Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is nationally recognized as a coalition based within a community or geographic area that is composed of representatives from public, private and not-for-profit agencies.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Jasper County COAD will enhance the community’s ability to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from disasters thus ensuring that human needs inherent in a disaster situation are evaluated and addressed.

As an organization composed of a network of organizations, Jasper County COAD is proud to include among its members: American Red Cross, Carthage Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Catholic Charities, City of Joplin, Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri, Crosslines of Joplin, Economic Security Corporation, FEMA, Salvation Army, Spring River Baptist Association, SEMA, University of Missouri Extension Center, area Chambers of Commerce, area Ministerial Alliances and many more.

Membership is open to any organization interested in any phase of emergency management: mitigation, preparation, response or recovery.

History of Jasper County COAD

With the help of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and SEMA (State EMA), the Jasper County COAD was formed as a result of the 2003 Carl Junction tornado. Since then the COAD has effectively worked to manage volunteers and recovery after the Ice Storms in 2008, the High Wind Storms of May 2009 and the Joplin Tornado in May, 2011. Additionally, the COAD has coordinated educational campaigns to prepare individuals for self sheltering, mitigating tips for snow and ice storms and weather preparedness for businesses.