Preliminary damage assessment reports are being requested from local jurisdictions, such as counties, cities, schools and townships as a result of the Dec. 15, high-wind and severe-storm event. This initial damage information for public assistance for local governmental entities must be submitted through the Barton County Emergency Management office to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management no later than Friday morning, Dec. 30. 

Damage totals are needed for the state of Kansas to request a major presidential disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Damages and costs for local jurisdictions are not the only factors that FEMA will consider when granting a request for federal disaster declaration. FEMA also considers the impact on local communities and counties and their resources. 

Barton County local jurisdictions, including townships, need to contact Amy Miller, Barton County Emergency Management director, no later than 10 a.m. Friday to report damages and the impacts of those damages on their organizations.