Audrain County holds a disaster expo to prepare public if a disaster strikes

Since Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas, 44 people have died and thousands are still evacuated

ABC 17 checked in with Missouri’s Task Force One leader, and crews are still currently in North Carolina, where they will be searching structures in high-water areas over the next week.

Today, the St. Matthews Episcopal Church and Audrain County officials hosted a disaster expo to help people prepare for disasters.

Officials said Missouri has seen two major disasters over the last 30 years: the 2011 Joplin tornado and the Great Floods of ’93.

Audrain County Emergency Management Director Nicholas Tietsort said Missouri has been blessed to have few disasters over the last 30 years, but that does not mean you should not be prepared.

“The first 72 hours are extremely crucial,” Tietsort said.

He said making sure you plan ahead of time is fundamental for surviving a disaster.

There are key items he said that every family should make sure to have in stock he said.

“A gallon of water a day per person, nonperishable food, things that might not need a microwave,” Tietsort said.

He said to also include a first aid kit, batteries and flashlights.

If you do have young children, he said to make sure to have formula and diapers for them.

Tietsort said it is important to stay calm if a disaster does strike.

He said there are several organizations that exist to help people, like American Red Cross, Task Force One and several other organizations.

If a disaster does hit Missouri, Tietsort said the state has the ability to handle it.

He does recommend people sign up for Everbridge, a voluntary alert service that will notify the public if a disaster hits, giving shelter and assistance options.