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Disaster and Recovery Resources

Here, you will find a comprehensive list of resources, updates, and official information to support our region as it navigates through disasters. This page is designed to provide essential information and support during times of crisis, ensuring our community has the tools and knowledge needed to stay safe and recover effectively.
  • Resilience Toolkit
  • Iowa Resources
  • South Dakota Resources
  • Additional Resources For Flood Recovery
  • Types of FEMA Individual Assistance
  • How To Appeal a FEMA Decision
  • Free Legal Services
  • Disaster Fraud Information
  • Iowa Local Government Disaster Recovery

Resilience Toolkit

Strategies and actions for business, government, or development organizations to ensure ongoing viability.

The Resilience Toolkit is a resource for business, government, and development organizations in the Siouxland Region. It was designed to be an asset to organizations by assisting in navigating and mitigating current and future crises.

It provides community leaders, development organizations, economic developers, chamber executives, and business owners a framework for disaster preparation that looks beyond the immediate steps to long-lasting recovery as well as prevention efforts. The Toolkit also includes a downloadable assessment, inventory, and plan worksheets.

The Toolkit helps organizations with:

  • Preparing to be Resilient 
  • Managing to be Resilient 
  • Marketing to be Resilient 
  • Financing to be Resilient 

The Resilience Toolkit is available as a PDF and online at: iowaresilience.com/

Click here to download the Resilience Toolkit PDF

Click here for the Nebraska Resource Guide

This toolkit would not be possible without the support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which provided funding through the 2020 CARES Act. EDA, which resides within the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development.

Iowa Resources

South Dakota Resources

Additional Resources For Flood Recovery

Types of FEMA Individual Assistance

  • 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: 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 you can use to 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 childcare 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.

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 decision or award amount for that type of assistance.

More information here: How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

Free Legal Services

  • Insurance issues
  • Housing – renters and owners
  • Contractor fraud issues
  • Government Benefits
  • Document Recovery

Legal Aid of Iowa |  Disaster Relief Project

1-800-992-8161

Legal Aid of Nebraska | Disaster Relief Project

1-844-268-5627

Legal Aid South Dakota | Disaster Resource Center

605-444-3719

Disaster Fraud Information

FEMA is NOT offering to buy houses.  If someone is offering to buy your house, they are not working for FEMA.

Additionally, FEMA does NOT have approved contractors for home repairs, construction, or debris removal.

After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves, and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. We encourage survivors to watch for and report any suspicious activity.

To report suspected fraud, contact FEMA Investigations and Inspections Division


 

Iowa Local Government Disaster Recovery

The Office of the Governor has recently released the local government program for revenue replacement and infrastructure repair (click here to view PDF of available resources). Questions? Please call Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 515-725-3231 or visit Iowa Disaster Recovery | Iowa.gov.

 

EXPLORE RESOURCES

Related Pages

Press Releases

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Gov. Reynolds Announces Activation of Assistance for Monona County

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 19, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Mason Mauro, (515) 745-2840, mason.mauro@governor.iowa.gov

DES MOINES— Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Monona County in response to severe storms that occurred on June 21 and the Federal Major Disaster Declaration approval for FEMA Individual Assistance granted on August 2, 2024.

With the recent approval of FEMA Individual Assistance, Monona County officials have requested activation of the State Disaster Case Advocacy Program to assist residents in navigating various state and federal disaster assistance resources now available to them.

For more information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov. You can also find additional resources for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Department website, Homelandsecurity.iowa.gov. Both websites offer vital information for those affected by disasters, including guidance and assistance resources.

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President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for South Dakota

August 16, 2024

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of South Dakota to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding from June 16 to July 8, 2024.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Davison, Lincoln, Turner and Union counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding in Aurora, Bennett, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hand, Hanson, Hutchinson, Jackson, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Tripp, Turner, Union and Yankton counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Edwin J. Martin has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Governor Reynolds Announced That Conditional Awards Are Beginning to be Approved for Disaster Impacted Iowa Homeowners

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

August 14, 2024

Governor Reynolds today announced that conditional awards are beginning to be approved for disaster impacted Iowa homeowners through the state-funded Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program (DRHAP). The awards will allow homeowners to begin rebuilding or be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred. 

“Fast-tracking relief for disaster-impacted Iowans has been my priority, and I’m pleased to announce that funds have started being awarded to homeowners,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Those receiving conditional awards today, and in the days and weeks to come will be able to take another step towards recovery.”

The program addresses unmet housing recovery needs outside the scope of insurance coverage or FEMA Individual Assistance. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 for the repair or rehabilitation of their disaster-impacted home.

Applications are being reviewed as they are received and if deemed preliminarily eligible, are referred to a local administrative partner who will be the homeowner’s point of contact for inspections, feasibility for repair determination, scope of work and payment of eligible expenses. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain available until funds have been exhausted. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first submitted, first ready to proceed basis. 

Eligible homes must be located in a county approved for FEMA Individual Assistance following the three presidentially declared natural disasters this spring and summer. These counties currently include Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story Union and Woodbury.

Before applying for the state Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program, homeowners must first be registered for FEMA Individual Assistance and have been awarded some form of FEMA Housing Assistance, which may include home repairs or temporary housing. Homeowners must also have filed a claim with their insurance company, if they have coverage for disaster-related damages, and have received final approval or denial of their claim. Repair work must be completed by contractors who are registered to work in the state of Iowa to be eligible for payment under the program. Homes located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain) and rental properties are ineligible.  

More information about the DRHAP program, including an eligibility precheck is available at iowafinance.com/DRHAP. For information on other disaster-related programs and resources, visit disasterRecovery.iowa.gov.

Iowans are encouraged to be on the alert for disaster scams. State of Iowa disaster recovery programs do not charge a one-time or monthly fee to apply for assistance. To report a disaster recovery scam, contact the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa’s Consumer Protection Division at 888-777-4590 or by visiting iowaattorneygeneral.gov.

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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Gov. Kim Reynolds Announces Assistance for Northwest Iowa Counties for Severe Weather and Natural Disasters That Occurred June 16, 2024, and Continuing

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, August 2, 2024

Gov. Kim Reynolds announces the approval of Monona County for Individual Assistance, and Harrison, Monona, Pocahontas, Winneshiek, and Wright Counties for Public Assistance for emergency protective measures and permanent work under the previously approved Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA DR-4796-IA, for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that occurred June 16, 2024, and continuing.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program is already activated for the following counties related to this incident: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Sioux, and Woodbury Counties.

The following counties were previously activated for emergency protective measures under Public Assistance and have been approved for the addition of permanent work: Lyon, and Osceola. Monona County residents are now eligible for the Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program, along with Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury counties.

This program is available to survivors whose homes were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed not habitable in counties currently under a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for both FEMA Individual and Public Assistance.

For more information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov.

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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Seven Counties in Response to Severe Storms

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 1, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Nahas, (515) 452-2931, heather.nahas@governor.iowa.gov

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Cass, Mills, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Wapello, Webster, and Woodbury Counties in response to severe storms that occurred on July 29 and continuing. 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 up to $7,000 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 https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. 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.

You can find a copy of the proclamation here.

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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Woodbury County approved for Individual Assistance under the June Presidential Major Disaster Declaration

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
CONTACT: Kollin Crompton, (515) 745-2840,  Kollin.Crompton@Governor.Iowa.gov

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds announces the approval of Woodbury County for Individual Assistance under the previously approved Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA DR-4796-IA, for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that occurred June 16, 2024, and continuing.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program is already activated for the following counties: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties.

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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Gov. Reynolds issues proclamation for 27 counties impacted by recent widespread flooding

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

June 28, 2024

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a proclamation for Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Fremont, Harrison, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Lyon, Mills, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Woodbury, Worth and Wright Counties in response to widespread flooding in Iowa.

The governor’s proclamation allows for the additional targeted suspension of specific regulatory requirements in affected counties to effectively respond to and recover from the effects of this event.

  • Suspend the regulatory provisions of licensed professionals who are acting on a temporary basis to aid disaster victims or provide emergency services for the following professions: architecture, engineering or land surveying, social work, psychology, marital and family therapy, and mental health counseling.
  • Suspend the regulatory provisions and administrative rules promulgated thereunder, requiring a current, active Iowa license to practice architecture and engineering to the extent that the individuals practicing architecture and engineering hereunder meet educational, experience, and training requirements to obtain an Iowa license and are acting on a temporary basis to aid disaster victims or provide emergency services.
  • Suspend the regulatory provisions requiring state electrical inspection fees be due and payable at or before commencement of the installation and requiring minimum fees when a state inspection is requested by a property owner to the extent said inspections are performed in response to and in aid of residential disaster victims.
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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Gov. Kim Reynolds Announces the Approval of Twenty-Eight (28) Additional Counties for Public Assistance Under The Previously Approved Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA DR-4784-IA

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

June 27, 2024

Gov. Kim Reynolds announces the approval of twenty-eight (28) additional counties for Public Assistance under the previously approved Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA DR-4784-IA, for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from tornados, severe storms, and widespread flooding that occurred between May 20, 2024 – May 31, 2024.

In addition to Adair County the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program has been activated for the following counties:  Adams, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Dallas, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Iowa, Jackson, Kossuth, Marshall, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Shelby, Story, Tama and Wright. The additional counties have been approved for funding for emergency work, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Adair County has also been approved for Public Assistance funding for permanent work.

Iowa was approved for another Presidential Disaster Declaration on June 24, 2024, in response to flooding in northwest Iowa. Information on the second Presidential Disaster Declaration can be found here.

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Governor Noem Signs Emergency Declaration for Storms and Flooding

June 22, 2024

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2024-04 declaring an emergency for the recent storms and associated flooding. State agencies have already been responding and will continue assisting local governments throughout the emergency.

“Even though the rain is slowing down, we need to keep vigilant. The worst of the flooding along our rivers will be Monday and Tuesday,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Check SD511.org for updates on road conditions, and please reach out to your county emergency manager if you have immediate needs.”

The EO also issued a “no boating declaration” on the waters of Lake Alvin in Lincoln County, Lake Henry in Bon Homme County, Marindahl Lake in Yankton County, Menno Lake in Hutchinson County, and Swan Lake in Turner County, South Dakota.

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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Gov. Reynolds Requests Expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Severe Storms and Widespread Flooding

Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg

June 23, 2024
CONTACT: Kollin Crompton, (515) 745-2840,  Kollin.Crompton@Governor.Iowa.gov

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing.

The letter requests activation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for the following nine (9) counties: Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth and Sioux. In addition, the letter requests the activation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program for the following twenty-two (22) counties:  Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Woodbury, Worth and Wright.

Funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program provides disaster-affected homeowners, renters, and businesses access to programs and services to maximize recovery, including assistance with housing, personal property replacement, medical expenses, and legal services.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program provides homeowners, renters, businesses, and most nonprofit organizations in the affected counties whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster, the ability to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program provides funds that can be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during, and debris removal after, severe weather.

In addition, the governor requested funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state.

The letter can be read in its entirety here.

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