Contact: Gina Hardin

Des Moines County Emergency Management

319-753-8206

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21 2008

FEMA TO OPEN DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

Beginning Monday June 23, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center for those affected by the recent flooding. Operation times will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The Center will be located at Great River Hospital Mercy Plaza, 1221 South Gear Avenue, West Burlington.

The Disaster Recovery Center will assist citizens who have been affected by the flood event since May 25, 2008. This is not restricted to Des Moines County residents. The center will assist those with individual needs at this time.

Co-located with the center will be representatives from the Department of Human Services, Small Business Administration, Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. These agencies will assist with needs also related to the flood event.

All clients who wish to make a claim to FEMA by applying at the Disaster Recovery Center, on line at www.fema.gov or by telephone at 1-800-621-3362. Information needed will be household income, insurance information, scope of damage and housing needs. Housing assistance may include temporary housing assistance, such as lodging reimbursement or financial aid to rent a temporary place to live; financial assistance for home repairs or financial help to replace your home.

- XXX -