Governor’s Column - April 21, 2006
by Governor Matt Blunt
Emergency Preparedness in Missouri
Outbreaks of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes inflicted severe destruction throughout Missouri in the last two months. Many of our friends and neighbors have had their lives torn apart because of the storms that swept through our state.
In all, fourteen Missouri lives were lost along with hundreds of homes, businesses and other properties. I know your prayers, along with mine and Melanie’s, are with those who lost loved ones to these storms and those who are still recovering from the devastation.
I commend and am grateful not only to our first responders but also to communities who banded together in their time of need to provide a quick and compassionate response. Their timely reaction to protect their neighbors’ safety helped limit further causalities in communities across our state.
The outpouring of empathy for the storm victims has been astounding. Countless individual volunteers and organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army quickly responded to the storms and provided shelter and assistance. Missourians who wish to make a contribution to the ongoing recovery efforts should contact the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) toll free at (866) 254-0140.
SEMA also deserves credit for coordinating the state’s response. SEMA’s quick work of conducting damage assessments, with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aided in the request for an expedited federal disaster declaration, helping to make Federal aide available to affected Missourians as quickly as possible.
I am pleased that by declaring a Federal disaster in 41 Missouri counties President Bush made Federal funds available to assist recovery efforts. In part the funds will help renters, homeowners and businesses by offering low-interest loans or providing disaster grants to families and individuals with uninsured or underinsured losses for personal property. The U.S. Small Business Administration also offered assistance to small business owners whose livelihoods were damaged due to the storms.
The storms are a tangible reminder that we must be prepared for potential threats. One way Missourians can prepare for emergencies, in their own homes is with the state’s “Ready in 3” program. “Ready in 3” provides Missourians with guidelines and easy to follow instructions to develop personalized emergency plans. Just a small amount of planning makes a huge difference in case of an emergency. To learn more about the “Ready in 3” program visit http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/ or call (573) 526-4768.
My thoughts and prayers are with all Missourians and particularly those working to put their lives back together following the worst destruction from severe weather I have seen. Missouri will certainly be hit again by severe weather in the future, but with practical planning and by working together we can minimize the damage and negative impact to families, businesses, and communities.