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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Robert Ross - (573) 874-7220

Hurricane Katrina victims need assistance

COLUMBIA, MO (September 2, 2005) -- In the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina, many local residents have expressed interest in volunteering to
assist with recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) has issued information on how citizens can volunteer.

"I have been contacted by concerned citizens who want to assist the
victims of hurricane Katrina and I am grateful for this outpouring of
support," said Mayor Darwin Hindman. "The victims do need
assistance, and at this point the most valuable way to get aid to them
is through cash donations."

A news release issued by FEMA lists the names of agencies to which cash
could be donated. As the FEMA press release points out, it is important
that the volunteer response be coordinated by professionals who can
direct volunteers with the appropriate skills to the hardest hit areas
where they are needed most. Victims need to be able to meet their cash
needs. Cash donations avoids the high costs to agencies of having to
redistribute goods.

The city of Columbia is working with the appropriate coordinating
agencies to provide assistance. FEMA has sent out an appeal to fire
fighting agencies for 1,000 2-person teams. The city has submitted an
application to FEMA for one 2-person team and is awaiting notification.
As the need comes, the city often sends linemen to disaster areas and
the city is awaiting further information about needs for these experts.
Public health workers may also be requested to assist the victims.

The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management is
coordinating very closely with several agencies with needed
communications and they will be disseminating information as available.

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