Eileen Yager
Communications Officer
573-882-0604
yagere@umsystem.edu

Published: May 8, 2007
Story Source: Eric Evans, 573-999-4207

EDITOR'S NOTE: Video and audio available by calling 573-882-6843. Expert comment on other flood topics also is available through this phone number.

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Families who could be evacuated from Missouri River flood plains should plan to be away from their home for at least a week, according to a community emergency management specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

"With disasters in general, the recommendation is that families have a plan for three days," said Eric Evans. "We've discovered over time that in flood situations, people need to think longer term: What are they going to do for at least a week?"

Having a disaster plan is critical, Evans said. "People need to be able to react quickly and know what to do."

Each family member should know what to do if evacuation orders are issued. Plans also should include arrangements for pets.

"Families should arrange for a place where they can check in and make sure everyone is safe," Evans said, in case they get separated.

Part of these emergency preparations should include collecting important documents that you may have at home, such as titles and deeds, as well as insurance information and an inventory of your home's contents.

"Video or digital photos, along with a written list are best," he said.

Individuals also should have a list of any prescription medications, as well as phone numbers for the pharmacy and prescribing doctors.

Another essential is an out-of-area point of contact. "This way you can call one person who can let the rest of your family network know that you're safe," Evans said. "Sometimes it's easier to call out from a disaster area than to call in."

Evans said, "Gather those items and keep them in one place, so they're ready to take if you have to evacuate."

One last piece of advice from Evans: "It wouldn't hurt, if they have to evacuate, to call the city or county and ask, 'Where do I go to find out when I can get back into my home?'"

For more information on family disaster plans and creating a disaster kit, go to: extension.missouri.edu.

Volunteers load sandbags on a truck as the citizens of Rocheport, Mo., prepare for the crest of the Missouri River forecast for later in the week. The effort was coordinated by the Boone County Fire Protection District and included volunteers from all over central Missouri. Photo credit: MU Cooperative Media Group, Steve Morse photo

As the possibility of more rain looms overhead, Richelle Grapes, left, and Mark Shiltz, both of Columbia, Mo., fill sandbags in a volunteer effort to help the community of Rocheport, Mo., prepare for the forecast crest of the Missouri River. Volunteers from around central Missouri worked to fill bags and stack them to protect homes and businesses. The effort was coordinated by the Boone County Fire Protection District. Both Grapes and Shiltz also volunteered in 1993 to help mid-Missourians prepare for that flood. Photo credit: MU Cooperative Media Group, Steve Morse photo

As the threat of more rain looms overhead, Samuel Prather, left, and Tony Valentine, right, fill sandbags in a volunteer effort to help the town of Rocheport, Mo., prepare for the forecast crest of the Missouri River. Heavy rains have raised concerns that the rising river will reach record levels set during the flood of 1993, the year of Prather's birth. The effort was coordinated by the Boone County Fire Protection District. Photo credit: MU Cooperative Media Group, Steve Morse photo

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