WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, December 17th, Rep. Jason Smith led the Missouri Congressional Delegation in providing support for Governor Parson’s request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for residents impacted by the recent devastating tornados in Dunklin, Pemiscot, and Reynolds counties.
“The tragic tornadoes that swept through Missouri last week destroyed people’s homes, left dozens injured and even led to loss of life,” said Congressman Jason Smith. “While local agencies continue to provide critical support to impacted Missourians, we’re requesting additional support from the Federal government to ensure that the local communities can receive the immediate support they need to get their lives back on track.”
Joint Damage Assessment Teams are made up of local emergency managers and representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and FEMA. Working together, the teams assess and document storm damage. Requesting joint PDAs is the initial step a state must take so that it may request a Presidential declaration of a major disaster. Additional assessments may be requested as damage information is received from more counties.