Disaster center opens Saturday in Lone Grove

State and federal authorities are opening a disaster recovery center Saturday in Lone Grove to help residents who were affected by the tornado that struck Carter County last week, according to an Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management news release.

The center will help storm victims register for disaster relief, help with loan applications and provide information and contacts for other aid programs, officials said. State agencies offering housing support, food stamps, unemployment benefits, insurance and public health information, transportation assistance and other social services will help staff the center.

Authorities encourage residents who plan to seek assistance at the center to first register for federal disaster assistance by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency at (800) 621-3362. For TTY, call (800) 462-7585. Applicants may also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

The center, at U.S. 70 and Newport Road in Lone Grove, will open Saturday and will operate seven days a week until further notice, officials said. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.