Federal aid approved for Iowa counties battered by storms

President Joe Biden has approved Iowa’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred beginning on June 16,  and continuing.

The approval authorized Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide assistance to Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux counties. 

Allie Bright, the Public Information Officer with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, explained to the Chronicle Times on Wednesday that the request for the Major Presidential Disaster Declaration that was sent was an expedited version.  

The expedited declaration can be made when an area shows unusual severity and damage from an incident. She added, “At the time the request was sent, the severity of the storms had not yet impacted Cherokee County and there was not enough data available to add Cherokee to the expedited request.”

She assured the Chronicle Times that with an expedited request, additional counties can be added after the initial request is approved and “Cherokee County is on the list for the additional request.”

Staff at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management is working in conjunction with FEMA to gather damage assessments and needs information from counties to support the additional request and once the letter is submitted and received FEMA will process it quickly.

Bright said “We encourage Cherokee residents to start the claim process with their flood insurance company.”

Apply with FEMA whether you have insurance or not

• Everyone with disaster damage should apply whether they have insurance or not.
• If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Please stay in close contact with your insurance agency.
• FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.