A team of mitigation experts will be at home supply stores in Sikeston, Springfield and Republic.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with local home supply stores, offer outreach teams to assist people with mitigation and disaster assistance information following flooding in mid-March.

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores Monday through Saturday, May 12-17:

Scott County
C & K Building Materials
403 East Malone Avenue
Sikeston, MO 63801
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday.

Greene County
Lowes Home Improvement Center
1707 West Norton Rd.
Springfield, MO 65803
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Lowe’s Home Improvement Center
1225 U.S. Highway 60 East
Republic, MO 65738
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Specialists will explain techniques that can help lessen damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding. Information on retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities will be available.

The teams provide flood safety clean-up tips for mold and mildew. Home and business owners should be aware that in addition to causing structural damage, mold spores can grow in a short period, aggravating asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children.

Residents can also get information about:

* Relocating electric outlets, switches, and boxes above potential floodwaters
* Moving washers and dryers to a higher floor
* Elevating furnaces and water heaters
* Having a licensed plumber install a backflow valve to prevent sewer backup

Information also is available on how to find answers to other disaster-related questions.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

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