The emergency procedures are effective immediately for paying agents and owners in those areas of Oklahoma affected by the tornado. These procedures will remain in effect through June 30, 1999. Public Debt's action waives the normal six-month minimum holding period for Series EE and Series I savings bonds presented to authorized paying agents for redemption by residents of the affected area.
Most financial institutions serve as paying agents for savings bonds.
Oklahoma counties involved are Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma. Should additional counties be declared disaster areas the emergency procedures for savings bonds owners will go into effect for those areas. The replacement of bonds lost or destroyed will also be expedited by Public Debt. Bond owners should include as much information as possible about the lost bonds on the form. This information should include how the bonds were inscribed, social security number, approximate dates of issue, bond denominations and serial numbers if available.