Mitigation Teams Offer Building Tips To Lessen Disaster Damage 

Release Date: May 22, 2008
Release Number: 1749-041

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Ways to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damages will be offered at home building supply stores in Poplar Bluff next week, May 26 - 31.

Outreach teams will be available to assist people with mitigation techniques that can protect against both water and wind damage, announced the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores:

Home Depot
639 S. Westwood Blvd.
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Hood's Warehouse Outlet
1125 East Harper St.
(Business Highway 60 E.)
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Many of the tips and techniques are specifically geared for the do-it-yourselfer and building contractors. Information on retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities will be available.

The teams provide flood safety clean-up tips for mold and mildew. Home and business owners should be aware that in addition to causing structural damage, mold spores can grow in a short period, aggravating asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children.
Information on the federal disaster assistance available to those affected by flooding in mid-March is also being provided.

Families, individuals and businesses that suffered damage during the period March 17 - May 9 have until May 27 to register for federal assistance.

Registrants may call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This holiday weekend only, the Helpline hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Online, register at www.fema.gov, 24 hours a day.
May 27 is also the deadline to submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The standard flood insurance policies from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program have a 60-day period to file proof of loss. That deadline would have been May 16. Policyholders in Missouri have been given an extension to July 15 to file claims with their carriers.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 22-May-2008 13:50:51