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Official flood recovery news of Cedar Rapids and Linn County delivered to flood-affected homes bi-weekly (currently every Wednesday and Friday).
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Newsletter Headlines
As of Friday, July 11, 2008, the City of Cedar Rapids revised the moratorium on building permits in flood-affected areas as follows:
- For buildings inside the 100-Year Flood Plain that have been identified with a green or yellow placard, owners may apply for structural building permits.
- For residential structures, owners must provide an Elevation Certificate from a registered professional engineer certifying that the lowest floor, including the basement, is one foot above the 100-Year Flood Plain level. (To obtain this certificate, contact a licensed surveyor.)
- For non-residential structures, owners must provide either an Elevation Certificate or Proof of Flood Proofing, as prepared by a registered professional engineer.
For more information, contact the City of Cedar Rapids Code Enforcement Division at (319) 286-5831 or stop by its temporary location in the Westdale Mall Upper Level near Younkers, 2600 Edgewood Road SW.
Organizations and groups from across the country are here in Linn County ready to help clean up flood-damaged properties. Call the East Central Iowa Volunteer Reception Center at (319) 540-4815 for this free service. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is sponsored by United Way of East Central Iowa, the Community Corrections Improvement Association and Americorp*VISTA
Before rebuilding, reduce the possibility of future damage with professional advice from FEMA Mitigation Specialists. These experts are demonstrating flood and wind-resistant building techniques at Lowes stores in Cedar Rapids and Coralville through July 21, 2008.
Locations: 5300 Blairs Forest Boulevard NE, Cedar Rapids 2701 Second Street, Coralville
Times: 7 a.m. 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 a.m. 7 p.m. on Sundays
Locations: 5300 Blairs Forest Boulevard NE, Cedar Rapids 2701 Second Street, Coralville
Times: 7 a.m. 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 a.m. 7 p.m. on Sundays
MidAmerican Energy is continuing to restore service to flood-impacted neighborhoods with several gas main replacements. Gas service should be restored to all customers properties in the area by August 1, 2008. Call 1-800-432-0586 for more information.
Call the new FEMA Housing Hotline at 1-866-274-4392 for housing help. You must already be registered with FEMA for this assistance.
FEMA Grants Vary Case by Case
A key goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to help disaster victims get into livable homes and begin the process of recovery. There are many paths to reach that goal, but none of them can erase all of the financial loss suffered in a major disaster. Assistance from FEMA and other federal and state programs differs from household to household, depending on circumstances. Each case is treated individually, and every situation is different. But all the programs are reached by a single phone call to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Here are some examples of the kinds of the kinds of assistance offered:
Home damaged, not insured
Perhaps a homeowner has several thousand dollars in flood damage to her property, but does not have flood insurance. She has to stay in a motel a month while the home is repaired. She may be eligible for a grant from FEMA to cover the costs for making her home livable. (Homeowners who have already started repairs should save their receipts, along with photos or other proof of the damage.) She may also be eligible for a grant to pay the cost of living in the motel while the repairs are made. Imagine that just a few blocks away, however, the water submerged homes. FEMA grants will probably pay for temporary housing elsewhere, as well as give some money for repairs. But it wont be enough to pay all the cost of repairing those homes, which may have to be completely rebuilt. In those cases, owners may be eligible for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help repair or replace the homes and personal property. No grants or loans are available for second homes or vacation homes.
Home damaged, insured
Suppose a homeowner has damage to his property, but flood insurance covers all the expenses that are necessary to make it livable. During the time that the home was uninhabitable, he was able to stay with friends. Even though he doesnt need FEMA assistance for emergency expenses, he may be eligible for a low-interest loan from the SBA for losses not covered by insurance, such as damaged personal property. This is an example of a homeowner who took the right steps to protect himself, said Bill Vogel, FEMAs federal coordinating officer for the Iowa disaster recovery. We urge everyonehomeowners and renters aliketo buy flood insurance. Its the only sure way to be protected because it pays benefits whether or not a federal disaster is declared.
Home damaged, underinsured
Imagine another homeowner also has flood insurance that covers the cost of repairs to the home, and the contents as well. However, the family has had to move out of the building for two months while the repairs are made, and the policy does not cover the cost of the rent. FEMA may provide a grant to cover the rent.
