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.

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.

  • MidAmerican Energy Updates
    • Customers who are experiencing an outage are encouraged to report them as quickly as possible so areas of greatest need can be pinpointed. Outages can be reported on MidAmerican's website, via private message on Facebook or Twitter, or by phone at 888-427-5632. For gas leak emergencies, call 800-595-5325.

News and Updates 

City News Releases 
Other News and Resources
How to Stay Updated

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 
Financial or Grant Assistance
Food Resources
Legal Resources
Other Emergency Resources

How To Help

  • Check on Neighbors: 
    • Neighbors are asked to check on the welfare of their neighbors during this event. With extended power outages and storm damage, some residents may be unable to ask for assistance. Please stop by the neighbors you are familiar with and find out what help is needed. Resources are available from the United Way. In an emergency, call 911. Those in need of immediate support services can dial 2-1-1 on their cell or landline, texting their zip code to 898211, visit 211iowa.org or download the 211 Iowa app. 
    • If there are residents who are unable to clean up debris and require assistance, please contact United Way, who is coordinating volunteer clean-up efforts at 319-338-7823.
  • Donate: 
  • Volunteer: 

FAQ

If you have questions on when your power will be restored, how repair work is prioritized, why your neighbor has power and you do not, and more, take a look at the Q&A below:

Q: When will my power be restored?

A: Power is expected to be restored to most customers Thursday, August 13,2020 - some may not be restored until Friday or Saturday. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore power and make repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

Q: Why do my nearby neighbors have power and I do not? 

A: There could be a number of reasons, including that they may be on separate circuits, there may be line damage on their property or somewhere nearby, or perhaps a line feeding into the neighborhood is damaged. Utility infrastructure is complicated and oftentimes there are many sources into a neighborhood and community that allow for us to manage the safety and reliability of the system.

Q: How do you prioritize the repair work?

A: When responding to large-scale outages, crews start with circuits that serve the most customers, including major transmission lines and large circuits (which sustained extensive damage), then to medium and smaller-capacity lines, and finally individual service lines. Throughout the restoration process critical facilities are prioritized, such as hospitals, shelters, and water treatment plants. Since Wednesday, crews have focused repair efforts on neighborhoods. Crews are working around the clock on restoring all customers.

Q: Why is the MidAmerican truck idling in my neighborhood, but no one is working?

A: Safety is our top priority. If you see trucks in your neighborhoods, either driving by or idled, they are an integral part of our restoration process. These individuals are assisting with assessing and reporting damage, looking for situations where a simple repair will restore service, and in some cases physically watching downed wires that may be energized to ensure people in the area stay away and stay safe.

Q: Why doesn't the map show my outage/neighborhood? 

A: As more outages are reported the outage map groups them together, so you may not be able to zoom in on your specific location on the map. Click "Updates" at the top of the page for more info.

Q: Who is responsible for the electric connection at my house?

A: If the customer-owned "weatherhead" or “weathercap”, the service head or service entrance cap, is pulled away from the house or if there is damage to the meter box, an electrician may need to make repairs prior to crews being able to restore power. MidAmerican Energy has posted a graphic on their website to help our customers understand their electric service connection.

City Government