FEMA Grants Individual Assistance to Five Counties
State of Iowa Seal
DES MOINES—Today, Governor Terry E. Branstad received notification that FEMA has granted Iowa’s appeal to make individual disaster assistance available to Iowans in five counties impacted by Missouri River flooding.
Residents in Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona and Pottawattamie counties will be eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, which provides aid to homeowners, renters and businesses. FEMA did not approve the request for Woodbury County.
“I am very pleased FEMA has granted our appeal and will make assistance available to Iowans who need help in recovering from the Missouri River flooding,” said Governor Branstad. “This assistance will not only help individuals and businesses, but is also an important step in helping impacted communities to move forward from the devastation this flood has caused.”
Iowans whose homes, businesses and property were damaged during the Missouri River flooding between May 25 and Aug. 1, 2011, may apply for assistance by phone. Citizens in the five declared counties may now call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. This phone line will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight seven days a week. Application may also be made online at www.fema.gov, www.disasterassistance.gov, or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. When applying, applicants need to have the following information available:
A phone number and a reliable alternative number
The address of the damaged property
Social Security number
Current mailing address
Brief description of damage
Insurance information
Bank account information (direct deposit)
Proof of residency
The FEMA Individual Assistance Program can provide homeowners, renters and businesses grants and low-interest loans to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other aid programs.
For more information on Individual Assistance, visit www.fema.gov or www.iowahomelandsecurity.org.
