As a public service to all needing help and assistance, below is a guide of hyperlinks and phone numbers where people can find answers about safety, available aid, and other information for those affected by the Heartland Flood.
Government Assistance
President Trump declared a disaster in Nebraska on Thursday, making federal funds available to state residents and businesses affected by floods.
APPLY: DisasterAssistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)
[TTY is available at 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired.]
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Unit works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance in the wake of disaster. [Information also available in Spanish (Informacion en Espanol tambien) - https://nema.nebraska.gov/sites/nema.nebraska.gov/files/doc/Nebraska%20Flood%20Victims%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20in%20Spanish.pdf]
UPDATES:
- FEMA: Nebraska | Iowa
- NEMA: County Damage Impact Assessments
- Iowa HSEMA: Summary
Nebraska DHHS
CHILD CARE PROVIDER GRANTS [APPLICATION]
Child care providers may apply for a one-time recovery grant if they meet the following criteria:
- The child care provider has been affected by the blizzard and/or flooding that occurred in March 2019.
- The child care provider is a currently licensed Family Child Care Home, Child Care Center or a License Exempt Provider with a Child Care Subsidy Agreement.
- The child care provider has not applied for this grant in the past year.
Grants are awarded in the following amounts:
- License Exempt Providers: $500 maximum
- Family Child Care Homes: $5,000 maximum
- Child Care Centers: $10,000 maximum
TOOLS & DOCUMENTS:
Iowa Department of Health & Human Services
IOWA GRANT PROGRAM: The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $41,560 for a family of three.
Applicants have until May 2 to submit a claim. INFO | CHECK ELIGIBILITY | APPLICATION | DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
Veterans Affairs
FLOOD ASSISTANCE: Apply via your local office | Find additional resources
Food & water safety
- Keep your water safe: Boil advisory procedures
- Is it safe to eat? 'When in doubt, throw it out'
Health information
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
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REMINDER: Tetanus immunization is recommended for all adults every 10 years. Exposure to floodwaters doesn’t increase the risk of tetanus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, if you get a severe wound or deep cut, check with your health care provider to see if you need a booster.
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
- DOWNLOAD: Flood recovery guide [Spanish]
- Mold facts, clean-up information
- REQUEST FORM: Water testing kit
HOTLINE: Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and Rubicon, a disaster relief organization, are offering to help homeowners clean up from the flood, according to the Sarpy County Sheriff:
- Crisis Clean Up Hotline: 833-556-2476
NEMA CLEAN-UP GUIDE: Tips for when you return home
NEMA SCAM ALERT: What to watch for
DOWNLOAD: Flooded home repair guide
DOWNLOAD: Flood clean-up & salvage tips
Animal assistance
PET FOOD PANTRY (in progress): SHOP FOR ITEMS | SUGGEST ITEMS
Agricultural support
FEMA
DOWNLOAD: Caring for livestock during disasters
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Livestock idemnity program: Provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather.
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
CROP SAFETY: Food crops guide
HAY & FORAGE HOTLINE: Find free hay, pasture, and other types of forage by calling 402-471-4876.
QUICK REFERENCE | FIND AN FSA OFFICE
AVAILABLE ANIMAL SHELTER:
Lancaster Event Center has opened its facilities to farmers with livestock impacted by the floods.
To make arrangements:
- Call the main office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 402-441-6545.
- After hours, call or text Operations Manager Chas Skillett at 402-432-3255 or email cskillett@LancasterEventCenter.org; call or text Managing Director Amy Dickerson at 402-429-1950 or adickerson@LancasterEventCenter.org; or call 402-429-4536.
DISASTER RELIEF FUND: Provides emergency aid to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by recent storms and flooding. Priority will be given to efforts to restore health and safety in rural communities and to farm and ranch households that have been damaged or displaced by the natural disaster.
- ONLINE FORM: Apply for aid
AGRICULTURE DISASTER EXCHANGE:
- Clearinghouse: Check the message board
- Get help now: If you need immediate assistance, call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550.
Mental health resources
AWARENESS: Don't forget to take care of your mental and emotional health, too. See this guide from the American Red Cross to learn more about common reactions to a disaster, what a survivor can do to cope with these emotions, and where to seek additional help if needed.
CRISIS HOTLINE: If you are experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster, the Substatnce Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, offers toll-free crisis counseling and support through the Disaster Distress Helpline.
- Call 1-800-985-5990
- Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
IOWA HELP LINE: The Iowa Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, or DBHRT, is a trained team of volunteers who will respond to the mental health needs of Iowa residents following disasters and critical incidents. To request DBHRT assistance, contact the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Duty Officer, available 24/7, at 515-725-3231. [INFO]
SPECIALIZED RESOURCES: