Missouri Gov. Blunt Activates State Agencies and National Guard to Support Recovery Efforts from Deadly Tornadoes

May 11, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY - Since yesterday evening Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has been in contact with state emergency management officials regarding tornadoes that inflicted severe damage and took the lives of many of our fellow citizens in southwest Missouri.

Tornado damage: Photo by William Redman (CC)

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The state emergency operations plan is activated to allow state agencies to assist with the local emergency response efforts. The hardest hit areas include Barry, Jasper and Newton Counties.

“We continue to provide resources and assistance to the impacted communities,” Gov. Blunt said. “Missourians in southwest Missouri should know that my administration is actively working to mobilize state resources and ensure that they are easily accessible to those just now beginning to get a sense of the damage from yesterday’s tornadoes.”

Gov. Blunt’s previous Executive Order 08-17 will ensure that state agencies are available to work with officials in southwest Missouri to help Missouri families impacted by this latest outbreak of severe weather.

At Gov. Blunt’s direction, the Missouri National Guard has approximately 20 Citizen-Soldiers on duty providing security in Newtonia and Granby. Missouri National Guard support in the area will continue based on the needs determined by local and state officials.

Shelters have been established in Diamond, Neosho and Purdy. Missourians who need resource referrals or non-emergency help are urged to call 211. The 211 Service is now available for most areas of Missouri and helps citizens with disaster information and referrals. In areas where 211 is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.

Gov. Blunt encourages all families to practice their emergency planning. The state’s Ready in Three program provides guidelines for families to set up emergency plans. For more information, visit www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/.

Source: Missouri Governor