As the state continues working to document damage levels necessary for a federal disaster declaration in response to the record flooding in the St. Louis region, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) damage assessment experts are in the field working alongside local emergency managers to assess storm damage and estimate repair costs.
Due to the extent of the flooding damage in the densely populated metropolitan region, SEMA took the unprecedented step of deploying eight emergency coordinators to work alongside local officials to speed the process by which Governor Mike Parson can request a federal major disaster declaration and federal assistance.
"Because of the devastating impact of the record rainfall and flooding, we've deployed multiple SEMA team members from across the state to take part in what is normally a process handled by local assessment teams," Governor Parson said. "The combined state-local teams are making steady progress, despite Thursday's additional flooding, which means we will be able to expedite our request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams to conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, and ultimately a federal Major Disaster Declaration."
"We know this federal process can be frustrating for affected communities. However, we are working to meet federal requirements as quickly as possible and will continue to deploy every state resource necessary and available to support the St. Louis region," Parson continued.
Residents affected by flooding are reminded to document all damage, including with photographs, before starting any repairs; to retain all receipts; and to contact their local emergency manager to report damage.
Multi-Agency Resource Centers to Offer One-Stop Assistance
The first of several one-stop shops to provide disaster assistance for flood survivors with unmet needs will be held in Wentzville on Tuesday, August 2. SEMA has been working with volunteer and faith-based organizations to organize these events that are known as a Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs). A MARC is a central location for flood survivors to receive recovery resources and assistance information.
Resources that will be available include emergency clean-up supplies, emergency food boxes, food stamp replacement services, emergency financial assistance, insurance information, legal services, and other disaster-related services.
Flood survivors with unmet recovery needs can reach out to United Way Missouri by calling 2-1-1 or online at 211.
Individuals and business owners should notify their insurance companies of damage and not wait for damage assessments. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has an online post-disaster claims guide that can be viewed here. The department's Insurance Consumer Hotline is 800-726-7390.
Missouri's disaster recovery website has many additional resources and information about disaster recovery, including mold and general clean-up information, food safety, and vital records replacement: recovery.mo.gov.
"Our first responders have responded quickly to this unprecedented flooding, and we're extremely grateful for the selfless work of good Samaritans who've gone out of their way to assist others," Parson said. "Lives have been saved because of swift action. We and our local partners are determined to move quickly at every step in this process so that the St. Louis region can rebuild, recover, and move forward."
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy