A great way to support disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts is to document conditions and report them to the agencies that either make the decisions or are able to respond to the emergency. Effective communication during an alert or emergency is crucial for facilitating rapid response, ensuring public safety and coordinating recovery efforts. Use the tools below to ensure a successful, coordinated response.
Report an Algal Bloom
Algal blooms occur when weather conditions and an over-abundance of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in a waterbody create the perfect environment for rapid growth. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have detrimental effects on human, livestock or pet health, or on aquatic ecosystems. Some algal blooms, such as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. If you believe you see a harmful algal bloom, please report it using the Harmful Algal Bloom Reporting Form. To report over the telephone, please call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' 24-hour spill line 573-634-2436 or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Public Health Emergency Hotline at 800-392-0272.
Report Drought Conditions
Reports and photographs are essential tools used to assess drought conditions. The department encourages the public to submit information and photographs about conditions in their area in order to help local, state and national decision-makers assess drought conditions and impacts in Missouri. If you would like to submit drought-related conditions and impacts for your area, please fill out the survey form at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR). Reports are immediately shared on an interactive public map. This nationwide service is provided by the National Drought Mitigation Center, based at the University of Nebraska, in partnership with the National Integrated Drought Information System and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Report an Environmental Concern
If you observe a situation that may threaten public health or the environment, such as a trash dump or discarded waste tires in a stream, please report it using the department's Report an Environmental Concern form. To report an environmental concern over the telephone, please contact the regional office in your area. You may also call 800-361-4827 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Report an Environmental Emergency
If you observe a situation that you believe poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment, such as an oil or chemical spill, hazardous substances release or imminent dam failure, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' 24-hour spill line 573-634-2436. The department’s Environmental Emergency Response (EER) staff are the department’s front line of defense against hazardous substance releases, natural or man-made disasters and threats to homeland security.
Report a Fish Kill
A fish kill (or fish die-off) is a localized, sudden and significant death of fish and other aquatic animals. Some fish kills occur naturally as a result of high water temperatures, drought, turnover or excessive algae growth. However, they can also result from water contamination. If you believe you see a fish kill, please report it using the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Fish Kill Event Reporting Tool. To report over the telephone, please contact the local MDC office or Missouri Department of Natural Resources' regional office in your area, or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' 24-hour spill line 573-634-2436.
Report an Orphaned Container
Floods often carry different types of storage tanks and containers downstream and deposit them as the floodwaters recede. These “orphaned” containers can include propane tanks, anhydrous ammonia tanks and barrels containing a wide variety of chemicals. If you find an orphaned container, please report it using the department's Report a Flood-related Orphaned Container form. The department will identify its contents and have it safely removed.
Report a Road Concern
Natural disasters, particularly floods and earthquakes, can cause severe damage to roads by washing away pavement, creating sinkholes and collapsing bridges. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for maintaining more than 34,000 miles of road in Missouri. If you know of a state maintained roadway that needs attention, please report it using MoDOT's Report a Road Concern form. For emergency concerns (especially signals on flash or dark and downed stop signs) please contact them immediately by telephone at 888-275-6636.