Blair, Nebraska (May 22, 2024) – The recent wave of severe tornadoes has left a trail of destruction across the Midwest, hitting Nebraska and Iowa particularly hard. As residents begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives, FEMA has mobilized to provide much-needed assistance and support.
Tornado Impact and Immediate Aftermath
On May 21, 2024, Omaha and surrounding areas experienced two powerful waves of storms, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds, and several tornadoes. The storms caused widespread power outages, significant property damage, and disrupted daily life for many residents.
In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds declared disaster areas in 15 counties, including Pottawattamie, Adams, Cass, Harrison, Montgomery, and Page. The severe weather not only damaged homes and businesses but also led to road closures and power outages, affecting thousands of residents.
Greenfield, Iowa, was particularly hard-hit, with multiple fatalities reported and extensive damage to buildings. The local hospital was damaged, necessitating the transfer of patients to other facilities. The Iowa State Patrol confirmed that all residents have been accounted for, and the high school has been converted into a temporary shelter. Governor Reynolds has pledged full state support for the recovery efforts and plans to visit Greenfield soon.
Among those impacted was Sherry Dolezal of Council Bluffs. Her home, built by her husband, sustained significant damage. Despite the devastation, Sherry remains determined to repair her home while continuing to run her coffee shop, The Coffee Cabin. “I am going to sell coffee and I will pay for it myself,” she said, embodying the resilience seen throughout the affected communities.
FEMA’s Response and Support
FEMA has promptly responded to the crisis by opening Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and deploying Disaster Survivor Assistance teams. These teams are going door-to-door in the hardest-hit areas to register residents for federal assistance and provide information on available resources.
Starting May 22, FEMA opened DRCs in Pottawattamie and Shelby counties, Iowa, to offer one-on-one assistance. The centers are located at:
- Minden Fire Department parking lot 207 Main Street, Minden, IA 51553
- Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 1901 Hawkeye Ave. Suite 101, Harlon, IA 51537
In Nebraska, DRCs are operational in Douglas and Washington counties:
- Omaha Police Department – Community Room C116 20924 Cumberland Dr., Elkhorn, NE 68022
- First Lutheran Church 2146 Wright St, Blair, NE 68008
These centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 25, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting May 28, except on Sundays and Memorial Day.
Tiana Suber, a FEMA spokesperson, highlighted the convenience of these centers: “Our centers are kind of like a one-stop shop for survivors. Instead of being on the phone with multiple agencies, you can come here, talk to somebody in person.”
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
FEMA provides financial support for temporary living expenses, home repairs, and other needs not covered by insurance. Residents are encouraged to apply for assistance through the following methods:
- Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Phone: Call 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- FEMA App: Download and use the FEMA app
FEMA representatives emphasize that their teams will carry official ID badges, do not ask for or accept money, and will know residents’ registration numbers. Suber encourages all affected residents to register: “Register with us even if you think you might not need it. It can’t hurt at all. See what resources are available to you so you don’t have to go through this process alone.”
Residents seeking assistance should bring identification and any documentation of the damage to their property. Photos and videos can be particularly helpful.
Local Recovery and Community Support
The communities of Blair, Elkhorn, and surrounding areas have shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of these disasters. Local businesses, neighbors, and volunteers are stepping up to help those in need, offering support and resources to assist in the recovery efforts.
As the Midwest rebuilds, the collective efforts of residents, local authorities, and organizations like FEMA highlight the strength and unity of these communities. For more information on disaster recovery assistance and to stay updated on the latest developments, residents can visit the official FEMA disaster pages for Nebraska and Iowa.
Stay safe and take care, Blair. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.
For local news updates and information on recovery efforts, continue to follow BlairToday.
