Whether the disaster is natural or man-made, the main goal of disaster response and recovery is to protect humans and the environment from immediate danger and help communities get back on their feet. The information provided below is designed to reduce the adverse effects of a disaster and help communities affected by disasters respond during the immediate aftermath.
If your questions are not addressed by the information below, please contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.
For up-to-date information when natural disasters occur in Missouri, please visit our Disaster News and Information webpage.
Local Assistance Contact Information
Drought
Fire
Flooding
Geologic Hazards
HazMat Incident
Heat
Severe Weather
Drought
Droughts may require safety precautions just like other weather hazards. Hot, dry conditions can cause an increased risk for other hazards as well. For helpful, up-to-date information to keep you safe and informed of droughts, please refer to the Drought section on the department's Disaster News and Information page.
Agriculture
For a list of resources currently available to assist Missouri farmers, please refer to the Assistance section on the department's Drought webpage.
- Animal Production Mortalities Emergency Procedures - PUB1250 - During a natural disaster, the highest priority is protection of human life and safety. As soon as the immediate threat is over, animal producers must address the disaster’s effects on their animals and property.
- How to Protect Livestock from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) - USDA
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
During droughts, water levels in lakes and rivers decrease, leading to a higher concentration of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that are already present in the water. Reduced water flow during droughts means that water remains in a body of water for longer periods. This creates the perfect environment for rapid algae growth, also called algal blooms. Algal blooms are considered harmful when they have detrimental effects on human, livestock or pet health, or on aquatic ecosystems. Some algal blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, livestock, working animals, and pets. Visit the departments Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage for more information about the different risks that HABs can present, how to avoid exposure, the different symptoms of exposure and steps to take if a person or animal is showing signs of exposure.
Water
For a list of resources currently available to assist our communities, please refer to the Assistance section on the department's Drought webpage.
Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities
The following information is intended to provide initial emergency guidance to the operators, owners and employees of both publicly and privately owned facilities that produce and distribute drinking water or collect and treat wastewater.
- Control and Mitigation of Drinking Water Losses in Distribution Systems - EPA
- Drought Response and Recovery for Water Utilities - EPA
- Drought Response, Recovery and Resilience: A Guide for Public Water Systems - PUB2745
- Missouri Water/ Wastewater Agency Response Network (MoWARN)
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Disaster Response Guidance for Public Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems - PUB0757
Private Drinking Water Wells
If a private water well has been impacted, it is important for the well owner to disinfect it carefully to ensure the water is safe to drink. If repairs need to be made to the well, hire a contractor to do the work. Locate contractors licensed to do business in Missouri using mowells. For information about bacteriological testing for private drinking water please contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service or your Local Public Health Agency.
- Disinfecting Your Water Well - PUB2733
- Disinfecting Your Water Well - Video
- Know Your Water Well – Water Systems Council
Current Water Levels
- Groundwater Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Groundwater - U.S. Geological Survey
- Streamgages
- Missouri Streamflow Conditions - U.S. Geological Survey
- Current Lake Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Lakes and Reservoirs - U.S. Geological Survey
Wildfire Prevention
During times of drought wildfire prevention is of key importance for public safety. Resident should be mindful when driving off road, building campfires or burning leaves and other debris. It also is essential for smokers to put out cigarettes completely and safely, as well as responsibly dispose of butts. More information is available at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Wildfire Prevention webpage
Visit the National Weather Service’s Fire Weather Outlooks webpage before conducting any prescribed burns on your property, or other activities that may ignite a wildfire. Resources to support prescribed burns are available at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Prescribed Fire webpage. Additional information on wildfire prevention can also be found at the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Missouri Natural Cover Fire Risk webpage.
Fire
Agricultural Information
- Landowners should contact their local county soil and water conservation district office for additional information and assistance.
- Animal Production Mortalities Emergency Procedures - PUB1250 - During a natural disaster, the highest priority is protection of human life and safety. As soon as the immediate threat is over, animal producers must address the disaster’s effects on their animals and property.
Asbestos and Open Burning
Extra precaution should be taken when handling asbestos-containing debris. Open burning is the burning of any materials in which air contaminants are emitted directly into the air without first passing through a stack or chimney. The open burning fact sheet summarizes allowable and prohibited open burning under Missouri regulations.
- Facts on Open Burning Under Missouri Regulations - PUB2047
- How to Handle Asbestos Containing Debris - PUB2121
Current Air Quality
- Checking local current air quality can help you plan your day.
Debris
- Guidance about Planning for Natural Disaster Debris - EPA fact sheet
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: What To Do With Disaster Debris - PUB0756
- Proper Disposal of Household Pharmaceutical Waste - PUB2291
Energy
Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.
