Missouri homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter near the street or wall entry. Missouri's ice storms and occasional hard freezes can burst pipes. Know your shutoff before the first winter freeze.

Gas shutoff and utility contacts

Spire Energy serves St. Louis and areas east; Evergy serves Kansas City and western MO; Ameren Missouri serves the central part. Know your utility and emergency number. Spire: 1-800-887-4173. Ameren: 1-800-552-7583.

Basement or storm shelter

Missouri has significant tornado risk statewide. Most Missouri homes have basements. Know your shelter location. The Joplin EF5 tornado (2011) killed 161 people, many in single-story homes without basements.

Gutter and drainage maintenance

Missouri's heavy spring rainfall combined with river system flooding requires excellent drainage. Clean gutters twice yearly. Missouri River and Mississippi floodplain homes need annual review of flood protection measures.

HVAC maintenance

Missouri's hot, humid summers and cold winters run HVAC systems hard. Service in spring and fall. Replace filters every 1-2 months during peak seasons.

Missouri tornado risk

Missouri averages 30+ tornadoes per year. The 2011 Joplin EF5 remains the deadliest single US tornado in 60 years. Have a NOAA weather radio, know your shelter, and pre-clear the basement of obstructions.

Missouri River and Meramec River flooding

Both rivers flood most years. The 2019 Missouri River flood was record-breaking. Know your flood zone, have flood insurance if applicable, and monitor USGS river gauges during spring rain events.

Missouri ice storms

Missouri ice storms (particularly in the southern and central parts) can be severe. The 2007 ice storm left hundreds of thousands without power for weeks. Stock 7 days of supplies. Insulate exposed pipes before December.

Basement or safe room

Missouri's tornado history demands shelter access. If your home lacks a basement, install an above-ground FEMA-rated safe room. Keep it stocked with flashlight, weather radio, water, and first aid supplies.

River valley homes need flood coverage

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Missouri River, Mississippi, and Meramec River communities need NFIP or private flood insurance. The 2019 and 2020 flooding demonstrated that flood risk has increased beyond historic FEMA map projections.

Shelter immediately on warning

Missouri has produced multiple EF5 tornadoes. A warning means take shelter now: basement, lowest interior room. Cover your head. Wait for NWS St. Louis, NWS Kansas City, or NWS Springfield all-clear.

Evacuation plan for river valley homes

Missouri River and Mississippi River flooding can rise quickly. If in a floodplain, have a 24-hour evacuation plan. Know your route and destination before floodwaters rise.

Shelter immediately

Warning = shelter now. Basement or lowest interior room. Cover head. Wait for official all-clear. Joplin demonstrated that the shelter location is the difference between life and death in a violent tornado.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Missouri plumber wait times after statewide ice events: 48-72 hours.

Storm and groundwater flooding response

Do not enter flooded basement if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Ameren Missouri (1-800-552-7583), Evergy (1-800-383-1183), or your cooperative to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately. Missouri summer humidity accelerates mold growth.

Ice storm outages in Missouri

Missouri ice storm outages can last 5-10 days. Ameren: 1-800-552-7583. Evergy: 1-800-383-1183. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Spire Energy: 1-800-887-4173. Ameren Gas: 1-800-552-7583. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Two ways out of every room. Specific outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never go back inside.