KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for public infrastructure in 25 counties. This follows severe storms and tornadoes that hit Missouri on March 14-15, causing significant damage.

“These devastating storms and tornadoes not only destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, but also severely impacted roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure,” Governor Kehoe stated. He noted that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working with local officials to document the damage and justify the need for federal Public Assistance. The initial reports indicate a need for FEMA's formal review as part of the disaster declaration process.

The PDAs are requested for Benton, Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dent, Dunklin, Franklin, Gentry, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley St. Louis Scott Shannon Stoddard Wayne Wright counties. Additional counties may be included as more information becomes available from local officials.

Joint PDA teams will include representatives from FEMA SEMA and local emergency management officials. Starting Tuesday March 25 six teams will verify documented damage to assess eligibility for Public Assistance through FEMA which supports reimbursement for emergency response recovery costs including repairs to roads bridges other infrastructure.

In addition to PDAs for public assistance those starting today focus on Individual Assistance allowing eligible residents to seek federal help for temporary housing repairs replacement of damaged belongings vehicles other expenses.

Clean-up recovery efforts continue statewide with the State Emergency Operations Center activated. SEMA is coordinating with local authorities state agencies volunteer faith-based partners to identify needs assist affected families individuals. Residents should contact insurance companies file claims promptly while Multi-Agency Resource Centers MARCs offering recovery resources are being scheduled soon.

Missourians needing debris removal can call Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386 connecting them with volunteers from relief organizations community faith-based groups though services aren't guaranteed due to high demand hotline active until Friday March 28 2025.

Those wishing to help can donate through trusted disaster relief organizations like National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster financial contributions preferred as they allow rapid response donations of supplies should be based on identified needs locations.

Volunteer reception centers have opened at Phelps County Rolla: 1001 S Bishop Rolla MO 65401 | 9am – 5pm Perry County Perryville: 800 City Park Dr Perryville MO 63775 | 8am – 5pm

For unmet needs contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 additional resources information about Missouri disaster recovery clean-up housing assistance mental health services available at recovery.mo.gov