Governor Mike Kehoe

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*March 20, 2025*

*Governor Kehoe Announces FEMA to Participate in Joint Damage Assessments for Public Assistance*

"Move comes two days after Governor requested damage assessments for homes and private property; next step in seeking federal disaster declaration"

*JEFFERSON CITY, MO *–Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in *25* *counties* following the deadly tornadoes and severe storms that devastated much of Missouri March 14-15.

“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* said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground for several days helping local officials document damage, collect cost estimates and substantiate the need for federal Public Assistance. Initial damage reports clearly warrant a formal review by FEMA as part of the disaster declaration process.”

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: *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* and *Wright*. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Beginning *Tuesday*, *March* *25*, six teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

These PDAs will be in addition to those that began today for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.

Clean-up and recovery efforts are ongoing across the state, and the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. If you have damage, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, will be scheduled in the coming days.

Missourians in need of debris removal services can call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community and faith-based groups who may be able to assist. All services are free, though assistance is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain active through Friday, March 28, 2025.

Individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as those found at National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster [ [link removed]:*2F*2Fwww.nvoad.org*2F/1/0100019273342b40-45682192-ce5e-4f97-ac96-8200948230e6-000000/Ni4fF14bWjGEvRKRVEwOmV7dR2Rao2TjgtH0O2RxXg0=374__;JSUl!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!BMPv0UMaPkYvRkR01BppIjJKEyv421GVGVQ4_h8xxRcJEx3JcE7xBzgsuva7MhYw0JDVQHW0pJZAHQDwWSQKbEcBtU2giEAWGBKyNPSCVM0eEluE%24 ]. Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.  

Volunteer reception centers have been established at the two following locations:


* Phelps County (Rolla): 1001 S. Bishop, Rolla, MO 65401 | 9am – 5pm
* Perry County (Perryville): 800 City Park Dr, Perryville, MO 63775 | 8am – 5pm

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact *United Way* by dialing 2-1-1 or the *American Red* Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov [ [link removed] ].

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*Contact: Madelyn Warren*

Communications Manager

Mobile: 573-536-6573

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov



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