FEMA Delivers Trailers in Okla.

April 12, 2006

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has begun to deliver manufactured homes to Oklahoma families displaced by wildfires.

The first home was delivered to Chad and Shalin Dumos in Ratliff City in southern Oklahoma. The couple, who have two daughters, did not have insurance and have been staying with family members since their home was destroyed on Jan. 12 by a wildfire in Carter County that burned at least 20 residences.

“This makes it easier for us to get our thoughts together,” Dumos said. “It helps us get on our feet.”

FEMA is expected to deliver several more of the homes this week to Oklahoma families in the same situation as the Dumos family. Ultimately, about a dozen of the 6,000 homes kept by FEMA in a staging area in Texarkana, Texas, could wind up in Oklahoma for fire victims, said Bob Alvey, a spokesman for FEMA.

The two-bedroom home for the Dumos family came furnished with appliances and furniture.

Chad Dumos, an oil field worker, said he was helping neighbors fight the fire when flames reached his house.

The Dumos family will be able to use the home for up to 18 months while they rebuild or make arrangements for another house, Alvey said.

Dumos said he is not sure whether the family will rebuild in the same spot or buy a house elsewhere.

Dumos applied for the home March 20 but had sought disaster aid since January.

Alvey said those displaced by wildfire can still apply for temporary housing by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

Information from The Oklahoman, www.newsok.com.

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