Historic Preservation
Scrap Tires
Flooding
Agricultural Information
Landowners should contact their local county soil and water conservation district office for additional information and assistance.
- Flood Relief Resources Video - MU Extension specialists prepared this brief video that guides Missouri’s agricultural producers to information that will assist them in making informed decisions for current and continued recovery from flooding and wet-weather related issues.
- Wet Weather Management Practices for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) - PUB2422 - During wet weather periods, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations may experience high manure storage levels for extended periods of time that can risk discharges that must be prevented.
- Animal Production Mortalities Emergency Procedures - PUB1250 - During a natural disaster, the highest priority is protection of human life and safety. As soon as the immediate threat is over, animal producers must address the disaster’s effects on their animals and property.
Containers or Tanks
To report orphaned containers or tanks contact the department's 24-hour spill line at 573-634-2436.
- Reducing the Impact of Flooding - Propane Tanks - PUB2499
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Emergency Guidance for Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste - PUB1249
Debris
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: What To Do With Disaster Debris - PUB0756
- Proper Disposal of Household Pharmaceutical Waste - PUB2291
Drinking Water and Wastewater Facility Information
The following information is intended to provide initial emergency guidance to the operators, owners and employees of both publicly and privately owned facilities that produce and distribute drinking water or collect and treat wastewater.
- Drinking Water Emergency Exception Request MO 780-2821
- Emergency Response for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities - EPA
- Missouri Water/ Wastewater Agency Response Network (MoWARN)
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Disaster Response Guidance for Public Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems - PUB0757
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Disaster Response for On-Site Wastewater (Septic) Systems - PUB0761
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Water Pollution - PUB0759
Drinking Water Assistance
- Boil water orders - Issued by the department to public water systems when a threat to the public health exists, or is likely to exist, that boiling the water will remedy.
- Flooding Impacts on Missouri's Water Quality - PUB2753
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Restoring Drinking Water - PUB0764
Energy
Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.
Historic Preservation
Private Drinking Water Wells
If a private water well has been impacted, it is important for the well owner to disinfect it carefully to ensure the water is safe to drink. If repairs need to be made to the well, hire a contractor to do the work. Locate contractors licensed to do business in Missouri online using mowells. For information about bacteriological testing for private drinking water please contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service or your Local Public Health Agency.
- Disinfecting Your Water Well - PUB2733
- Disinfecting Your Water Well - Video
- Flooding Impacts on Missouri's Water Quality - PUB2753
- Know Your Water Well - Water Systems Council
- Reducing the Impact of Flooding: Private Water Wells - PUB2500
- What to Do After the Flood - EPA
Water Levels
- Groundwater Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Groundwater - U.S. Geological Survey
- Streamgages
- Missouri Streamflow Conditions - U.S. Geological Survey
- Current Lake Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Lakes and Reservoirs - U.S. Geological Survey
Geologic Hazards
Agricultural Information
Staff respond to and provide Environmental Geology Assistance when mass animal mortality events occur including providing recommendations for appropriate burial locations for animal carcasses to protect Missouri’s environmentally sensitive areas, such as karst areas and floodplains, in the protection of groundwater and surface water.
Debris
Report any potential hazardous substance containers or propane tanks that have been affected to the department’s 24-hour emergency response line at 573-634-2436.
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: What To Do With Disaster Debris - PUB0756
- Proper Disposal of Household Pharmaceutical Waste - PUB2291
Energy
Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.
Historic Preservation
Water Levels
- Groundwater Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Groundwater - U.S. Geological Survey
- Streamgages
- Missouri Streamflow Conditions - U.S. Geological Survey
- Current Lake Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Lakes and Reservoirs - U.S. Geological Survey
HazMat Incident
Agricultural Information
Asbestos and Open Burning
Extra precaution should be taken when handling asbestos-containing debris. Open burning is the burning of any materials in which air contaminants are emitted directly into the air without first passing through a stack or chimney. The open burning fact sheet summarizes allowable and prohibited open burning under Missouri regulations.
- Facts on Open Burning Under Missouri Regulations - PUB2047
- How to Handle Asbestos Containing Debris - PUB2121
Containers or Tanks
To report orphaned containers or tanks contact the department's 24-hour spill line at 573-634-2436.
- Reducing the Impact of Flooding: Propane Tanks - PUB2499
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Emergency Guidance for Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste - PUB1249
Debris
- Guidance about Planning for Natural Disaster Debris - EPA fact sheet
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: What To Do With Disaster Debris - PUB0756
Energy
Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.
