Press Release Archive
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
11:30 AM Update on Flooding in Iowa
Latest information is available on the flood 2008 website.
http://flood2008.iowa.gov/.
**NEW** Bridge Closings
With water flowing quickly into the Mississippi River from flooded Iowa rivers, several Iowa river crossings are either closed or in danger of closing.
Travelers on Interstate 80 or points north should use the Mississippi River bridges in or north of the Quad Cities. Travelers hoping to cross the Mississippi south of I-80 will need to travel to Quincy, Illinois, and use the Bayview Bridge on Illinois Route 96. The Bayview Bridge is temporarily carrying traffic in both directions. The Memorial Bridge in Quincy is closed.
Note: The I-80 bridges in the Quad cities are open. Travelers are advised to cross at the Quad Cities along I-80 or travel south to Quincy, Illinois.
Status of bridges over the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa
- The U.S. 136 crossing at Keokuk is open to only local traffic. Flaggers are in place to assist motorists.
- The Iowa side of the river is flooding in Fort Madison causing the U.S. 61 bridge to close.
- A levee breech in Gulfport, Ill. caused the U.S. 34 bridge at Burlington, Iowa, bridge to close.
- While the Iowa 92 bridge in Muscatine is open, portions of the roadway south of the city and along the riverfront are closed due to flooding. Iowa 22 east of Muscatine is also closed, making it difficult to reach destinations beyond Muscatine.
**NEW** Tetanus shots not required
As Iowans continue to recover from flooding, many have questions about exposure to diseases such as tetanus and hepatitis A. Neither of these illnesses has been found to be associated with flooding and mass vaccination clinics are not necessary.
“Understandably, flooding brings with it a number of anxieties, not the least of which is personal health,” said Iowa Department of Public Health Director, Tom Newton. “Flooding has not been shown to be a risk factor for tetanus or hepatitis A."
In cases where you or a family member have sustained a cut or skin abrasion, first check your immunization records. If you are unsure or have not received a tetanus booster in the last five years, see your medical provider./p>
“A more likely threat during flooding exists in regard to personal injury, especially carbon monoxide poisoning,” Newton added. “The key is to exercise caution, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, weakness, or nausea.”
For information about flood-related health issues, visit www.idph.state.ia.us and look under "Topics of Interest" for flood information.
**NEW** Be wary of scammers
Even before the flood waters subside, one of the first things to float ashore are scam artists pretending to offer help, warns Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Be alert for door-to-door solicitors who hand out flyers and promise to speed up insurance or building permits," says FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel. "Watch out for folks who come to you and ask for your FEMA registration number, your social security number, cash deposits or advance payments in full. You can also avoid charity scams by working only with groups you know."
Although most architects, engineers, electrical and general contractors are honest, disasters tend to attract scam artists. Some of these people claim to be FEMA-certified, when in fact, FEMA neither certifies nor endorses any contractor. FEMA workers and inspectors always wear their photo ID where it can be seen at all times and never handle money or charge fees. FEMA employees and damage inspectors will also be able to confirm your case number, given to you when you register for assistance; a scam artist will not know your case number.
"FEMA is here to help our residents get relief, but we are asking residents to be mindful of those who seek to deceive them," State Coordinating Officer Pat Hall said. "By following the tips we are providing, you can protect yourself against dishonest scam artists."
"Home repair con artists sometimes move in after a disaster because the conditions may give them an edge," Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said. "There may be hundreds of people who are eager to get clean-up or repairs done, there may be a shortage of local contractors to do all the work, there may be money around because of disaster or insurance payments, and people may be in a rush to get back to normal."
Miller cautioned Iowans to be especially careful about contractors coming to their door and asking for advance payment for cleanup or repairs. "That's a recipe for rip-off. They may take your money and run and do little or no work," he said.
The State of Iowa offers tips for hiring contractors to repair storm damage or any work:
- Be wary of contractors that come to you offering repair or clean-up services such as tree or debris removal. Legitimate contractors don’t generally need to seek customers. Deal with a reputable local contractor. Be wary of itinerant contractors using names that sound like local businesses. Check for local contractors listed in your local telephone directory.
- Check references. A reliable contractor is willing to provide names of previous customers. Call these customers to make sure they are satisfied with the work performed.
- Get a written estimate. Compare services and prices before making a final decision. Also, read the fine print. Some contractors charge a fee for a written estimate, which is often included in the cost of the repairs they make.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.
- Use reliable, licensed contractors. Call the Labor Services Division of Iowa Workforce Development at 515-281-5387 between 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 1-800-JOB-IOWA, check online for a list of registered Iowa contractors at http://www2.iwd.state.ia.us/contractor.nsf or check with your local Better Business Bureau at 515-243-8137, or www.bbb.org to inquire about a business before signing a contract. At a minimum, be sure to ask about registration status, complaints history, and enforcement action, if applicable.
- Insist on a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all tasks to be performed, all associated costs and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Make sure the contract clearly states who will apply for the necessary permits or licenses. Have a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved, and keep a copy for your records.
- Get guarantees in writing. Any guarantees made by the contractor should be written into the contract. The guarantee should clearly state what is guaranteed, who is responsible to fulfill the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.
- Obtain a local building permit, if required. Permits may be required for site work and for reconstruction. Contact your local government for permit information.
- Make final payments only when the work is completed. Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.
- Pay by credit card or check. Whenever possible, try to pay with a credit card because you may be able to charge back a disputed amount in the event you have difficulties at a later time. Otherwise, pay by check. Never pay in cash, and do not pay for the whole transaction in one lump sum. Avoid making large down-payments, because this could potentially leave you with no leverage with a problem contractor.
- The safest route is to write a check to the contracting company. Federal law gives consumers a three-day reconsideration period to cancel unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25. If you need to, file a complaint by calling the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).
- State law requires a 3-day cancellation clause on home improvement contracts. If necessary, cancel a contract within that time frame by following any specific procedures for cancellation as set forth in the contract. Send the notification by certified mail with a return receipt to be signed by the contractor."
- Report contractor fraud to your local police department, the Iowa State Patrol HELP line at 800-525-5555 and the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (CDP) at 515-281-5926, or 1-888-777-4590 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
New way to donate
One issue that constantly comes up during and after a disaster involves people wanting to help. While officials stressed that the best way to help is to make a cash donation to a charity of your choice, a new way to donate has been announced. By visiting the flood 2008 web site and clicking on the donations link on the upper left side, Iowans and others can donate cash, volunteer and supply their time. This will help both those that want to donate and emergency managers and responders often faced with the task of managing donations. The donation link was coordinated by the Safeguard Iowa Partnership, an agency established to help coordinate private and public response and preparedness efforts. During this disaster, Safeguard Iowa is at the State Emergency Operations Center coordinating private and public efforts. The flood 2008 website is at http://flood2008.iowa.gov/.
AREAS OF CONCERN
**NEW** Sandbagging and levee building efforts continue in southeastern Iowa. National guard troops are working in Des Moines and Lee counties to build up levees to protect key infrastructure. There was a levee breach at Gulfport, Illinois, across from Burlington. Officials are reviewing the situation. Early reports indicate the levee breach will force a new road closure. (See Road headings for more information.)
Columbus Junction/Fredonia
The river has crested in Columbus Junction. Officials continue to monitor the Des Moines River.
Ottuwma
The river has crested in Ottumwa. Though waters are receding, the threat remains that water control efforts could fail. Citizens are encouraged to use caution in the coming days.
Cedar Rapids
Officials understand the frustration of Cedar Rapids residents who want to return home. They stress they are working to clear the evacuated area of all hazards to ensure a safe reentry. Sink holes, downed power lines and uncovered manholes remain a hazard. While the city’s water capacity has improved, residents are asked to conserve water. Linn county has established regular press briefings and residents are encouraged to tune to those for the latest information.
FATALITIES
There have been seventeen storm-related deaths since the tornado of May 25. A previous 18th fatality in Henry County is under investigation and it appears is NOT flood related.
ROAD CLOSURES
Interstate 80 in Cedar County opened at 4:00 p.m. June 16. Interstate 380 from exit 4 to exit 10 in Johnson County is scheduled to open Tuesday at 6:00 a.m.
New Updates:
- U.S. 34: in Des Moines County – The Mississippi River bridge at Burlington is closed due to a levee breach in Gulfport, Ill
- U.S. 61: in Lee County – The Mississippi River bridge at Fort Madison is closed due to flooding on the Iowa site.
