FEMA's Community Relations Teams Communicate Help 

Release Date: April 8, 2008
Release Number: 1749-011

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Federal disaster recovery professionals are sweeping across the federally-declared disaster area to alert individuals and families that help is available.

Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Relations (CR) section are reaching into the 35 flood-stricken counties made eligible for Individual Assistance. There are 35 CR representatives in the field.

CR representatives go door-to-door to individual residences to spread the word, and/or to churches, nursing homes, assisted living centers, hotels, apartments, businesses, and other locations where those affected by flooding may be found.

Referrals are also sought for the elderly and disabled. Assistance is delivered in Spanish, and other languages, as well as by American Sign Language experts as needed.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are another component of FEMA’s outreach efforts. DRCs are located in key locations in many counties to offer one-on-one assistance, information on recovery resources, SBA low-interest loans, flood insurance, and mitigation.

Since the disaster declaration of March 19, FEMA’s CR teams in Missouri have reached thousands of individuals and households. Their message is clear: Help is available. To date, more than $5.6 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes.

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: Tuesday, 22-Apr-2008 11:44:57