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Government Help

Government Flood Program
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/

Local Goverment
Cedar Rapids
Linn County
Iowa City
Coralville
Johnson County Flood Information

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster assistance, particularly for temporary housing and the repair or replacement of housing. It also can help with clothing or medical assistance.

You must apply before talking to a FEMA representative.

To apply:
Go to www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm

Or call 1-(800) 621-3362.

The deadline to apply for assistance is July 28.

FEMA mobile centers

Officials from FEMA and Iowa’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management are now providing face-to-face assistance for flood victims at four locations in Linn County. Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Locations:

  • Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Rd. SW
  • Prairie High School, 401 76th Ave. SW
  • Palo Fire Station, 505 Vinton St.

Note: The mobile center at Harding Middle School has closed.

What you need to register with FEMA:

  • Your Social Security number
  • A telephone number
  • Address and description of damaged property
  • Insurance information, if you have insurance
  • A mailing address

What to expect after registering with FEMA

You will get a FEMA registration number. Do not lose it and do not give it to anyone else.

A FEMA inspector will call for an appointment to see your property. The inspection is free and take 30 to 40 minutes. The inspection includes your home and personal property.

The inspector will have a FEMA ID. The inspector will know your FEMA registration number.

You also may get a call from the Small Business Administration about a possible loan. You do not have to take out an SBA loan, but an SBA loan (which must be repaid) can pay for much more than a FEMA grant (which doesn’t have to be repaid). If you don’t qualify for an SBA loan, you may be eligible for additional FEMA assistance.

Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration offers federally subsidized, low-interest loans for qualifying homeowners and renters to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses.

For information: Call 1-(800) 659-2955 or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

Medicare/Medicaid

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that Iowans on Medicare who lost their medications in the flood may get early refills from the Medicare prescription drug plan Part D.

For information or help: Call (319) 369-7475.

Farmers

USDA Farm Service Agency may make emergency loans to farmers who were operating a farm at the time of the disaster. Information: www.fsa.usda.gov or call the Iowa FSA at (515) 254-1540.

Unemployment claims

The Iowa Workforce Development Cedar Rapids Center has temporarily relocated to the Regis Middle School Gymnasium, 735 Prairie Dr. NE. The phone numbers are (319) 743-8265, (319) 743-8267 or (319) 743-8317. Web site (where you can also apply for jobless benefits because of the flood): www.iowaworkforce.org

Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides unemployment benefits and re-employment services to people who become unemployed because of major disasters. Information: http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp