News

 

Governor Chet Culver has issued a disaster proclamation for the following counties: Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Clay, Davis, Decatur, Emmet, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Howard, Humboldt Jefferson, Lee, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Polk, Ringgold, Sioux, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Webster and Wright counties. 

 

Homeland Security and Emergency Management has sent out Damage Assessment teams this week that will consist of a Homeland Security representative, a FEMA representative and a person from the Department of Human Services.  Teams will conduct damage assessments to decide if the disaster is large enough in scope for federal assistance. If the affected counties are declared a Presidential disaster area, then homeowners can apply to FEMA for emergency assistance. Renters are encouraged to contact their landlords to perform a thorough clean up. 

 

Iowa Disaster Behavioral Health Response Teams have been called to action to provide support and guidance to those affected by the flooding.  Trained volunteers and/or DHS staff is helping with door-to-door outreach in hard-hit areas, providing information and doing rumor control.  For people who may need mental health counseling, contact the Iowa Concerns Hotline number (800) 447-1985, which operates 24/7 from the ISU extension service. For more information, see: www.iowadbhrt.org

 

According to the Department of Human Services, persons who reside in declared counties are eligible to apply for the state’s low-income disaster grant program. The reimbursement grant is a maximum $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of federal poverty. Original receipts are required. Grants cover damage in specified categories that are not covered by insurance, charity, or other government programs.Grant applications and step-by-step instructions are available on the “Storm Help” tab on the front page of the DHS website. Applications must be received within 45 days of the Governor’s declaration. To find other services available in your area, call Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985 or call your local 2-1-1 center. 

 

The following links have valuable information regarding flood related issues. 

 

Flood Recovery information is available on the Iowa State University Extension website at: www.extension.iastate.edu

 

The Iowa Department of Public Health, health information related to flooding at: www.idph.state.ia.us/EmergencyResponse/Flooding.aspx.

 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, information about state park closures at: https://eservices.iowa.gov/iowaparks/index.php?pgname=closings

 

The Iowa Department of Transportation has current updates on Iowa road conditions and detour information at www.511ia.org or call 511.  

The Iowa Department of Transportation, flood safety tips and other helpful information for travelers are available at: http://iowadot.gov/floods/index.html