News and Media: Disaster 4557

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Marshalltown on Tuesday, September 15, to give survivors from the August 10 severe storm options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application. FEMA has adapted to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve Iowans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.

The DRC will not operate in a traditional fashion. The center will offer drive-through service.  Survivors are asked to stay in their vehicles when visiting.

DES MOINES, Iowa – It has been one month since the August 10 derecho impacted Iowa. Since then more than $7.1 million in federal assistance has been approved for Iowans.

FEMA has approved more than $3.1 million in Individual Assistance grants for more than 900 households. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $4 million in disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and small businesses. 

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are providing survivors of the August 10 derecho with a means to access and apply for disaster assistance.

The virtual response is being conducted to ensure the safety of survivors and FEMA staff. DSA crews will not be going door-to-door. DSA will help survivors in different ways.

General Information for Everyone

• Please continue removing debris, making repairs, and doing needed work.
• Document your damage with photos and video.
• Save all receipts and contractor estimates.
• Insurance is your first line of defense. Be sure to file your insurance claims. Stay in touch with your insurance company. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments.

Assistance for Homeowners

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowans who have registered with FEMA may be eligible for reimbursement if they paid out-of-pocket expenses for temporary lodging because their primary residences had sustained damage from the August 10 storm.

Temporary lodging includes hotels, motels, or other short-term lodging while an applicant is displaced from his or her primary residence.

Lodging expenses may be eligible for reimbursement if an applicant: