The Red Cross is currently driving around distributing flood clean up buckets. They also have tarps, shovels, large heavy trash bags, etc. The just began on the east side. They are also available at Central Lyon Elementary Gym.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Now Available for Iowa Counties
Iowa Workforce Development is now accepting applications for DUA from individuals in Clay, Emmet, Lyon,
Plymouth, and Sioux counties in Northwest Iowa and Adams, Cedar, and Jasper counties in Southwest Iowa.
whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to severe storms, straight-line winds,
tornadoes, and/or flooding stemming from weather that began on June 16.
DUA expands eligibility for unemployment benefits and provides assistance to the self-employed, including
business owners and farmers. Impacted individuals can start applying today. Applications for this DUA must be
filed by August 23, 2024.
For eligibility requirements and other information, visit Iowa Workforce Development’s Unemployment Benefits
Online Application System (workforce.iowa.gov).
Click Here for the Press Release
SBA Business Recovery Center to open in Sioux Center.
How to apply for FEMA assistance:
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA app
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
Apply with FEMA whether or not you have insurance
Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid and may include:
• Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
• Displacement Assistance: Money you can use to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family or friends, or for any other available housing options if you can’t return home following a disaster.
• Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.
• Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.
• Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
• Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or child care expenses caused by the disaster.
• Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.
• Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.
Have this information ready when you apply with FEMA
Only one registration per household is needed. When you apply, have the following information available:
• Address with ZIP code
• Condition of your damaged home
• Basic list of your property damage, losses and needs
• Insurance policy information, including the policy number
• Social Security number of one member of the household
• Phone number where you can be contacted
• An email address or physical address where you can get mail
• Bank account information for direct deposit of funds
FEMA home inspections continue in Iowa counties
FEMA housing inspectors are working in designated counties inspecting damage reported by people who have applied with FEMA for disaster assistance. Inspectors will call or text first to make an appointment. They will display official photo ID. If it is not visible, it is OK to ask to see it. This helps prevent fraud.
Applicants without insurance may be contacted first. Insured applicants may be contacted for an inspection after they send FEMA a copy of the declarations page from their insurance policy or settlement information.
Spanish Version:
Cómo solicitar asistencia de FEMA
• Visite Disasterassistance.gov/es
• Llame directamente a FEMA al 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Descargue y utilice la aplicación de FEMA
• Los sobrevivientes pueden visitar cualquier Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia o recibir ayuda con el proceso de solicitud.
FEMA trabaja con cada familia, caso por caso. Los Equipos de Asistencia a Sobrevivientes del Desastre de FEMA están ayudando a las personas en refugios y vecindarios afectados con el proceso de solicitud de FEMA y respondiendo preguntas sobre los recursos disponibles, en colaboración con el manejo de emergencias del condado y del estado.
Todas las personas que utilicen un servicio de retransmisión, como un servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), teléfono con subtÃtulos u otro servicio, deben proporcionarle a FEMA el número de dicho servicio. Para ver un video accesible con tres formas de solicitar asistencia de FEMA, visite: https://youtu.be/Uhu-jpdLY1E?si=BBBeHD_WEBoryHHc .
Clases de Asistencia individual de FEMA
El dinero proporcionado por FEMA no tiene que ser devuelto e incluye:
• Necesidades Graves: Dinero para artÃculos que salvan vidas y sean de subsistencia, incluso agua, alimentos, artÃculos de primeros auxilios, recetas, fórmula infantil, suministros para amamantar, pañales, suministros médicos consumibles, equipo médico duradero, elementos de higiene personal y combustible para el transporte.
• Asistencia para personas desplazadas: Dinero que puede utilizar para alojarse en un hotel o motel, permanecer con familiares y amigos o para cualquier otra alternativa de vivienda disponible si no puede regresar a su vivienda luego de un desastre.
• Remplazo o reparaciones a la vivienda: Dinero para ayudarle a reparar o remplazar su vivienda dañada por el desastre. El dinero también puede ayudar con daños establecidos antes del desastre en partes de su vivienda donde el desastre provocó más daños.
• Asistencia de Alquiler: Dinero que puede utilizar para alquilar una vivienda si se ve desplazado de su hogar debido al desastre.
• Propiedad personal: Dinero para ayudarle a reparar o remplazar electrodomésticos, muebles de habitaciones y un ordenador personal o familiar dañado por el desastre. Esto también puede incluir dinero para libros, uniformes, herramientas, ordenadores adicionales y otros artÃculos necesarios para la escuela o el trabajo, incluso el trabajo independiente.