Apartment renters
Renters face other circumstances. If their building is damaged and they have to move out, they may be able to get a grant from FEMA to cover one month of rent at a new location. Each case can be reviewed on an individual basis to see if the rental assistance should be extended beyond one month. Renters are also eligible to apply for a low-interest loan from the SBA to repair or replace their personal property. The owner of the rental property may have protected himself by buying flood insurance for the building. Whether he did or not, he cannot receive a grant from FEMA for repairs to the building. It is treated as a business. He may be able to get a low-interest business loan from the SBA for repair costs and loss of rent that was not covered by insurance.
Car damage
Suppose someones car was damaged by the flooding, and his insurance does not cover the loss. He may be eligible for a low-interest loan from the SBA so he can repair or replace his car. If he does not qualify for a loan, and the car is needed to get to work or for other necessities, he may be eligible for a federal/ state grant. note It is important to note that federal law prohibits FEMA from paying for a benefit that is covered by insurance. For many people, insurance will prove to be the primary form of assistance. Those affected by the storm and floods should be sure to contact their insurance agent.
A key goal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to help disaster victims get into livable homes and begin the process of recovery. There are many paths to reach that goal, but none of them can erase all of the financial loss suffered in a major disaster. Assistance from FEMA and other federal and state programs differs from household to household, depending on circumstances. Each case is treated individually, and every situation is different. But all the programs are reached by a single phone call to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Here are some examples of the kinds of the kinds of assistance offered:
Home damaged, not insured
Perhaps a homeowner has several thousand dollars in flood damage to her property, but does not have flood insurance. She has to stay in a motel a month while the home is repaired. She may be eligible for a grant from FEMA to cover the costs for making her home livable. (Homeowners who have already started repairs should save their receipts, along with photos or other proof of the damage.) She may also be eligible for a grant to pay the cost of living in the motel while the repairs are made. Imagine that just a few blocks away, however, the water submerged homes. FEMA grants will probably pay for temporary housing elsewhere, as well as give some money for repairs. But it wont be enough to pay all the cost of repairing those homes, which may have to be completely rebuilt. In those cases, owners may be eligible for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help repair or replace the homes and personal property. No grants or loans are available for second homes or vacation homes.
Home damaged, insured
Suppose a homeowner has damage to his property, but flood insurance covers all the expenses that are necessary to make it livable. During the time that the home was uninhabitable, he was able to stay with friends. Even though he doesnt need FEMA assistance for emergency expenses, he may be eligible for a low-interest loan from the SBA for losses not covered by insurance, such as damaged personal property. This is an example of a homeowner who took the right steps to protect himself, said Bill Vogel, FEMAs federal coordinating officer for the Iowa disaster recovery. We urge everyonehomeowners and renters aliketo buy flood insurance. Its the only sure way to be protected because it pays benefits whether or not a federal disaster is declared.
Home damaged, underinsured
Imagine another homeowner also has flood insurance that covers the cost of repairs to the home, and the contents as well. However, the family has had to move out of the building for two months while the repairs are made, and the policy does not cover the cost of the rent. FEMA may provide a grant to cover the rent.
Apartment renters
Renters face other circumstances. If their building is damaged and they have to move out, they may be able to get a grant from FEMA to cover one month of rent at a new location. Each case can be reviewed on an individual basis to see if the rental assistance should be extended beyond one month. Renters are also eligible to apply for a low-interest loan from the SBA to repair or replace their personal property. The owner of the rental property may have protected himself by buying flood insurance for the building. Whether he did or not, he cannot receive a grant from FEMA for repairs to the building. It is treated as a business. He may be able to get a low-interest business loan from the SBA for repair costs and loss of rent that was not covered by insurance.
Car damage
Suppose someones car was damaged by the flooding, and his insurance does not cover the loss. He may be eligible for a low-interest loan from the SBA so he can repair or replace his car. If he does not qualify for a loan, and the car is needed to get to work or for other necessities, he may be eligible for a federal/ state grant. note It is important to note that federal law prohibits FEMA from paying for a benefit that is covered by insurance. For many people, insurance will prove to be the primary form of assistance. Those affected by the storm and floods should be sure to contact their insurance agent.
Financial
Iowa Mortgage Help All homeowners are encouraged to call for help no matter the reason for your financial trouble and regardless of the severity of your situation. This free, confidential assistance is provided by the Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Attorney Generals Office, Iowa Mediation Service, Iowa Home Ownership Education Project and Iowa Legal Aid.Call 1-877-622-4866.
