COUNCIL BLUFFS – As yet another storm system has caused damage to both public and private property, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management officials continue to request damage reports and pictures from the public. Director of Emergency Management Doug Reed, says “We’re now included in three active State Proclamations of Disaster Emergency, it’s almost unprecedented.

“Covering a county of over 93,000 square miles can be challenging for our staff of three, so reports from the public are crucial in expediting the process to help identify needs and apply for assistance programs that can help our jurisdictions, residents, and businesses,” Reed said.

Reporting Damages. Damages for the most recent storms occurring in the county are being requested from those impacted. Any renters, homeowners, or businesses that have not yet reported their damages for the May 6 or May 20 through May 24 storms should do so on the emergency management website. Please indicate the exact date damages occurred and provide photos if possible.

Current Declaration Status:

• Severe Storms and Tornadoes (April 26) – Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for FEMA Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance. FEMA Public Assistance program is being requested.
• Severe Storms and Tornadoes (May 6) – Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for state assistance to local governments, Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, and Iowa Disaster Case Advocacy Program – please report damages here.
• Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Derecho (May 20 through May 24) – Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for state assistance to local governments, Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, and Iowa Disaster Case Advocacy Program. An expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for FEMA Individual and Public Assistance is being requested – please report damage here.

Assistance for Farmers: USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has approved the Governor’s request for the activation of USDA disaster assistance in the state and Pottawattamie County. The Governor’s press release on the announcement can be found here. A USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet can be viewed at this link. Impacted farmers in Pottawattamie County should report their damage and inquire on available assistance programs through their FSA Service Center in Oakland or Council Bluffs.

Access to Assistance Information and Ways to Help:
Information and links to available assistance programs and ways you can contribute to disaster relief can be
found at the emergency management agency website and the Share Iowa website. Both websites are updated
as information is received from partners and service providers.