OXNARD : Emergency Officials to Offer Storm Aid

State and federal officials will be knocking on doors today, telling victims of the March 10 storm how to apply for federal and state assistance.

Representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services are in Ventura County this week, assessing damage to public property and urging local residents to apply for federal aid.

Today, emergency representatives will assess damage to public buildings, schools and drainage channels in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura County.

FEMA and the OES will use the information to tally the storm’s financial toll on the cities and county.

Residents who suffered financial hardship due to the storm have until May 10 to register for assistance by telephone.

“What we’re trying to emphasize is that people should go ahead and register,” said OES spokesman Fred Messick.

An assessor will inspect the properties of registrants to determine eligibility, Messick said.

To register, call (800) 462-9029 or (800) 462-7585 for the hearing-impaired. For general information, call (800) 525-0321 or (800) 660-8005 for the hearing-impaired.

FEMA and OES officials have visited Ventura County during each month of 1995, assessing damage caused by new storm disasters.

“We’re trying to reach as many people as quickly as we can,” Messick said.