Rock Rapids, Iowa — FEMA has opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Emmet and Lyon counties to provide one-on-one help to people affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding this spring.
Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs, and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.
| EMMET COUNTY St. Patrick’s Church – Gym 903 Central Ave. Estherville, IA 51334 Open Mondays -Sundays 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | LYON COUNTY Forster Community Center 404 First Ave. Rock Rapids, IA 51246 Open Mondays – Sundays 8 a.m.-6 p.m. |
FEMA funding is available to homeowners and renters in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Plymouth, and Sioux counties who suffered damage from the flooding and storms on June 16 and continuing.
To save time, apply online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by:
- Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
- Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Using the FEMA app
For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish.
Other disaster recovery centers in our area include –
- City Park Shelter House in Rock Valley – hours are Monday – Sunday 8am to 6pm
- Regional Events Center Tower Gate Pavilion in Spencer – hours are Monday – Sunday 8am to 6pm
- Disaster Recovery Center at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Gymnasium in Estherville – Hours are Monday – Sunday 8am to 6pm
- SBA’s Business Recovery Center located at the Centre Mall in Sioux Center – hours are Monday – Friday 9am to 6pm; Saturdays 9am to 1pm
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams in coordination with state and county emergency management are canvassing neighborhoods in the designated counties. DSA personnel help survivors apply with FEMA and address immediate and emerging needs. They also provide application status updates and referrals to additional community resources.
FEMA DSA staff can easily be identified by their federal photo identification and FEMA clothing. Residents are encouraged to ask for an official photo ID before providing personal information.
To locate the closest center at http://www.FEMA.gov/DRC
