Blunt Announces Grants to Support Volunteer Organizations Committed to Protecting Missourians

JEFFERSON CITY - (PR) Gov. Matt Blunt announced 22 Missouri jurisdictions will receive a total of $200,000 in Citizen Council grants to involve community members in emergency preparedness.            "The safety of Missourians is a top priority for my administration.  By planning ahead and anticipating emergency needs, we can minimize the damage and negative impact to families, businesses and communities across our state," Blunt said. "I am pleased to announce these grants to help expand Citizen Councils to help Missourians find training and volunteer opportunities to support our first responders in an emergency."           Citizen Councils work to educate citizens on emergency preparedness measures, including supplying emergency kits and developing a family communications plan. State and local Citizen Councils localize the personal preparedness message and offer training and volunteer service opportunities to support local first responders. The 22 jurisdictions receiving grants are: • Adair County Ambulance District • Ava/Douglas County EMA • Barton County Sheriff • Buchanan County Sheriff • Bollinger County Health Department • Camden County • City of Cameron • Cape Girardeau Fire Department • Christian County • Cole County • City of Joplin • Marion County • Morgan County • Phelps County • City of Portageville • Saline County Health Department • Scott County EMA • Springfield/Greene County • Stoddard County Health Department • Texas County • Washington County Health Department • City of Willard           Currently, Missouri has 87 Citizen Councils, 13 Medical Reserve Corps teams, and 116 organizations providing Citizen Emergency Response Training. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com