• Cuido de niños: Dinero para ayudarle a pagar por el incremento en o los gastos por el cuidado de niños provocados por el desastre.
• Transporte: Dinero para ayudarle a reparar o remplazar un vehÃculo dañado por el desastre cuando usted no tiene otro vehÃculo que pueda utilizar.
• Gastos de mudanza y almacenamiento: Dinero para ayudarle a trasladar y almacenar propiedad personal de su vivienda para evitar daños adicionales.
Tenga lista esta información al solicitar asistencia de FEMA
Sólo se necesita una solicitud por familia. Cuando solicite, tenga disponible la siguiente información:
• Dirección con código postal
• Condición de su vivienda dañada
• Un listado básico de los daños a su propiedad, pérdidas y necesidades
• Información sobre su póliza de seguro, incluido el número de la póliza
• Número de Seguro Social de un miembro de la familia
• Un número de teléfono donde pueda ser contactado
• Una dirección de correo electrónico o dirección postal donde pueda recibir correo
• Información de cuenta bancaria para el depósito directo de fondos
Inspecciones de FEMA de viviendas en Iowa
El personal de inspecciones a viviendas de FEMA trabaja en los condados designados, inspeccionando los daños reportados por las personas que han solicitado asistencia por desastre de FEMA. El personal de inspecciones primero llamará o enviará un mensaje de texto para programar una cita. Su credencial oficial con fotografÃa estará visible. Si no es visible, está PERMITIDO solicitar verla. Esto ayuda a evitar el fraude.
Primero se contactará a los solicitantes sin cobertura del seguro. Los solicitantes con cobertura seguro pueden ser contactados para una inspección luego de que envÃen a FEMA una copia de la página de declaraciones de su póliza de seguro o información de pago
Click here for the Furniture Needs Assessment
Please use this link for individuals needing furniture/linens.
Click here for the application
Kristin Westerman
Housing Planner/Grant Administrator
Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission
Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund
P.O. Box 1493
Spencer, IAÂ 51301
Phone:Â 712-262-7225 Ext. 139
Fax:Â 712-262-7665
If you have a Shop vac, tractor with loader and trailer or side dump available, and could volunteer your time, we are in need of extra help with picking up waste on the terrace. Please call the volunteer center at 472-2113 if you would be able to help.
If anyone has a camper available that they are willing to let displaced flood victims stay in, please call the volunteer center at (712)472-2113 or the Chamber office at 472-3456. Thanks
Please read the attached link.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/3a4bdd3
Here is another great source of information….
FEMA will be in town in the coming days to survey damage. They may try to talk to some homeowners and businesses as well. They will be wearing FEMA shirts as well as have a name badge with FEMA on it. Thank you.
Click here: NR001 FEMA Teams Visiting Local Nbrhds & Shltrs DR4796IA 06262024
Approved Counties: Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux
For BUSINESS
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/economic-injury-disaster-loans
This is actually a VERY easy site to navigate and I suspect people can do most of this on their own. If you need assistance, reach out to me…if they need internet connection, laptop usage, a guiding hand, etc…..
–Â It mentions the use, terms, payments, etc.
For HOME:
This one is a little more tricky
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362.
Other options include registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov or downloading the FEMA app.
They have made this very self guided
What to Expect When You Apply Online
–Â Disaster is Declared
After a major disaster, the President may declare Individual Assistance for certain damaged areas in a state. If you live in one of these areas, you may qualify to apply
START THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Create an Account on Login.gov
You need to create an account so you can do a few things:
Save your application to finish later, get your status and respond to messages, and upload documents.
Gather Your Personal Information
You’ll need to have as much of the following info ready as you can:
Home, mailing, and email addresses; phone number; Social Security number (SSN); banking and insurance info.
Fill Out the Application
Enter as much detail as you can. You can go back to your account later to enter anything you don’t have handy now.
Review and Send Your Application
Check what you’ve entered, make changes if you need to, and send your application to FEMA. Remember to save and keep your Application ID. You’ll need it anytime you talk with FEMA.
AFTER YOU APPLY
FEMA Reviews Your Application
If FEMA can’t qualify you based on your application alone, we may request more info or to inspect your home.
Check Your Email
FEMA will email you when you have messages in your account.
Check Your Status
You can sign in to your account at any time to check the status of your application.
