Mitigation Teams Offer Building Tips to Lessen Disaster Damage 

Release Date: May 16, 2008
Release Number: 1749-039

» 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 supply stores in Cape Girardeau and Ozark next week.

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 Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 19-24:

Cape Girardeau County
Lowe's Home Improvement Center
3440 Lowes Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Christian County
Lowe's Home Improvement Center
1800 West Marlar Lane
Ozark, MO 65721

Many of the tips and techniques are specifically geared for the do-it-yourselfer. 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.

Those with flood damage who haven't registered for assistance should contact FEMA. Register by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Online, register at www.fema.gov, 24 hours a day. Families, individuals and businesses that suffered damage during the period March 17 - May 9 have until May 27 to register for federal assistance.

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: Friday, 16-May-2008 13:34:21