WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, December 17th, Rep. Jason Smith led the Missouri Congressional Delegation in providing support for Governor Parson’s request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for residents impacted by the recent devastating tornados in Dunklin, Pemiscot, and Reynolds counties.
“The tragic tornadoes that swept through Missouri last week destroyed people’s homes, left dozens injured and even led to loss of life,” said Congressman Jason Smith. “While local agencies continue to provide critical support to impacted Missourians, we’re requesting additional support from the Federal government to ensure that the local communities can receive the immediate support they need to get their lives back on track.”
Joint Damage Assessment Teams are made up of local emergency managers and representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and FEMA. Working together, the teams assess and document storm damage. Requesting joint PDAs is the initial step a state must take so that it may request a Presidential declaration of a major disaster. Additional assessments may be requested as damage information is received from more counties.
SEMA is helping coordinate two comprehensive disaster assistance center events with volunteer and faith-based partners. These Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) will be open on Friday, December 17, and Saturday, December 18, to assist disaster survivors with unmet needs, including insurance information, food stamp replacement, emergency financial assistance, and legal services. More details are below:
MARC #1 – St. Charles County
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
150 Defiance Road, Defiance, MO 63341
Friday, December 17
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MARC #2 – Pemiscot County
Hayti Community Center
600 E. Washington Street, Hayti, MO 63851
Saturday, December 18
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Read the full letter below:
December 17, 2021
The Honorable Deanne Criswell
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Criswell,
We write today in support of Governor Mike Parson’s request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) authorized by the Stafford Act for the Missouri counties of Dunklin, Pemiscot, and Reynolds as a result of severe weather.
On Friday, December 10, 2021, a severe weather event impacted several counties across eastern Missouri with tornadoes and high winds. This storm system has displaced hundreds, left dozens injured, destroyed property, and most tragically, led to loss of life leaving a devastating impact across multiple states in the Midwest and South.
We respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that these communities receive the immediate support needed to respond to the disaster. Along with our fellow Missourians we appreciate your attention to this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.
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