Catastrophic weather events in Missouri — including severe storms, tornadoes, and flash flooding — are projected to reach US$2 billion in insured losses, according to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). As such, the two agencies have partnered to aid consumers and prepare them, both physically and financially, to endure and recover from disasters, with September designated ‘National Preparedness Month’. Jim Remillard, director of SEMA, says: “At SEMA, we’re constantly learning, adjusting, and adapting to whatever potential threat or hazard Missouri encounters,” adding “preparedness is peace of mind when it matters most”. He urges Missourians to “consider having serious conversations with your family members about what to do, where to go, and how to get a hold of each other when disaster strikes”. Moreover, the agencies have advised making emergency preparations, including go-kits and evacuation plans, in addition to financial readiness for their recovery following an event, which should include insurance. DCI director Angela Nelson believes people “focus a lot of attention on surviving a disaster,” adding, “while this is certainly important, people neglect to plan for recovery after the event”. Furthermore, Nelson emphasises that Missourians should “plan to prepare your home to withstand disasters such as flooding, high winds, and hail, but also how to pay for the repairs necessary to make your home safe and livable again”.
