KC Reporter

Jefferson City — Acting Governor Mike Kehoe announced today that the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) in Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas counties. This follows severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred from May 19 to May 27. The request initiates the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance for these counties.

“As I observed during my visit to the area earlier this week, the severe storms that hit southern Missouri have caused major damage and disrupted the lives of families and businesses across the region,” Acting Governor Kehoe said. “I am grateful for the work of emergency responders, local elected officials, legislators, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and many volunteer organizations who have assisted in recovery efforts. It is important to take these actions today so we can continue to work alongside local and federal partners, offering support and assistance to communities in need.”

Joint PDA teams consist of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local emergency management officials. Starting Monday, June 3rd four teams will verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal aid for temporary housing repairs or replacement of damaged belongings.

Acting Governor Kehoe also issued Executive Order 24-07 extending Missouri's current State of Emergency declaration due to recent severe weather impacts across the state. Governor Mike Parson initially declared a State of Emergency on May 2nd through Executive Order 24-06.

On Tuesday, May 28th Acting Governor Kehoe was joined by SEMA Director Jim Remillard; Mayor Greg Turnbow; and other elected state and local officials to assess damage in Sikeston. They received updates on power restoration efforts and visited displaced residents at a local American Red Cross shelter.

Since late April Missouri has experienced repeated severe weather events with significant impact over Memorial Day Weekend when multiple rounds of storms swept across southeast Missouri causing widespread damage including power outages affecting thousands.

Extending the State of Emergency ensures direct state assistance for local jurisdictions allowing increased flexibility in response efforts which is also a prerequisite by FEMA for seeking a major disaster declaration.

SEMA continues coordinating with volunteer organizations identifying needs assisting residents over coming days/weeks while American Red Cross operates a 24-hour shelter at Sikeston YMCA providing aid services including hot meals via Convoy Of Hope at Sikeston First Assembly Of God distributing essential supplies.

Missourians needing further assistance are encouraged contacting United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 while additional resources/information about disaster recovery available online at recovery.mo.gov

Executive Order 24-07 will expire June 30th unless otherwise terminated/extended.

___