Missouri Governor Blunt Provides Update on State's Efforts to Assist Missourians Threatened by Flooding

March 19, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt this morning outlined actions the state has taken to protect Missourians impacted by severe and dangerous flooding.

“Missourians should know that we are doing everything within our power to provide state resources to communities in need,” Gov. Blunt said. “I commend the local emergency managers who are diligently working to combat rising flood waters and to save lives and property.”

Gov. Blunt yesterday activated the State Emergency Operations Center, the State Emergency Management Agency, and the Missouri National Guard and mobilized state agencies to provide resources and assistance. Activities underway include:

* Department of Conservation agents are assisting local units of government.

* Department of Health and Senior Services is assessing impact of flooding on local nursing homes, hospitals and health clinics, and sent three nurses to assist in Piedmont.

* Department of Natural Resources’ Regional offices are contacting communities within impacted counties and ascertaining status of public drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. DNR also mobilized response prop boat to assist local and state officials with life-safety missions for residents stranded by high water in multiple locations.

* Department of Social Services is working with the American Red Cross to get local shelters open. DSS reports 11 shelters are open around the state with more on standby. DSS is also assisting volunteer agencies by checking with fire departments for safety of foster children and checking on shelters to assist with caring for school children affected by flooding.

* Department of Transportation district offices have been instructed to assist local counties and municipalities in closing highways that are covered with water.

* Office of Administration is on-site at the state emergency operations center to try to assist local jurisdictions with their resource needs.

* Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting stranded motorists and assisting local communities in closing highways. Three additional troopers are responding to Piedmont to assist with evacuation efforts there.

* Missouri State Water Patrol is assisting with water rescues in several counties, with 20 officers.

Missourians in need of assistance or who would like to volunteer in the response effort should call 211 or 800-427-4626.

Source: Missouri Governor

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