FEMA to perform damage assessments in five counties in the Ozarks
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday that FEMA will be coming to five southwest Missouri counties and perform joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) for storm damage caused by severe storms, flooding, hail and strong winds from May 23 to May 26.
In a press release, Gov. Kehoe says FEMA, SEMA and local emergency management officals will do PDAs in Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon and Webster counties. Other counties may be added later depending on damage information from local officals.
Starting Tuesday, June 10, three teams will determine whether the verified damage in those five counties is enough for public assistance to be requested through FEMA. Through public assistance, local governments and certain nonprofits can receive compensation for emergency response and recovery costs, like public infrastructure and debris removal.
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'The long Memorial Day weekend brought four consecutive days of damaging severe storms and flooding to southwest Missouri and led to the destruction of public infrastructure and emergency response costs that are well-beyond the capacity of Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon, and Webster counties,' Governor Kehoe said. 'Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) personnel have been working with local officials as they have been preparing initial damage estimates and we believe the destruction requires joint reviews by FEMA, SEMA, and our local partners, in anticipation for a request for a federal disaster declaration.'
Missourians who have damage are encouraged to contact their insurance company and file a claim. Those who are still in need are recommended to contact United Way by dialing 211 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Other disaster recovery resources can be found at recovery.mo.gov.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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