If you live in Missouri, I’m sure you are either aware of the recent flooding or are affected by the rising waters in our state. The governor has declared a state of emergency in Missouri, many homes and businesses have been impacted and several lives lost as well. The flooding is severe enough to garner coverage on all of the major national news networks.

The good news is that a number of state and federal agencies are responding quickly. Various flood relief services have been dispatched in the counties affected by the rising waters. Citizens, friends and families are banding together as well to help one another make it through this disaster. A shelter has been set up by the Red Cross in Pulaski County at the St. Robert Community Center at 114 J.H. Williamson Drive, to meet the immediate needs of flood victims.

In addition, the Red Cross has issued a few warnings regarding the flood waters and the dangers to be aware of during high water:

• Be prepared to evacuate at any time, keep your radio on for the latest news on rising waters.
• Six inches of swift water can sweep you off your feet, so if you walk into flood waters that cover your ankle, turn around and go back.
• If you come across flood waters while driving, don’t take a chance – turn around and go back. If you find yourself trapped in your car in rising water, get out and move to higher ground.
• Keep children away from flood waters. Not only can swift water be treacherous, it may be contaminated with a variety of pathogens and can also be dangerous, even deadly.
• If you have been evacuated, don’t return to the affected areas until authorities have stated it is safe to return.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has contacts in all counties throughout Missouri. Click HERE for the SEMA website and choose your county to find contacts for your area.

In addition, if you would like to volunteer to help the disaster relief, sign up at the Pulaski County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) Facebook page by clicking HERE. If you would like to make a donation to help in the recovery process, You may drop off a check at the Security Bank in Waynesville.

Please be safe and stay alert while this situation develops.

As always, I’m happy to hear questions and comments from constituents. I can be reached by calling my Capitol office at 573-751-5713 or by e-mailing me at dan.brown@senate.mo.gov.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.