Resources Available for Those Affected by Ice Storm
Release Date: January 29, 2007
Release Number: 1676-011
» More Information on Missouri Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Although FEMA's Individual Assistance program has not been approved for Missourians affected by the recent ice storms, other forms of assistance are available for those in need.
The American Red Cross is taking the lead in this effort. Missourians with emergency disaster-related needs should call 1-866-GET-INFO (438-4636) .
In addition, FEMA, at the request of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has mission-assigned AmeriCorps , the domestic Peace Corps, to lend a collective hand to the clean-up effort. A total of 67 AmeriCorps members are in the disaster-affected counties, performing tasks as assigned by county emergency management directors. These federally funded AmeriCorps teams can help elderly and low-income residents, and others with special needs, clear tree limbs and other disaster debris from private property. To request the assistance of AmeriCorps teams, call the Missouri Disaster Hotline, 1-888-377-2100. As of January 29, the hotline had received 1,276 calls.
Volunteers with the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team have also mobilized in the aftermath of the recent winter storms. Whether delivering meals, providing showers and laundry facilities, or using chainsaws to clean up downed tree limbs, these volunteers are working day by day to help Missourians recover from the recent storms. To request the assistance of these and other faith-based voluntary agencies, contact the Missouri Disaster Hotline, 1-888-377-2100.
Other resources include:
- Local food pantries may be able to provide food for those unable to replace food that was spoiled during the disaster.
- Many counties have established hotlines for people with disaster-related needs, and those who wish to donate goods or services. Contact your local county government offices for details.
- The USDA Farm Service Agency may be able to help farmers and ranchers with emergency loans for the repair of fences damaged by the winter storms. Contact local FSA offices.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 07-Mar-2007 15:04:15