Environmental Emergency Response (EER)
- Environmental Emergency Response (EER)
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Emergency Guidance for Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste - PUB1249
Hazardous Waste
- Mercury in Your Environment - EPA
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Emergency Guidance for Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste - PUB1249
Household Hazardous Waste
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Mercury in Your Environment - EPA
- Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities
- Proper Disposal of Household Pharmaceutical Waste - PUB2291
Radioactive Materials
- Environmental Emergency Response (EER)
- Shipping Radioactive Materials
- Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) and Technologically Enhanced (TENORM)
Petroleum Releases
Scrap Tires
Heat
Agricultural Information
- Animal Production Mortalities Emergency Procedures - PUB1250 - During a natural disaster, the highest priority is protection of human life and safety. As soon as the immediate threat is over, animal producers must address the disaster’s effects on their animals and property.
Current Air Quality
Checking local current air quality can help you plan your day.
Energy
Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.
Severe Weather
For helpful, up-to-date information to keep you safe and informed of severe weather, please refer to the severe weather section on the department's Disaster News and Information page. If you get caught out in the cold, you can find a warming center near you, provided by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
Agriculture
Landowners should contact their local county soil and water conservation district office for additional information and assistance.
- Flood Relief Resources Video - MU Extension specialists prepared this brief video that guides Missouri’s agricultural producers to information that will assist them in making informed decisions for current and continued recovery from flooding and wet-weather related issues.
- Wet Weather Management Practices for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) - PUB2422 - During wet weather periods, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations may experience high manure storage levels for extended periods of time that can risk discharges that must be prevented.
- Animal Production Mortalities Emergency Procedures - PUB1250 - During a natural disaster, the highest priority is protection of human life and safety. As soon as the immediate threat is over, animal producers must address the disaster’s effects on their animals and property.
Containers or Tanks
To report orphaned containers or tanks contact the department's 24-hour spill line at 573-634-2436.
- Reducing the Impact of Flooding - Propane Tanks - PUB2499
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Emergency Guidance for Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste - PUB1249
Debris
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: What To Do With Disaster Debris - PUB0756
- Proper Disposal of Household Pharmaceutical Waste - PUB2291
Energy
Public schools (K-12), public colleges and universities, city and county governments and public hospitals impacted by severe weather events or catastrophic equipment failure may apply for low-interest emergency energy loans to replace or upgrade damaged equipment. Applicants must submit their application within two months of the weather event. For more information, visit Emergency Energy Loans.
Historic Preservation
The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public-private partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, supports response and recovery efforts of Missouri’s arts & culture sector – and the public. Cultural institutions and arts organizations affected by storms and flooding can call the National Heritage Responders hotline at 202-661-8068. Members of the public who have questions about saving family heirlooms can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Natural Disaster Recovery for Historic Buildings - PUB0760
- Save Your Family Treasures - FEMA
Water
- Boil water orders - Issued by the department to public water systems when a threat to the public health exists, or is likely to exist, that boiling the water will remedy.
- Flooding Impacts on Missouri's Water Quality - PUB2753
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Restoring Drinking Water - PUB0764
Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities
The following information is intended to provide initial emergency guidance to the operators, owners and employees of both publicly and privately owned facilities that produce and distribute drinking water or collect and treat wastewater.
- Drinking Water Emergency Exception Request MO 780-2821
- Emergency Response for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities - EPA
- Missouri Water/ Wastewater Agency Response Network (MoWARN)
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Disaster Response Guidance for Public Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems - PUB0757
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Disaster Response for On-Site Wastewater (Septic) Systems - PUB0761
- Natural Disaster Assistance for Missouri Citizens: Water Pollution - PUB0759
Private Drinking Water Wells
If a private water well has been impacted, it is important for the well owner to disinfect it carefully to ensure the water is safe to drink. If repairs need to be made to the well, hire a contractor to do the work. Locate contractors licensed to do business in Missouri using mowells. For information about bacteriological testing for private drinking water please contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service or your Local Public Health Agency.
- Disinfecting Your Water Well - PUB2733
- Disinfecting Your Water Well - Video
- Know Your Water Well - Water Systems Council
- Reducing the Impact of Flooding: Private Water Wells - PUB2500
- What to Do After the Flood - EPA
Current Water Levels
- Groundwater Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Groundwater - U.S. Geological Survey
- Streamgages
- Missouri Streamflow Conditions - U.S. Geological Survey
- Current Lake Levels
- Current Conditions for Missouri: Lakes and Reservoirs - U.S. Geological Survey
Related Links
Contact Information
Department of Natural Resources
1101 Riverside Drive
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
United States