2016 Preliminary Damage Assessments (Individual Assistance)

Missouri Flooding – December 23, 2015 and continuing At the request of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, teams of local, state and federal disaster specialists are

conducting Individual Assistance (IA) Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in 38 Missouri counties impacted by severe storms, heavy rains, flooding and flashing flooding that began December 23 and continuing.

The following counties are part of this IA PDA: Barry, Barton, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau,

Cole, Dade, Douglas, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Phelps, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, Wright counties and the city of St. Louis

Additional counties may be added to the request as damage reports are received by the state from

local officials. These damage assessments are the first step in helping a governor determine whether the scope

of the damages are beyond what the state is capable of handling and if additional federal assistance is needed.

The teams are comprised of representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials.

If the Governor deems that the disaster response or recovery requires federal assistance, he can submit a request for aid to FEMA using results from the damage assessments and other pertinent information.

The request is forwarded to the White House for a decision by the President.

If approved, Individual Assistance can include assistance with Housing, Crisis Counseling,

Disaster Unemployment, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Case Management and Other essential needs not covered by insurance or other means.

These PDAs are separate from the Emergency Declaration that was granted for the State of

Missouri on Saturday, January 2, 2016. That declaration was for Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) only. DFA is provided when:

o A state or Tribe lacks a capability to perform or contract for debris removal, emergency protective measures, emergency communications, or emergency public transportation. The government or tribe may request that the work be accomplished directly by a federal agency.

For individuals impacted by the recent storms: Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call 211.

The 211 service is available throughout Missouri. SEMA advises storm-impacted individuals and businesses to report damage to their local

emergency management officials. Local officials can connect storm-impacted individuals to any services being provided by state

departments and non-governmental organizations assisting with unmet needs. Individuals and business owners also should notify their insurance companies of damage.

After a Flood: Check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. If you suspect

damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines, contact authorities. Remove wet items. Immediately remove wet carpeting, furniture, and bedding. Any item holding

moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Clean and disinfect everything touched by floodwater. Get cleanup tips at emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods.