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Presidential Disaster Declarations
A Presidential Disaster Declaration has been declared in Iowa for three separate weather events that span over multiple days. Below are the events and counties that can apply for Federal Individual Assistance programs:
April 26-27, 2024 Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union Counties
FEMA DR-4779-IA
Application Deadline: August 23, 2024
May 20-31, 2024 Severe Storms
Adair, Adams, Cedar, Jasper, Montgomery, Polk, and Story Counties
FEMA DR-4784-IA
Application Deadline: August 23, 2024
June 16- July 23, 2024 Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes
Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux, and Woodbury Counties
FEMA-DR-4796-IA
Application Deadline: October 22, 2024
FEMA Individual Assistance and State Program Overview
Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster can be overwhelming. If you're in need of assistance, view this helpful video that walks you through FEMA assistance & other programs that may be available.
Announcement of Initial Public Notice
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice to the public of its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of Iowa, local and Tribal governments, and eligible private nonprofit organizations under major disaster declarations FEMA-4779-4784-4796-DR-IA. This notice applies to the Individual Assistance (IA), Public Assistance (PA), and Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) programs implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended.
Back to topState of Iowa Disaster Recovery Centers
HSEM has opened Long-term Disaster Recovery Centers (LT-DRC) that are open to any resident impacted by the disasters who need assistance navigating the recovery process, has a question about their FEMA or SBA status, needs assistance with their federal assistance applications, needs to file an appeal on a denied federal application, or needs ongoing assistance with unmet needs. Survivors are encouraged to visit the LT-DRC during its hours of operations.
Locations:
Clay County
Spencer City Hall
101 W 5th St, Spencer, IA 51301
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Pottawattamie County *
County Emergency Management Agency
205 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
**In-person FEMA assistance by appointment only. Survivors who would like to make an appointment with FEMA staff at the Pottawattamie LT-DRC can call 816-283-7529. Survivors should leave their full name, FEMA registration ID number, and a good phone number for us to return their call.
Sioux County
Rock Valley Shelter House
1013 13th Ave Rock Valley, IA 51247
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Back to topHow to Apply for FEMA Assistance
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Download and use the FEMA app
- Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis
Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
Back to topInformation You Need to Apply with FEMA
Only one registration per household is needed. When you apply, please 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
- Address where you can get mail or an email address
- Bank account information for direct deposit of funds
When determining the amount of federal disaster assistance an applicant may be eligible for, FEMA will verify there are no “duplication of benefits,” sometimes called double-dipping.
FEMA Factsheet: Duplication of Benefits English
FEMA Factsheet: Duplication of Benefits Espanol
Back to topFEMA Individual Assistance Call Center
Applicants with insurance may receive a call from FEMA Individual Assistance Call Center to assist them with completing their applications. Survivors may receive a phone call, text and email requesting additional insurance information.
Insurance information is the most common missing document. The insurance declaration page clarifies what kinds of coverage a resident has, including:
- Coverage of fire damage only.
- Items not covered in the policy, such as personal property, or loss of the use of the home.
If homeowners cannot find the insurance policy or the insurance declaration, or the information was lost during the disaster, it can usually be located on the insurance company’s website or by contacting the insurance agent.
FEMA may be able to help with damages not covered by insurance. Once an insurance settlement is reached FEMA may be able to help with the difference between the settlement and actual cost of repairs. Applicants should keep receipts.
Back to topApply with FEMA Whether or Not You Have Insurance
- Everyone with disaster damage should apply whether they have insurance or not.
- FEMA assistance is not based on your amount of income.
- If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, file a claim. Stay in close contact with your insurance agency. Only damage and needs related to April 26-27 and May 20-31 storms are eligible.
- FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.
- Even if you have insurance, FEMA may be able to provide money for serious needs, temporary housing and any damage to property not covered by insurance.
- In general, people without insurance will be contacted first by FEMA home inspectors. People with insurance may be contacted after you provide your insurance documents.
How to Appeal a FEMA Decision
You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal your FEMA’s decision or award amount for that type of assistance.
Back to topIowa Colleges + Universities
College and university students in the Iowa counties of Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux and Woodbury may be eligible for disaster assistance. Students may qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for essential personal property and other needs.
Iowa Students May be Eligible for FEMA Disaster Assistance
Back to topFEMA Rental Assistance
FEMA Rental Assistance can help cover temporary housing costs. You can use this money to rent a place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel room, RV or other options while your home is repaired, or you look for a new place to live.
Ask for Rental Assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
Back to topDamaged Wells and Septic Systems
Iowans who lost access to water through a private well or damaged septic system as a result of the severe weather and flooding on June 16 and continuing may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Homeowners and renters in Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux counties with uninsured losses from the severe storms and floods on June 16 and continuing.
FEMA Factsheet: Damaged Wells and Septic Systems Espanol
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