Jefferson City, Mo. - Personnel from the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration will provide assistance to ice storm victims in Southeast Missouri February 10-12.  Department employees will be in three Southeast Missouri towns talking with homeowners who were affected by the recent ice storms in that area.  The department will partner with several other state and local agencies to form Multi-Agency Resource Centers at which citizens may discuss matters relating to winter storms.  The centers will be set up as one-stop areas for individuals to meet with agencies that regulate and have daily contact with industries that play a part in storm recovery.  The department invites citizens who have insurance-related questions regarding storm damage to visit the center and receive personal storm counseling assistance.

When severe weather affects lives, the last thing many people think about is insurance, yet it is one of the most important aspects in putting lives back together.  It is important for those affected by the ice storms to survey the damage sustained to their property, make proper notation of the damage (take photographs, if possible), and contact their insurance agents to begin the process of rebuilding.  The sooner a homeowner makes contact with their insurance company, the earlier assistance from the insurance company can be provided to the property owner.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers will be set up at the following locations:

Poplar Bluff

Black River Coliseum

201 S. 5^th Street

Sikeston

Sikeston Sports Complex

501 Campanella Drive

Kennett

VFW Post 5443

1101 Veteran

The hours of operation at each center are:

• Tuesday, February 10^th, Noon to 7:00 pm

• Wednesday, February 11^th, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

• Thursday, February 12^th, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

For more information on insurance and winter storm damage, visit the Winter Storm section of the department's Web site.  Individuals may also review insurance tips for Missourians who have been affected by winter storms or contact the department's Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-726-7390.