FEMA Community Relations Teams Hit the Streets
Release Date: May 12, 2003
Release Number: 1463-10
» 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, these disaster-recovery specialists began visiting local officials and those affected by the severe storms both in DeSoto and the Cape Girardeau area -- two of the many eastern Missouri communities that recently became eligible for state and federal disaster assistance.
The purpose of the community relations visits is to ensure that those affected by the storms know that disaster recovery assistance may be available and how to apply for help.
Since last Thursday, the teams have visited disaster-affected areas in the Kansas City metro and in many southwestern Missouri communities. The teams will continue their efforts until all disaster-designated counties in the state have been visited.
To make a disaster application and/or to get more information on the kind of recovery help that is available, Missourians in 50 disaster-designated counties can 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, multi-lingual operators are available.
The 50 eligible counties are: Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Bollinger, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Perry, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Ray, Saline, Scott, 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, 13-May-2003 12:06:52