Department Information for Communities Affected by Natural Disasters

State Storm Response Team Activated to Help Branson Workers and Employers

In response to the tornado that recently touched down in Branson, the Labor Department will hold public meetings to inform individuals affected by the storm about services available to them. Those who lost their job as a result of the storm can file unemployment claims onsite, as well as get information about housing assistance. Employers will also be able to get information about unemployment contributions, loss of records, layoffs, and be able to obtain information on how to request a recall date. Shared Work is also another option to employers who are not fully operational, but have some work available and meet the criteria for participating in the program.

The three sessions will take place on Tuesday, March 6 from 10 a.m.- noon, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., and 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. and will be held at the Hamner Barber Theater located on 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, Mo.

Workers:
Those affected by the storm should file an unemployment claim immediately to get the assistance they need until they find full-time work. At this time, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is not available for those who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. If and when it becomes available by order of the President, those who have already filed a regular unemployment claim but are not eligible for benefits under the regular program will be notified if they are potentially eligible for DUA benefits. To be eligible to file a DUA claim, the first step is to file a regular unemployment claim.

Employers:
If you are unable to file your quarterly contributions or wage report because your records were lost due to the storm, you can apply for a 30 day extension by calling 573-751-1995.

When natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, severe storms, and earthquakes strike; the damage can be overwhelming. The Department of Labor can assist in many different ways with unemployment assistance, guidance on building laws surrounding community restoration and injuries that result from reconstruction, and helping victims who may experience discrimination while relocating to a safer area. For more information about safe drinking water, land reclamation, etc., view DNR’s Disaster Publication Packet.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has press releases and situation reports available online.

Unemployment Assistance
Rebuilding Damaged Communities
Injuries on the Job While Rebuilding
Discrimination Protection

Unemployment Assistance

Rebuilding Damaged Communities

When the natural disaster has passed and communities start to rebuild, some of the projects will be public works projects, which means they are for public use or benefit and are paid for wholly or in part out of public funds. Employers must pay workers on these projects the prevailing wage rates. The Missouri Prevailing Wage Law applies to flood-related projects just as they would to any other public works construction project. It is the responsibility of the applicant to request an applicability determination from the Department if they feel that the law does not apply to their project. The request should be made to the Division of Labor Standards at prevailingwage@labor.mo.gov. You can also contact the Division at 573-751-3403 for more information. Any cleanup work that involves the removal of mud, water or debris as a result of the flooding would not be considered a public works projects. However, any preparation work performed incidental to public works construction would be subject to the prevailing wage law.

Related Content:

ADA Requirements for New Buildings
Contractor's Guidebook for Public Works Projects
Public Bodies Guidebook for Public Works Projects
Required Safety Training for Public Works Projects

Injuries on the Job While Rebuilding

Discrimination Protection

If you are forced to relocate or rebuild due to a natural disaster and experience discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) can help. Benefits and services available through state and federal disaster recovery assistance programs must be distributed to eligible persons without consideration of factors such as race, national origin or disability status. Also, you cannot be denied disaster aid for reporting discrimination. If you are discriminated against based on your race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, age (in employment) or familial status (in housing), take the "Complaint Assessment" or call 573-751-3325 to begin the process of filing a complaint with MCHR. Don't let discrimination stop you from rebuilding your life.

Fair housing laws apply to nearly all forms of residences, for both sale or rent, including apartments, houses, mobile homes, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and even vacant lots to be used for housing.

Related Content:

Fair Housing - Consumer Guide (MCHR-50)
Requirements for New Buildings
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Director's Spotlight: How Housing Fraud Can Crush the American Dream
Fair Housing for Disaster Survivors (HUD)
Información de vivienda justa para los sobrevivientes (HUD)
Fair Housing Information for Housing Providers (HUD)

More information about other resources and tools can be found on the Official Missouri State Website.