This week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that the federal government has approved Parsons’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to multiple severe weather systems that generated tornadoes, high winds and flooding across southern Missouri from May 19 through 27.
The declaration makes federal funding available to people living in Howell, Shannon and Texas counties, as well as residents of Barry, Butler, Carter, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott and Stoddard counties.
Federal funding is also available in the form of Public Assistance to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in those counties. The governor’s June 12 request included more than $20 million in qualifying expenses already identified.
Individual Assistance available through FEMA allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.
“This is important news for the Missouri families and communities hit hard by severe weather in late May,” Governor Parson said. “The State Emergency Management Agency will be working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to move the federal assistance process forward, which will provide millions of dollars in much needed recovery support for individuals, families, and local jurisdictions.”
People who sustained damage or losses due to severe weather between May 19 and 27 may apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free application line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Those affected are encouraged to document losses, photograph damage and retain receipts. The faster Missourians register with FEMA, the faster they may be able to receive assistance, said Parson’s office.
The deadline for most Individual Assistance programs is 60 days following the president’s major disaster declaration, which was issued on Tuesday. Disaster assistance to eligible individuals generally falls into the following categories:
• Housing Assistance may be available for up to 18 months for people whose homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, displacing them. Funding also can be provided for housing repairs and replacement of damaged items to make homes habitable.
• Disaster Grants are available to help meet other serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs. These may include replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
• Low-Interest Disaster Loans are available after a disaster for homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may be available for repair or replacement of homes, automobiles, clothing, or other damaged personal property. SBA loans are also available to businesses for property loss and economic injury. Businesses can visit sba.gov or call 800-569-2955.
• Other Disaster Aid Programs include crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security and veterans’ benefits.
In addition to Public and Individual Assistance, the disaster declaration makes FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program available statewide to assist with cost-effective measures to reduce the potential for future damage to public infrastructure as a result of natural disasters.
David R. Gervino has been named the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. Those who use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, should give FEMA the number for that service.
For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, visit recovery.mo.gov.
