"None of these people are experienced with waking up in the morning . . . and not having a house," Urquhart says. "My daughter's kindergarten teacher no longer has a house."

Urquhart met Thursday with Utah House of Representatives leaders to discuss ways the state may provide financial help to those who lost property in St. George and nearby communities.

They identified two possibilities: create an ongoing disaster relief fund or approve a one-time appropriation. Urquhart wants to know the ultimate level of federal support and the exact needs of the displaced before deciding how to proceed.

"These are my friends," says Urquhart. "I am going to make sure they know they are being looked out for."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has asked his staff to find money for the affected communities and says he would consider setting aside funds for individuals.

Some state aid is available through the "governor's emergency fund." The fund normally holds about $100,000 and has been used to offset expenses in floods, mine collapses and law-enforcement manhunts in the past 20 years, says Richard Ellis, the governor's budget director.

The state Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security received the go-ahead Tuesday to buy 200,000 sandbags with the emergency fund, which will also cover the costs of the 12 National Guard troops deployed by Huntsman. Ellis is not sure whether the fund can be used to help people who lost their homes. Those people must now work through insurance companies and a federal program to recoup their losses.

The American Red Cross has set up a fund for individuals who want to donate to those affected. They can call 800-328-9272 for more information.

mcanham@sltrib.com