- U.S. 136: in Lee County – The Mississippi River bridge at Keokuk closed overnight into Illinois, but reopened this morning at 4 a.m. to one lane of traffic in each direction. U.S. 136 is CLOSED into Missouri.
Roadways now open to traffic
- I-380: in Johnson County – Interstate 380 (also U.S. 218/Iowa 27) between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is open.
- U.S. 169: in Dallas County – U.S. 169 is open one mile north of Iowa 141.
Previously mentioned and updated road closures
Interstate routes
- I-29: All exit and entrance ramps at McPaul interchange – All exit and entrance ramps are closed at the McPaul interchange (exit 20) in Fremont County.
- I-80 and Dubuque Street interchange: in Johnson County – Flood waters are over Dubuque Street south of this interchange in Iowa City. The southbound exit from I-80 is closed.
- I-380 and H Avenue Interchange: in Linn County (ramp closure only) – The southbound I-380 exit ramp (#21) to H Avenue has been closed due to flooding.
- I-380 and 1st Avenue interchange: in Linn County (ramp closures only) – The northbound I-380 entrance ramp (#19A) to 1st Avenue West and the southbound I-380 exit ramp (#19B) have been closed due to flood waters over 1st Avenue West in downtown Cedar Rapids. I-380 remains open.
- I-380 and 1st Street interchange: in Linn County (ramp closures only) – The northbound I-380 exit ramp (#19C) to 1st Street West and the southbound I-380 exit ramp (#20A) to 1st Street East have been closed due to flood in downtown Cedar Rapids. I-380 remains open.
- I-380 exit ramp Diagonal Drive Interchange: in Linn County (ramp closure only) – The northbound I-380 exit ramp (#19A) to Diagonal Drive has been closed due to flooding.
For the latest in road closures, please visit the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website at: www.511ia.org.
DECLARATIONS
Counties covered under Governor Culver’s Disaster Proclamation: 83 counties. Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clayton, Crawford, Clinton, Dallas, Delaware, Dubuque, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Howard, Humboldt, Henry, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Jefferson, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Marion, Marshall, Mitchell, Monona, Montgomery, Muscatine, Mahaska, Madison, Mills, Monroe, Page, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Scott, Story, Shelby, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Webster, Winneshiek, Worth, Wright, Washington, Wayne, and Winnebago.
The Governor's proclamation activates Iowa's individual disaster assistance program. Iowa’s individual disaster assistance program helps people with low incomes. Iowans with household incomes of up to 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 to help recover from flood damage. The Governor emphasized that this is a reimbursement program, meaning that applicants must include receipts when applying for help.
Counties declared presidential disasters for Individual Assistance: 24 counties. Adams, Cedar, Jones, Louisa, Muscatine, Polk, Winneshiek, Benton, Bremer, Black Hawk, Butler, Buchanan, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Linn, Marion, Page, Story, Tama and Union. Individual Assistance allows homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profit organizations to recover from the effects of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 25 and continues.
Individual Assistance allows homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profit organizations to recover from the effects of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began May 25 and continues.
Counties declared presidential disasters for Public Assistance: 15 counties. Black Hawk, Boone, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Crawford, Dallas, Delaware, Dubuque, Floyd, Franklin, Marion, Story, Tama and Union. Public Assistance funds pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. A series of applicant briefings will be held for local officials to explain the application process. (15)
Public Assistance funds pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities. A series of applicant briefings will be held for local officials to explain the application process. Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler and Delaware were previously included on the declaration for Public Assistance.
**NEW** The Governor has aggressively requested Presidential declarations. Under the process he makes the request and FEMA makes the final determination on eligibility. It is anticipated that he will request a Presidential declaration for all of the 83 counties already declared under the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation pending results of damage assessment teams.
