This week’s devastation in Joplin brings home certain facts. The first is that major disasters can strike at a moment’s notice, or less than 24 minutes notice, as the Joplin case may be. The second is that, when destruction such as we have seen in our very own backyard these past few days occurs, our neighbors and friends will be there to help us pick up the pieces and give aid.
Missouri has been inundated with natural disasters this spring. The tornado that hit the St. Louis area and the airport a month ago, the flooding in the bootheel and now the tornado in Joplin have served to prove that Missourians can manage to thrive under the most adverse conditions. The state has come together, from local organizations to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency to provide any help necessary. Our state is extremely proactive in terms of emergency preparedness. As well as the actual weather related issues we have dealt with recently, earthquake preparedness simulations were held in central Missouri last week.
Also last week, I attended an event in Archie for a local community center that will be utilized by SEMA as an emergency shelter and can also be used by the local community and school for various projects. This particular shelter is a wonderful example of how state and local agencies, as well as community services, can bring together scarce funds in order to provide necessities for local communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I understand that in the appropriations process, sometimes funds have to be estimated in terms of amount of use. We in the Capitol can’t be sure during the original discussions how often emergency agencies will need to be called out for disaster purposes during the year. It is important to know that state funds are available to do that whenever it may be necessary. Events and shelters like Archie’s are examples of how agencies and communities can partner local funds as well, in order to save state money and create useful local tools.
I have been told that, currently, the people of Joplin are beginning the process of organizing the chaos. Although volunteers will be very welcome during the next phase of recovery, the most immediate need is that of triage, recovery, and emergency medical treatment. So they are asking for volunteers to wait until those needs are met. At the next phase, that of clean up, volunteers will be more than welcome to help get our friends in Joplin back on their feet.
One thing needed in the area now is cash donations. There are many opportunities across the state to donate, but if you would like to donate through other agencies, there are a number. If you would like to donate to the Red Cross directly, please visit www.redcross.org. If you would like to donate locally, or for information, please visit sema.dps.mo.gov. The official Missouri state website is www.mo.gov. In areas where the system is in place, you can also call 2-1-1, or dial (800) 427-4626, for information on volunteering when the time is appropriate.
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to our friends and neighbors in Joplin. It seems that there isn’t a single person that doesn’t at least know someone that has been personally affected by this tragedy. I say again, if there is one thing I know that Missourians are, it is resilient. This disaster will be cleaned up and we will continue, stronger than ever.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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