FEMA Community Relations Teams Reach Out To Hard-Hit Communities
Release Date: May 19, 2003
Release Number: 1463-21
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Springfield, MO -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Relations teams are reaching out to those affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that have hit several Missouri communities since May 4.
On Monday, May 19, these disaster-recovery specialists began visiting local officials and those affected by the severe storms in the 18 Missouri counties added to the disaster declaration last week. Team members will visit all disaster-designated counties in Missouri.
"The purpose of the community relations visits is to make sure that those affected by the storms know that they may be eligible for state and federal disaster assistance," said Mike Karl, FEMA's federal coordinating effort.
To make a disaster application and/or to get more information on the kind of recovery help that is available, Missourians should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who are hearing- or speech-impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT, seven days a week until further notice. When needed, multilingual operators are available.
The disaster-designated counties are: Audrain, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Boone, Buchanan, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cass, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, McDonald, Miller, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Osage, Perry, Pettis, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Scott, Shelby, Stoddard, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Vernon, Washington and Webster.
Officials from FEMA and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency have been working closely with local public officials, community leaders and representatives of community-based agencies to continually assess the needs of families and business owners.
FEMA teams are working with all volunteer organizations that have rallied to help residents and businesses in the affected counties.
The state and federal assistance programs include: grants for short-term rental needs; grants to make minimal home repairs; low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to repair major damage and/or replace damaged personal property; grants to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by other programs.
The state and federal disaster assistance was made available May 6 by President Bush after Missouri Gov. Bob Holden requested help in the wake of recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-May-2003 12:00:23