COAD, or Community Organizations Active in Disaster, is a coordinated effort between public and private entities with a mission to provide support and relief in disaster response and recovery. Nationwide, chapters of COAD and VOAD quarterback the community response to disaster. In Southeast Missouri, our COAD chapters are a ready defense against possible hazard.

With a collection of governmental and civilian bodies including faith-based organizations, banks, other businesses and individual volunteers, COAD partners plan for, respond to and support the local population after a disaster challenges Southeast Missouri.

This partnership and collective mission makes our communities safer, stronger, and more prepared to respond to—and recover from—disasters.

The Cape Girardeau, Missouri area COAD chapter was formed in 1993 in response to disastrous flooding along the Mississippi River, and had a loose association for several years as an adjunct of the United Way covering Bollinger, Perry and Scott counties. It gained traction again after flooding in 2011 and the tornado in Joplin, Missouri, when a federal disaster declaration (DR-1980) was made that same year. The Cape area COAD group meets regularly to discuss resources, training, and other items of interest in serving our region.

After an event, COAD works with local government and civilian organizations to direct disaster victims to resources they need during the recovery phase.

Southeast Missouri’s COAD chapters' existence means our region has an additional safeguard when we need it. Additional COADs in the area cover Mississippi, New Madrid, Stoddard and Butler counties in Southeast Missouri.

Planning ahead is better than planning mid-stride. Find out more about how to get involved - contact us today.