The Bureau of Public Debt took action to assist victims of wildfires in Colorado by expediting the replacement or payment of United States Savings Bonds for owners in the affected areas. The emergency procedures are effective immediately for paying agents and owners in Park, Jefferson and Larimer counties. These procedures will remain in effect through end of July 2000. 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.
Public Debt will also expedite the replacement of bonds lost or destroyed. 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, and approximate dates of issue, bond denominations and serial numbers if available. A notary public or an officer of a financial institution must certify the completed form. Completed forms should be forwarded to Public Debt's Savings Bond Operations Office located at 200 Third St., Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328.