Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

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

May 20-31, 2024 Severe Storms 
Adair, Adams, Cedar, Jasper, Montgomery, Polk, and Story Counties 
FEMA DR-4784-IA

June 16, 2024 and Continuing, Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes
Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux Counites
FEMA-DR-4796-IA

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

The centers are a one-stop shop where storm survivors can talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists to learn more about state/federal resources and/or to check on the status of a FEMA registration. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the centers will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

All Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

Iowa – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

Adair County
Nodaway Valley Elementary School
324 NW 2nd St
Greenfield, IA 50849

Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice

Jasper County
1302 First Ave. West
Newton, IA 50208

Open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 1
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 2-6

Ringgold County
United Baptist Presbyterian Church
2343 U.S. Hwy. 169, Mount Ayr, IA 50854

Open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 1
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 2-6

Pottawattamie County
Minden Fire Dept., Fire Station parking lot
207 Main St., Minden, IA 51553

Open 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 1
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 2-6

DRCs Opening Soon

Clay County
Clay County Regional Events Center – Tower Gate Pavilion
800 W 18th St., Spencer, IA 51301

1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, then 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice

Sioux County
City Park Shelter House
1013 13th Ave., Rock Valley, IA 51247                      

1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, then 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice

How 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

Information 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

FEMA 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.

Damaged 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

Apply 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.

FEMA Factsheet: How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

FEMA Hiring Staff Members for Iowa Disaster Recovery Efforts

FEMA is hiring Iowa residents to support the severe weather recovery efforts. The temporary positions are for 120 days and may be extended, in 120-day increments, for a maximum 365-day appointment. All candidates should possess strong computer, communication, interpersonal and customer service skills. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. U.S. citizenship is required. Selected candidates will be required to complete a background investigation, including fingerprinting. FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.