STORM AID HELPS FREDERICKTOWN

FREDERICKTOWN -- Flash floods come with warning.

"They can strike quickly and be devastating," said Butch DuCote, public-affairs officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

More than 50 families were evacuated and 400 affected by a flash flood in Fredericktown and Madison County April 3. Seven to 10 inches of rain fell on Fredericktown. The flood was followed by a tornado that touched down outside the town of 4,000 people two days later, damaging homes, downing power lines and ripping up trees.

"A lot of damage was reported from the flooding and tornado," said DuCote, who was in Cape Girardeau Wednesday.

Since the flood and tornado:

-- Gov. Mel Carnahan, State Emergency Management Agency workers and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson toured the area, and Carnahan declared it in a state of emergency.

-- Within days, federal disaster aid was made available for flood victims under a major disaster declaration issued by President Clinton.

-- The American Red Cross stepped in immediately to help provide shelter for more than 50 people who were evacuated after Saline Creek overflowed.

-- A task force has been formed to help people reorganize.

FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the president's action, which came April 21, authorized the use of federal funds to help meet recovery needs of Madison County residents and business owners. The assistance, being coordinated by FEMA, includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Although Madison County was the only county declared a disaster area, some other areas in Southeast Missouri may have suffered similar damages, said DuCote.

"We want to hear from these people," he said, "Anyone in Southeast Missouri who has suffered damages from floods or storms may be eligible for assistance," he said.

A toll-free number -- 1-800-462-9029 -- has been established. People who call FEMA should provide their name, Social Security number, income, address of damaged property and a telephone number where they can be reached.

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross, headquartered at Cape Girardeau, continues to provide assistance in Madison County. To date, the chapter has helped almost 300 families, serving more than 1,800 meals, issuing 250 cleanup kits and 128 toiletries kits. More than 100 Red Cross workers have been on duty.

The Red Cross is collecting donations of personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies such as brooms and mops. It also is accepting cash donations, which can be sent to the Red Cross office at Cape Girardeau.

Fredericktown Mayor Philip Wulfert's wife, Theresa, heads the task force. It includes members from the Red Cross, Salvation Army, departments of health and mental health, Americore, family services and city and county officials.

One woman who lives near Saline Creek said she had a foot of water in her house on other occasions. But this time she had four feet of water.

Thirty-eight homes were destroyed, and more than 100 residences and seven businesses were flooded.

Preliminary estimates reveal at least $1.2 million in damages to roads and bridges around Fredericktown. That amount is double the annual county budget for roads and bridges.