COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Pottawattamie County residents suffering damages or losses due to the flooding events of 2019 must register for FEMA assistance by July 1. Doug Reed, Director of Emergency Management for the county, said “Even if you don’t think you would qualify or are unsure if you want FEMA assistance, you should register. Registration in the FEMA system does not obligate you to anything and if you have held back because you are unsure you need assistance or if you have eligibility concerns, it’s better to register now than try and get picked up after the deadline.”

Any residents within Pottawattamie County suffering losses or damages due to the ongoing flooding are eligible to register. Your damages or losses must have occurred within the incident period of March 12th through June 16th. The original declaration was only for damages up to May 16th but that closing date has since been extended due to the ongoing flooding and damages.  Reed said “There are several homes, especially in Council Bluffs, that have flood damage and losses that occurred after May 16th – you are now eligible all the way through the 16th of June due to the extension.”

Flooded basements, collapsed or buckled foundations have been a common report in Council Bluffs. Anyone who was previously told they weren’t eligible to apply for federal assistance due to not being in an active declaration is now eligible and should apply immediately. If you have friends, relatives or neighbors who have suffered flooding impacts you are encouraged to let them know to apply before it’s too late.

Property owners, renters, and business owners can register for federal assistance by following three simple steps.

1. Report your damages to Emergency Management on the county website at https://pottcounty-ia.gov/departments/emergency-management/flood-2019-march-12thcontinuing/ and then;

2. Register for FEMA Assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov OR call FEMA at 800-6213362.