James Praises Disaster Hotline,
Assists 1,800 Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY, February 20, 2007-The Missouri Disaster
Hotline has received approximately 1,800 calls from Missourians seeking
assistance from the January 12-22 winter storms. Gov. Matt Blunt authorized
the Missouri Disaster Hotline to provide critical information and
resources for people affected by severe winter weather.
“I commend the State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA) and AmeriCorps volunteers for their ability to man this hotline,
handle donations, work with volunteers, and find assistance referrals
for Missourians impacted by the winter storms,” said Mark James,
Director of Public Safety.
The Disaster Hotline helps citizens with severe winter
disaster-related unmet needs by providing referrals to Missouri Disaster
Partnership or the Missouri Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
(MoVOAD) member organizations. The AmeriCorps St. Louis volunteers
who operate the Disaster Hotline match donations and volunteers with
communities or citizens who need help.
The hotline’s toll-free number is 888-377-2100.
It is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If voicemail
or busy signals are received, callers should leave a message. All
calls are returned.