Declared vs. non-declared disasters

We face severe weather and other incidents from time to time here in Midwest City. Some of them become disasters, but not all are declared disasters. As we’ve shown, the declaration process can be a lengthy and complex one.

Having a disaster declaration provides outside assistance to individuals and to the city. If we have a declaration, we know we will be getting reimbursement for 75% or more of our disaster recovery costs, so that allows us to utilize resources for things like clean up; resources that we might not otherwise be able to afford. That’s why clean up schedules after a declared disaster like the 2020 Ice Storm will have different schedules than non-declared, like the wind event in June of 2024. Declared or not, the City will what we can to help get everything cleaned up as soon as possible.

If we have an incident in our city, and your home or property is damaged, it is important that you let the Emergency Management office know as soon as it is safe to do so. You can call the office at 405-739-1386, or post photos to the Facebook page  facebook.com/MidwestCityEM.

Disaster declaration decisions are based on the amount of damage we report, but there are thresholds that must be met before we can even request a declaration. Your reports will assist us in determining whether we have sufficient damage to proceed with the requesting process.