Horizons Horizons Credit Counselors can help you with credit, mortgage or other financial questions and concerns. Call (319) 398-3578.
Disaster Food Assistance Any family affected by the flood may be eligible for disaster food assistance. This one-time benefit is based on family size. People currently receiving food assistance may be eligible for additional benefits under this program. To apply, call 1-877-937-3663.
Family
Child Care Call the Child Care Resource & Referral center at (319) 739-1556. This center connects parents with local child care providers. Referral services are free and confidential.
Counseling Contact the Abbe Center at (319) 398-3562. The Community Mental
Health agency received a grant from FEMA to provide crisis counseling for residents in
Linn, Jones and Benton Counties.
Iowa Mortgage Help All homeowners are encouraged to call for help no matter the reason for your financial trouble and regardless of the severity of your situation. This free, confidential assistance is provided by the Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Attorney Generals Office, Iowa Mediation Service, Iowa Home Ownership Education Project and Iowa Legal Aid.Call 1-877-622-4866.
Horizons Horizons Credit Counselors can help you with credit, mortgage or other financial questions and concerns. Call (319) 398-3578.
Disaster Food Assistance Any family affected by the flood may be eligible for disaster food assistance. This one-time benefit is based on family size. People currently receiving food assistance may be eligible for additional benefits under this program. To apply, call 1-877-937-3663.
Family
Child Care Call the Child Care Resource & Referral center at (319) 739-1556. This center connects parents with local child care providers. Referral services are free and confidential.
Counseling Contact the Abbe Center at (319) 398-3562. The Community Mental
Health agency received a grant from FEMA to provide crisis counseling for residents in
Linn, Jones and Benton Counties.
If you lost your job because of the flood, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. These benefits also cover self-employed workers not usually entitled to unemployment insurance, including farmers and farm workers. You are also eligible for assistance if you could not reach your job because of the disaster. The deadline to apply has been extended to August 12, 2008. When you apply, you need to provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements, and your most recent income tax filing. Call or stop by the Iowa Workforce Development Center 800 7th Street SE
Indoor Air Quality Testing
Linn County Public Health is concerned about indoor air quality as you begin the process of refurbishing your homes and businesses. While there are no laws governing air quality, the recommended standard is that wooden surfaces have moisture meter readings below 20% prior to replacing drywall and flooring. Both Linn County Public Health and ISU Linn County Extension offer moisture meters for check-out. A fully-refundable deposit of $20 is required. There is no charge for a public health professional to perform this test. Please call in advance for availability:
Linn County Public Health (319) 892-6000
ISU Linn County Extension (319) 377-9839
Go to THE Doctor
Linn County Public Health reminds residents impacted by the flood and those assisting in flood clean-up to pay close attention to their health care needs. If you begin feeling ill, please contact your family physician immediately. If you do not have a family physician, go to an urgent care clinic or a free health care clinic in the area. Call 2-1-1 to find the location closest to you. If you are working in a flood-damaged building and suddenly feel ill, ask someone to take you to the emergency room at a local hospital right away!
Concerned About Workplace Safety
Call Iowa Workforce Development, Division of Labor at (515) 281-5570. Ask about indoor air quality concerns at work, too.
Linn County Public Health is concerned about indoor air quality as you begin the process of refurbishing your homes and businesses. While there are no laws governing air quality, the recommended standard is that wooden surfaces have moisture meter readings below 20% prior to replacing drywall and flooring. Both Linn County Public Health and ISU Linn County Extension offer moisture meters for check-out. A fully-refundable deposit of $20 is required. There is no charge for a public health professional to perform this test. Please call in advance for availability:
Linn County Public Health (319) 892-6000
ISU Linn County Extension (319) 377-9839
Go to THE Doctor
Linn County Public Health reminds residents impacted by the flood and those assisting in flood clean-up to pay close attention to their health care needs. If you begin feeling ill, please contact your family physician immediately. If you do not have a family physician, go to an urgent care clinic or a free health care clinic in the area. Call 2-1-1 to find the location closest to you. If you are working in a flood-damaged building and suddenly feel ill, ask someone to take you to the emergency room at a local hospital right away!
Concerned About Workplace Safety
Call Iowa Workforce Development, Division of Labor at (515) 281-5570. Ask about indoor air quality concerns at work, too.
