Three more die from injuries suffered in Joplin tornado

(From the City of Joplin)

An up-to-date list of FAQ’s and contact information is located on the City of Joplin website www.joplinmo.org


The following information was correct as of 12 noon, Sunday, June 5, 2011:

· The City learned sad news today. Three additional people passed away recently due to injuries sustained during the tornado. This brings the total fatality count to 141 for this disaster. It is with deep regret that we make this report.

· The City of Joplin has opened Schifferdecker Pool and Ewert Family Aquatic Center. Today, Sunday, June 5 the pools are open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission fees have been waived for today. Regular fees and hours go into effect Monday, June 6. These pools will be open daily 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

· The City of Joplin will host a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6 at the Taylor Performing Arts Center (3950 Newman Road) on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. Members of City administration and staff will be there to address the specifics of debris removal in the aftermath of the May 22 tornado. The Right of Entry form will be available at this meeting. If residents are not able to come to this meeting, the ROE will be available in other locations throughout the community, starting Tues., June 7.

· Curbside debris collection began Wednesday in areas where utilities have been cleared. Residents are reminded to separate their debris according to guidelines previously outlined. (http://www.joplinmo.org/pdf/JoplinRecoveryInformation.pdf - see “Debris removal.”) Also, residents should not place items near fire hydrants and utility boxes.

· Residents should use caution throughout the city due to the number of large trucks working on storm debris cleanup efforts.

· The expedited debris removal initiative is expected to start by mid-June.

· As of Friday, June 3, at 3 p.m., FEMA reported that 7,797 households have registered with their agency since the May 22nd disaster. Of these, nearly 6,100 households indicated they suffered some form of home damage. The portal into the temporary housing unit assistance is by registering at 800-621-FEMA.(3362)

· With their report, FEMA noted that over $9.5 million has been approved to affected residents of the City of Joplin, with $4.3 million of that total allocated for housing assistance.


· Businesses needing information about recovery assistance, please register with FEMA, and contact the Small Business Administration Business Recovery Center at 800-659-2955 or at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance .

· For residents needing general information about tornado assistance, please contact the City at 417-627-2900.

· Approximately 55,165 hours of work have been completed by registered volunteers since disaster on May 22.

· As clean-up efforts continue and the rebuilding process begins, the need for volunteers will remain throughout the summer. People wanting to help are encouraged to call 417-625-3543 or visit www.211missouri.org to sign up.

· The Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages all organizations planning a special event or benefit to post their information on the CVB website at www.visitjoplinmo.com

Municipal Court is cancelled this week and will continue normal functions the week of June 13. Citizens who have previously scheduled court dates are encouraged to contact the court at 624-0820, ext. 232 to inquire about future court dates.