy Point. And that’s what the people of Oklahoma are going to need from us right now.”

Here’s how you can help:

Do not self-deploy to disaster areas. For trusted organizations to donate money or learn about ways to serve visit:

• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD):http://www.nvoad.org/help.
• Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

FEMA THINK TANK: DISASTER SURVIVOR SERIES

Please join FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino, and officials from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for a FEMA Think Tank conference call on May 28, 2013 from New York City. The call will provide the opportunity to listen to the stories of disaster survivors and international emergency personnel to gain perspective from their experiences and resilience. 

WHAT: FEMA Think Tank Conference Call

WHO: Richard Serino, FEMA Deputy Administrator and Akhil Iyer, UNICEF Deputy Director of Office of Emergency Programmes

WHEN: Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 1:00PM – 2:30 PM (Eastern)

WHERE: New York City

CALL IN: 888-740-6143

PASSCODE: 1202139

CAPTIONING: http://fedrcc.us//Enter.aspx?EventID=2157240&CustomerID=321