Perspective: The need for disaster preparedness

The state of Missouri is full of beauty and wonder. We are all fortunate to experience the four seasons - but that can bring problems from Mother Nature. Together, we can work together to minimize the effect of disasters when they strike.

Safety is of the utmost importance. If you and your family do not yet have a comprehensive safety and evacuation plan, I encourage you to work together and implement one. For examples and assistance, please visit www.ready.gov.

Just a few weeks ago, Missouri experienced record flooding, with much of it occurring in the 3rd District.

The flooding left much of the state at a standstill. I saw firsthand the result of the flooding during a recent tour of Graphic Packaging International in Pacific, and heard directly from the owners and employees of the business, as well as county officials regarding the ongoing recovery process.

As far as the federal response so far, I was pleased that the president issued a major disaster declaration in response to the request of the State of Missouri and Missouri's congressional delegation.

My staff and I are also in regular contact with senior officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), agencies which all play an important role in helping communities, individuals, and businesses get back on their feet in the wake of a disaster.

If you have questions or concerns about the federal disaster response or recovery process, please don't hesitate to contact any of my offices.

My staff and I want to hear from you. We will continue to be available across all 13 counties in the 3rd District to make sure that constituents are getting the information and resources they need to move forward.

In addition to the immediate response and ongoing recovery efforts, I am very focused on the future of the flood insurance programs.

As the chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I have made it a priority to examine flood insurance and the current construct of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Throughout the month of January, my subcommittee held hearings and roundtables with key stakeholders to discuss problems with flood mapping, ways to improve the NFIP, and efforts to better ensure that homeowners have more options for flood insurance coverage.

I will continue to hold hearings to hear from policyholders and stakeholders about how to reform flood insurance so we can lessen the amount of Americans who have to suffer from an inadequate system.

My staff and I will continue to monitor the ongoing recovery efforts and I look forward to holding more hearings and roundtables so we can reform the nation's flood insurance system.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-Mo., represents the state's 3rd District, which includes Jefferson City. His local office can be reached at 573-635-7232.

Web link:

luetkemeyer.house.gov