SHELTERS
SHELTER SUMMARY
American Red Cross Open Shelters
Benton County
Iowa Braille School, 1002 G Avenue Vinton, IA 52349; 10 occupants
Black Hawk County
UNI West Gym, University Ave & Campus St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613; 34 occupants
Bremer County
Wartburg College, 222 9th ST NW, Waverly, IA 50677; 39 occupants
Johnson County
Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd SE Iowa City, IA 52240; 41 occupants
Northwest Jr High School, 1507 8th Street, Coralville, Iowa 52241; 43 occupants
Linn County
Viola Gibson Elm. School, 6101 Gibson Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404; 83 occupants
Prairie High School, 401 76th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 62404; 135 occupants
Louisa County
Louisa/Muscatine School, 14353 170th St, Letts, Iowa 52754; 23 occupants
Page County
Old Armory, 423 West Thomas, Shenandoah, Iowa 51601; 0 occupants
Polk County
Callanan Middle School, 3010 Center Street Des Moines, IA 50312; 23 occupants
Wapello County
Ottumwa High School, 501 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501; 0 occupants
16 shelters are in standby mode throughout the State
Iowa Braille School VINTON 10
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS 34
Wartburg College WAVERLY 39
Mediapolis High School MEDIAPOLIS 0
West Burlington High School WEST BURLINGTON 0
NORTHWEST JR HIGH SCHOOL CORALVILLE 43
Johnson County Fairgrounds IOWA CITY 41
PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL CEDAR RAPIDS 135
VIOLA GIBSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CEDAR RAPIDS 100
Louisa/muscatine School LETTS 23
Old Armory SHENANDOAH 0
Southeast Polk Middle School DES MOINES 0
Harding Middle School DES MOINES 0
Callahan Middle School DES MOINES 23
DAVENPORT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
DAVENPORT 0
Toledo Comm Bldg TOLEDO 0
Ottumwa High School OTTUMWA 13
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Stay out of flood affected areas unless you have been told to be there. Emergency Management Officials need clear access to these areas, and unless you need to be there, stay away.
Evacuate Means Evacuate. If you are directed by local officials to evacuate, leave the area immediately. The situation remains dangerous, and to help protect the lives of Iowans, please leave if you are told to do so.
Be wary of unscrupulous practices. Disasters bring out the best in people, and can sometimes bring out the worst. Reports are sporadic at this time, but have indicated that Iowans affected by flood waters have been scammed by people posing as contractors or emergency personnel. Remember:
* Never pay for goods or services in advance
* Never give out your social security number
* Always ask for identification
Evacuations
This is the latest information gathered in terms of the number of Iowans that have been evacuated as a result of this flood. In most cases local officials and emergency managers have allowed reentry.
Cedar Rapids-25,000 + 205 patients from Mercy Hospital
Palo-400 residential + 37 commercial
Iowa City-5,000
Johnson County Rural-299
Columbus Junction-1616
Fredonia-201
Townships, Tama, Jackson, Huron-350 (In Des Moines County)
Burlington-350
Oakville-442
Bettendorf (Duck Creek Area)-50
Montrose (Sandusky Area)-957
Eddyville-30
New Hartford and Greene-300
Decorah-1240
Freeport-230
Spillville-45
Fort Atkinson-50
Winneshiek Rural Areas-150
Toronto-26
Des Moines-240
East Peru-15
Elkader-220
Red Rock Area-85
36,231 evacuees
VOLUNTEER
Iowans interested in volunteering or donating are encouraged to visit the flood 2008 website. They can also contact the Iowa Concerns Hotline at: 800.447.1985.
WARNING
Please stay out of areas affected by flooding unless you are directed to be there. Emergency personnel need free access to these areas, and onlookers affect emergency operations.
KEY NUMBERS/WEBSITE
To obtain updated shelter information, call 1-800-GET-INFO (438-4636)
211 (regional call center to help people with human services)
Iowa Concern Hotline 1-800-447-1985 for volunteers and donations
Road Closures Hotline 1-866-452-8510 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily or 24 hours at www.511ia.org .
To apply for federal assistance, contact FEMA at www.fema.gov .
To apply for the State Individual Assistance program contact the Iowa Department of Human Services at dhs.iowa.gov and click the "storm help" link.
For current weather forecasts and flood statements, visit http://www.weather.gov
FEMA Assistance
Here is a snapshot of the FEMA programs:
Housing Needs
- Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Money is available to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available. Search for information about housing rental resources.
- Repair: Money is available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.
- Replacement: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.
- Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.
Other than Housing Needs
Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. This includes:
- Disaster-related medical and dental costs.
- Disaster-related funeral and burial cost.
- Clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies).
- Fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas).
- Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier).
- Disaster damaged vehicle.
- Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home).
- Other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA.
- Other expenses that are authorized by law.
PREVIOUS BRIEFINGS
Previous briefings are available on the new website - http://flood2008.iowa.gov/ .
SCHEDULE FOR TOMORROW
Public events will be announced as made available.