Host Arla Smith talks with Jessica and Isaac about the disaster legal issues LASO sees most: FEMA appeals, quiet title and probate, insurance claims denied after a storm, landlord-tenant problems, and contractor fraud. They explain why these cases can stretch on for years, how disaster declarations work, how poverty and repeat disasters compound each other, and how LASO screens and supports every case it hands to a volunteer. You'll also hear about a 2025 wildfire case that went from lawsuit to deed in hand in about a month.

Whether you're an experienced practitioner or a newer attorney looking to build skills and pro bono hours, there's a place for you in disaster recovery legal aid. Learn more and connect with LASO's disaster team at oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org.

Disaster survivors who need free legal help can call 1-888-534-5243 or visit legalaidok.org/apply.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma. LASO serves all 77 counties from 18 offices statewide. Eligible Oklahomans may apply for help by calling 1-888-534-5243 or visiting www.legalaidok.org.

Christa describes how Oklahoma VOAD — Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster — connects Legal Aid with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, and dozens of other groups so survivors don't fall through the cracks. She also shares how LASO's disaster team started after the 2013 Moore tornado and grew from there.

Cresha walks through what happens when you call for an intake. Plan for about 10 to 15 minutes, and have your lease, your most current insurance declaration page, and roughly 10 photos of the worst damage ready.

You'll also hear simple steps you can take before a storm ever arrives, like getting a home titled in your name and recording a slow walkthrough video of everything you own.

Free legal help is available to eligible Oklahomans after a disaster. Start at oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org, or call 1-888-534-5243.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma. Eligible Oklahomans may apply for help by calling 1-888-534-5243 or visiting www.legalaidok.org.

Host Arla Smith talks with disaster attorneys Jessica Foutch and Isaac Morris about the contractor issues they see most after Oklahoma disasters — shoddy repairs, out-of-state "storm chasers," high-pressure sales tactics, and requests to sign over your insurance check. They walk through what Oklahoma law actually requires for contractor licensing, how to check a contractor's background before hiring, and what every contract should include. This episode is for any Oklahoman rebuilding after a tornado, storm, or wildfire — and it's free to watch and free to call if you need help.

Legal help after a disaster is free. If a contractor issue comes up, learn more at oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma. This video does not constitute legal advice. Eligible Oklahomans may apply for help by calling 1-888-534-5243 or visiting www.legalaidok.org.

They cover what a will actually does, the difference between a will and a living will, why probate matters, common mistakes people make writing their own will, and how advance directives protect your wishes if you're ever unable to speak for yourself. This episode is for any Oklahoman thinking about estate planning — especially seniors and anyone who wants their family protected from guesswork later.

This is general information, not legal advice. If you qualify for services, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma can help you prepare these documents at no cost. Learn more or find topic-specific resources at oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma. Eligible Oklahomans may apply for help by calling 1-888-534-5243 or visiting www.legalaidok.org.

In this episode of What a Disaster, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma disaster attorneys Jessica Foutch and Isaac Morris sit down with host Arla Smith to walk renters through their rights before, during, and after a disaster. You'll hear why written notice to your landlord is the single most important step for protecting yourself, how to document your home before something goes wrong, what to do when your unit is damaged but your rent is still due, and how to request a deposit back if you have to move.

Jessica and Isaac also break down what to expect if you end up in eviction court — from the paperwork to the courtroom itself — and why showing up (and dressing the part) can make the difference in whether an eviction ends up on your rental record for years to come.

Free legal help is available for eligible Oklahomans. Learn more, find disaster recovery resources, or apply for help at oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org, call the disaster hotline at 1-888-602-8494, or apply for general legal aid at legalaidok.org/apply or 1-888-534-5243.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering free civil legal assistance to low-income Oklahomans through 18 offices statewide. Making equal justice for all a reality.

You'll learn how to build a family plan the whole household actually knows, why a printed list of phone numbers (landlord, mortgage, insurance, pharmacy) matters more than you'd think when cell towers go down, and where to keep your important documents so they survive fire and water. Jessica and Isaac also explain why estate planning — wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and transfer-on-death deeds — is one of the most overlooked forms of disaster preparedness, especially for Oklahomans of any age or income level.

Free legal help is available for eligible Oklahomans. Learn more or find a full library of disaster recovery checklists and tip sheets at oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org, call the disaster hotline at 1-888-602-8494, or apply for legal aid at legalaidok.org/apply or 1-888-534-5243.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering free civil legal assistance to low-income Oklahomans through 18 offices statewide.

Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, this episode covers how to protect yourself financially, avoid FEMA recoupment, and connect with long-term recovery groups that can help when insurance runs out. Learn why keeping receipts, photos, and videos matters — and where to find free legal help if you need it.

Free disaster legal help is available. Visit oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org or call the disaster hotline at 888-602-8494.

Additional resources mentioned in this episode:

• 211 (dial 2-1-1 for local disaster resources)
• Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)
• Heartland Disaster Legal Help: heartlanddisasterlegalhelp.org
• Legal Aid Disaster Recovery Center: ladrc.org
• Ready.gov (disaster preparedness tips)

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma. Eligible Oklahomans may apply for help by calling 1-888-534-5243 or visiting www.legalaidok.org.

Topics covered include how to store and protect important documents, how to verify the legal title to your home, what actual cash value vs. replacement cost really means for your insurance payout, what to do first when you file a claim, and where to turn if your insurance company disputes your damage.

This help is free for eligible low-income Oklahomans. If you're dealing with an insurance dispute, a FEMA denial, or a contractor issue after a storm, don't wait — reach out now.

📞 Call the LASO Disaster Hotline or visit oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org to apply, access tip sheets, and request a free presentation for your community.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (LASO) is a nonprofit organization offering civil legal assistance to low-income persons throughout Oklahoma. Eligible Oklahomans may apply for help by calling 1-888-534-5243 or visiting www.legalaidok.org.