In the aftermath of the Rowena wildfire that swept through Wasco County, Oregon earlier this month, key officials from emergency management and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined forces to assess the damage. Last Tuesday, Audrey DeWittie worked alongside local emergency personnel and SBA representatives in a joint effort to evaluate both the immediate and long-term impact on the community. Their goal: to begin the rebuilding process by securing federal aid and loans for those affected.
According to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the preliminary damage assessment is the first key step to getting federal help. It can lead to low-interest SBA loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the disaster. However, the process is often slow and complicated, leaving many waiting for much-needed aid.
The collaborative survey brought together Audrey DeWittie, Regional Mitigation and Recovery Coordinator for OEM, and Sheridan McClellan, Emergency Manager at the Wasco County Sheriff's Office. In a statement from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, their joint effort highlights how local, state, and federal agencies are working together to provide support during difficult times.