Get Payment
If you qualify, FEMA will send a payment using the method you choose. You can get a direct deposit or a check by mail.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNORÂ Â Â Â Â
Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg    Â
   Â
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 24, 2024Â Â Â Â
CONTACT: Kollin Crompton, (515) 745-2840, Kollin.Crompton@Governor.Iowa.gov   Â
    Â
Governor Reynolds announces approval of Presidential Major Disaster DeclarationÂ
 Â
DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today that President Biden has approved Iowa’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornados that occurred beginning on June 16, 2024 and continuing.Â
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are now authorized to provide assistance to Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties. The Governor will continue to request additional counties as more information is collected.
Residents in these counties can now apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program, which provides disaster-affected homeowners, renters, and businesses with programs and services to maximize recovery, including assistance with housing, personal property replacement, medical expenses, and legal services.Â
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362. The helpline operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. Other options include registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov or downloading the FEMA app.  Â
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster, may be able to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. In addition, small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private, nonprofit organizations impacted by the severe weather may be eligible to apply for working capital loans. Â
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Â
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program is no longer available in counties where the FEMA Individual Assistance Program has been made available and residents should apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program.
In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program has been activated for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties. The Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency work, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures.Â
Â
###Â
**Boil Advisory & request to conserve water has been lifted**
ATTENTION
The Boil Advisory has been lifted! The DNR has given the all clear for Rock Rapids Municipal water and it is safe to drink! We do ask that you continue to conserve water for a little longer, at least as much as possible. Feel free to follow the instructions below but hold off on unnecessary laundry/ dishes for a little bit more.
What should homeowners do when the boil water notice is lifted?
– Flush household pipes/faucets first: To flush your plumbing, run all your cold water faucets on full for at least 5 minutes each. If your service connection is long or complex (like in an apartment building) consider flushing for a longer period. Your building superintendent or landlord should be able to advise you on longer flushing times.
– Automatic ice makers: Dump existing ice and flush the water feed lines by making and discarding three batches of ice cubes. Wipe down the ice bin with a disinfectant. If your water feed line to the machine is longer than 20 feet, increase to five batches.
– Hot water heaters, water coolers, in line filters, and other appliances with direct water connections or water tanks: Run enough water to completely replace at least one full volume of all lines and tanks. If your filters are near the end of their life, replace them.
– Water softeners: Run through a regeneration cycle.
– Reverse Osmosis (RO) units: Replace pre-filters, check owner’s manual.
– Replace other water filters, as they are disposable and may be contaminated. This applies especially to carbon filters and others that are near the end of their life.
Thank you everyone for your understanding! If you have a neighbor that does not use the internet or listen to the radio, please let them know about this as well!
This is a test of the quick updates section. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et.
6/24/2024 Information, Resources for Flood Recovery Available from ISU Extension and Outreach
Floods are a common and costly natural disaster. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach provides access to information and educational resources to help Iowans recover from the current floods affecting northwest Iowa, as well as prepare for potential flooding elsewhere in the state.
The bathrooms with showers north of the pool are open and available for use. We are still in a conserve water situation. Please keep that in mind.
If you volunteered for the Flood Clean Up prior to having the Volunteer dispatch center set up, could you please fill out the following Google Form and log your volunteer hours.
*Questions on whether you should log hours worked at your own home. Please log them, note they were at your own home. I will try to get an answer to this today, and will update when I do. Thank you.
Also, we added a question of age. Please fill that out. If you already filled out a form, do not fill out a new one.
If you checked in at the Volunteer Dispatch Center, your hours are already logged.
Thank you!
Rock Rapids Flood Volunteer Time Tracking
Tree Dump is closed until further notice.
DO NOT enter the fairgrounds.
6/25 Bottled water is currently being distributed again today. Water and Milk yesterday was delivered by Prairie Farms. Water will be delivered today from Central States.
6/24 4:03 PM Water is still being distributed; we will end the distribution at 8PM tonight 6/24. Watch for updates on times tomorrow.
6/24 We will be distributing bottled water, donated by Walmart, again today at the Forster Community Building at 404 First Ave. Please enter from Hwy 9 in the alley between the Library and Community Building and exit on 2nd Ave. Distribution will be from 10AM-11AM or until we run out of water.
6/23 Cases of bottled water will be available at 8:45-10:00PM Sunday, June 23, at the Forster Community Building at 404 First Ave. Please enter from Hwy 9 in the alley between the Library and Community Building, and exit on 2nd Ave.
Gov. Kim Reynolds has extended a disaster emergency proclamation to an additional 20 counties in northwest Iowa in response to severe storms and flooding that occurred on June 21. The 21 total counties include Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Woodbury, Worth, and Wright.
The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.
A copy of the proclamation is forthcoming.
View Proclamation on the Governor’s website. to read proclamation
