Missouri flood notice
Missouri flooding
This article was written to help with the 2015 floods. An update to address the April/May 2017 flooding incident is available with additional resources and loan information.
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Christmas 2015 brought an unwelcome gift to eastern Missouri — up to 14 inches of rain in just a few days, resulting in the flooding of the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries.
Luckily, the levees held and the water moved down the Mississippi River. But while the flood waters may have receded, a massive cleanup and recovery effort has begun that is likely to take weeks if not months. One estimate says 7,100 buildings in four counties were affected, with half a million tons of debris to be removed. Jump to flood resources and updates.
Meramec River flood waters in front of the Valley Park, Mo. police substation on Vance Road, Dec. 30, 2015.
Photo © Laura Bruns.
In early January 2016, President Obama signed an emergency declaration ordering federal aid for the region. This declaration makes significant federal resources available, specifically those of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA, to speed debris removal and hazardous materials and help relieve the strain of response and recovery costs in the region.
The Missouri National Guard has also commenced “Operation Recovery” to help people in the affected areas remove debris and restore their lives to normal. Curbside debris pickup is even available in parts of the region.
These processes were accelerated by Gov. Jay Nixon, who signed an executive order allowing the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to temporarily waive regulations to dispose of debris while protecting public health and safety.
Damage assessment teams from FEMA, the SBA, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials will soon be in the field to make assessments. Once assessed, eligible individuals and households can seek federal assistance for uninsured losses from the flooding.
Was your business prepared? Or do you find yourselves wishing you had taken a few hours to better prepare?
Useful websites to help you now and in the event of future disasters
News
- Missouri Flood Info, a collaboration of state, federal and local agencies and organizations addressing flooding in Missouri. This Facebook community is open to anyone affected by or interested in flooding in Missouri.
- Up to the minute flood warning information and updates
- Up to date MoDOT information for state roads, routes and highways
- Latest news and information from SEMA
- Individual aid granted to 33 counties; assistance available to residents, businesses (Cassville Democrat; Jan. 27, 2016)
- Federal Disaster Declaration for Missouri (IRS release issued Jan. 22, 2016)
General resources
- Business disaster recovery tip sheets
- Problems with your insurance? Contact the Missouri Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline: 800-726-7390
St. Louis area resources
- St. Louis Emergency Management Agency
- St. Charles County road closures, flood safety information and tips
- Jefferson County Flood Disaster Resources and Information
Southwestern Missouri resources
The following resources are also available to help put a plan in place or recover if a disaster has already occurred.
Related materials:
- Disaster recovery guide (PDF) to help small businesses
- Flood resource guide for small businesses
- Disaster resource guide for small businesses
- Storms and flooding — is your business prepared?
- Spring has finally arrived. Is your business ready?
- Sample business interruption worksheet
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Disaster preparedness tip sheets (from MO SBTDC)
- Part 1 – Where to begin?
- Part 2 – Avoiding scams
- Part 3 – Effective employee communication in times of crisis
- Part 4 – Helping your employees through a crisis
- Part 5 – Take first steps toward making a plan to survive a business disaster
- Part 6 – Recovering from the physical damage to your business
- Part 7 – Remediation and reconstruction — returning to normal
Your local Missouri Business Development Program center can assist in making the necessary plans to help you and your business survive any disaster. Contact them today!
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