Following the severe storms (derecho) that impacted our area on Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, the community is working towards recovery. Please take note of the following resources for reporting damage and staying on top of the latest news.
Storm Debris and Power Outages
Storm Debris
To report downed trees in streets and other public areas, call the Streets Division at 319-356-5181 or use ICgovXpress to let us know about the issue. Please be able to provide detailed location information if you call and be prepared to leave a voicemail.
- Debris Cleanup Safety
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cleanup safety information for natural disasters and severe weather.
- Department of Natural Resources provides suggestions on cleaning up yard debris and damaged trees.
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration offers Tree Trimming safety information.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has tips on how to protect yourself during cleanup after a storm.
Power Outages
To report a power outage, contact MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632, or visit their website. You can also check their outage map online.
News and Updates
City News Releases
- November 5, 2020: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to Iowa Small Businesses
- October 28, 2020: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to Iowa small businesses impacted by derecho
- September 30, 2020: Temporary storm debris disposal site closing effective October 1
- September 10, 2020: S. Riverside Drive storm debris disposal site temporarily closed due to rain, site conditions
- September 7, 2020: Video Update: Yard Sign Rules, Storm Debris Cleanup, and Building Trades
- September 3, 2020: Final round of storm debris removal ends Friday, Sept. 4 as City crews and partners complete major effort
- September 1, 2020:
- August 30, 2020: Video Update: COVID-19 Outbreak, Final Pass for Storm Debris, and Curbside Pickup at the Library
- August 28, 2020: Route map for final round of storm debris cleanup released
- August 26, 2020: Community Connection: Center for Worker Justice helps families navigate pandemic, derecho disaster
- August, 25, 2020:
- Final round of storm debris curbside pickup begins Monday, Aug. 31, 2020; residents urged to move tree debris to curb
- Assistance announced for Iowa WIC Families affected by severe weather
- Storm cleanup update: Burlington St. (Summit to Muscatine) will be closed Wednesday morning, Aug. 26; Dodge & Governor Streets reduced to one lane
-
Towncrest route to detour due to storm damage cleanup effective Tuesday, August 25, 2020
- August 24, 2020:
- August 21, 2020:
- August 20, 2020: Court Hill route to detour due to storm damage cleanup effective Thursday, August 20, 2020
- August 19, 2020:
- August 18, 2020: Community Connection: Recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of devastating derecho storm
- August 17, 2020:
- August 14, 2020:
- August 13, 2020: Summit Street reopens to traffic following Monday’s storm
- August 12, 2020: Court Street reopens during Aug. 10 storm debris cleanup
- August 11, 2020:
Other News and Resources
How to Stay Updated
- Sign up for news releases sent directly to your email at www.icgov.org/subscribe.
- Follow our social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.
- Tune into local radio stations for updated news.
Assistance
Emotional Health Support
- CommUnity, formally the Crisis Center, has support resources by phone (Crisis Call/Text: 1-855-325-4296) and Online Chat.
- Crisis Text Line 24/7: Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect to a counselor for support.
- Iowa Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team provides mental health services across the state after a disaster.
- Iowa Refugee Counseling Center offers virtual counseling sessions for refugees and immigrants.
- Your Life Iowa Statewide Crisis Line is available for those experiencing emotional distress in a crisis and can be reached at 855-581-8111.
Farming and Agriculture Resources
- USDA is offering assistance to farmers and ranchers:
Financial or Grant Assistance
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Small nonfarm businesses in eight Iowa counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the derecho that occurred August. 10, 2020.
- Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) offers grants to families whose household’s annual income is at 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Each qualifying household may receive up to $5,000.00. Apply at the website.
- Applications can be turned in to a local Community Action Agency, go to www.iowacommunityaction.org to find your local agency. For the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant program information call toll-free 1-877-347-5678.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-profit organizations and businesses impacted by the derecho storm.
Food Resources
- CommUnity Crisis Center and Food Bank
- Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP), the community action agency serving Johnson County, offers mobile food pantries and other nutrition services.
- USDA Tips for Handling Food Following a Disaster
Legal Resources
- Iowa Legal Aid
- Legal Advice Hotline: 1-800-332-0419; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Iowa State Bar Association offers information on legal assistance.
Other Emergency Resources
- American Red Cross is offering emergency housing or shelter for those in need by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
- Iowa Department of Human Services has a variety of disaster relief resources available on their website.
- Iowa Disaster Case Management: This program connects households impacted by the storm with case managers that assist households with recovery plans post-disaster.
- Johnson County
- Social Security Administration Information Flyers
- State of Iowa Disaster Recovery offers news, funding and community support opportunities, and resources.
- United Way Assistance and Support
- 211 Iowa: Toll-Free is available to connect Iowans with the social services (food, funding, housing, etc.) they need for their particular circumstance. Call 866-469-2211; Alternative: 319-739-4211.
How To Help
- Donate:
- Volunteer:
- United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties Volunteer Portal
- Volunteer Iowa has a derecho resource page that includes a variety of volunteer opportunities.