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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).
Friday, July 11, 2008
Newsletter Headlines
Residential properties within the 100-year flood plain that sustained substantial damage must provide an Elevation Certificate to receive a non-structural building permit. Substantial damage is defined as more than 50-percent of the assessed value of the home. This type of certificate demonstrates that the lowest floor is a minimum of one-foot above the 100-year flood plain level. To obtain this Elevation Certificate, contact a licensed surveyor. A list of local surveyors is available in the Yellow Pages under Surveyors-Land.
For electricity, call Alliant Energy at 1-866-255-4268
For natural gas, call MidAmerican Energy at 1-800-432-0586
For water, call the City of Cedar Rapids at (319) 286-5900
For natural gas, call MidAmerican Energy at 1-800-432-0586
For water, call the City of Cedar Rapids at (319) 286-5900
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 Iowa Mortgage Help at 1-877-622-4866.
One Linn County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will remain open until further notice. The Westdale Mall DRC at 2600 Edgewood Road SW in Cedar Rapids is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Cedar Rapids OPEN
Prairie High School Closing July 12
Palo Fire Station Closed
Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Cedar Rapids OPEN
Prairie High School Closing July 12
Palo Fire Station Closed
Check out a contractor before you sign a contract or pay any money. Try to deal with an established, reputable, local contractor. Check references. Ask the Iowa Attorney Generals Office if it has received complaints by calling (515) 281-5926 or 1-888-777-4590.
Get it in writing! Get several written estimates for the job, and get a written contract detailing work to be done, responsibility for permits, costs and any other promises.
Dont pay large sums in advance! Con-artists may just take the money and run. If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. IF you suspect a scam, report it to the Iowa Attorney Generals Office or local police.
Report price-gouging to the Iowa Attorney General. Iowa has a rule against price-gouging that goes into effect in counties with a disaster declaration. Price-gouging is charging very high prices that are not justified, and taking unfair advantage of disaster victims.
Beware of on-line schemes and charity scams. Con-artists may set up web sites to make it look like they are legitimate or local contractors, and others may ask for donations but may give little of the money to actual flood or tornado victims.
If you have complaints or questions, contact the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division, Des Moines, IA 50319. Call 1-888-777-4590 (toll-free) or (515) 281-5926.
Get it in writing! Get several written estimates for the job, and get a written contract detailing work to be done, responsibility for permits, costs and any other promises.
Dont pay large sums in advance! Con-artists may just take the money and run. If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. IF you suspect a scam, report it to the Iowa Attorney Generals Office or local police.
Report price-gouging to the Iowa Attorney General. Iowa has a rule against price-gouging that goes into effect in counties with a disaster declaration. Price-gouging is charging very high prices that are not justified, and taking unfair advantage of disaster victims.
Beware of on-line schemes and charity scams. Con-artists may set up web sites to make it look like they are legitimate or local contractors, and others may ask for donations but may give little of the money to actual flood or tornado victims.
If you have complaints or questions, contact the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division, Des Moines, IA 50319. Call 1-888-777-4590 (toll-free) or (515) 281-5926.
Financial
Horizons Horizons Credit Counselors can help you with credit, mortgage or other financial questions and concerns. Call (319) 398-3578.
Family
Call Your School If your family was displaced by the flooding disaster and you have children who attend school in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, please contact your school as soon as possible. Your school is anxious to reconnect you with your school community. Please call your school or the main number (319) 558-2000.
Horizons Horizons Credit Counselors can help you with credit, mortgage or other financial questions and concerns. Call (319) 398-3578.
Family
Call Your School If your family was displaced by the flooding disaster and you have children who attend school in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, please contact your school as soon as possible. Your school is anxious to reconnect you with your school community. Please call your school or the main number (319) 558-2000.
- Taylor Elementary School (319) 558-2477
- Harrison Elementary School (319) 558-2269
- Wilson Middle School (319) 558-2156
- Roosevelt Middle School (319) 558-2153
- Jefferson High School (319) 558-2435
Disaster Food Assistance
Since youve been affected by the flood, you may be eligible for disaster food assistance. This one-time benefit is based on family size. For example, a family of four will receive $542 through this disaster program. People currently receiving food assistance may be eligible for additional benefits under this program. To apply, visit any Disaster Recovery Center, a local DHS office or call 1-877-937-3663.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
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. When you apply, you need to provide proof of past earnings, such as a 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, at (319) 365-9474. The deadline to apply in Linn County is July 17, 2008.
Need to Talk?
Contact the Abbe Center at (319) 398-3562. The Community Mental Health agency received a grant from FEMA to provide crisis counseling for up to nine months in Linn, Jones and Benton Counties.
FEMA Other Needs Assistance
After registering with FEMA, call 1-866-434-4692 for information about assistance for repair and replacement of personal property, an essential vehicle, moving and storage expenses and disasterrelated medical, dental, funeral or other expenses. Call Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Free Movies & Popcorn on Saturday
Wynnsong 12 Theatre, 2435 Edgewood Road SW, is hosting free movies and popcorn on Saturday, July 12, at 10 a.m. for people impacted by the flood. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Free Bus Rides
All city busses are following their original routes and times as much as possible. There is no fee to ride the bus at this time.
Since youve been affected by the flood, you may be eligible for disaster food assistance. This one-time benefit is based on family size. For example, a family of four will receive $542 through this disaster program. People currently receiving food assistance may be eligible for additional benefits under this program. To apply, visit any Disaster Recovery Center, a local DHS office or call 1-877-937-3663.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
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. When you apply, you need to provide proof of past earnings, such as a 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, at (319) 365-9474. The deadline to apply in Linn County is July 17, 2008.
Need to Talk?
Contact the Abbe Center at (319) 398-3562. The Community Mental Health agency received a grant from FEMA to provide crisis counseling for up to nine months in Linn, Jones and Benton Counties.
FEMA Other Needs Assistance
After registering with FEMA, call 1-866-434-4692 for information about assistance for repair and replacement of personal property, an essential vehicle, moving and storage expenses and disasterrelated medical, dental, funeral or other expenses. Call Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Free Movies & Popcorn on Saturday
Wynnsong 12 Theatre, 2435 Edgewood Road SW, is hosting free movies and popcorn on Saturday, July 12, at 10 a.m. for people impacted by the flood. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Free Bus Rides
All city busses are following their original routes and times as much as possible. There is no fee to ride the bus at this time.
