Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition

05/09/2023

Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Five Counties including Benton
By Iowa Governor's Office · May 8, 2023, 7:07 pm

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Benton, Iowa, Jasper, Muscatine, and Poweshiek counties in response to severe weather that occurred on May 7. The governor's proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Management Program for those counties.

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. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website at hhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

The Disaster Case Management Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org.

You can find a copy of the proclamation here.

04/06/2023

Here is a picture of the EF2 tornado that damaged properties Northwest of Vinton on March 31st. Thanks to Lexa Spidel for sharing her photo. There were around 20 tornados reported in Iowa that day.

Remember to always be weather aware and know where your safe place is, even when you are away from home.

03/28/2023

As you review plans for Severe Weather Preparedness Week, think about the methods you and your family can receive NWS warnings.

Please take time to do this as the forecast for later this week has the potential for some severe weather.

03/28/2023

March 27 - 31 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Follow the timeline below to plan for you and your family in the event of one of the disaster types listed below.

03/27/2023

12/20/2022

11/15/2022

Today is our first accumulating snowfall. Be sure you are ready to travel this winter.

08/10/2022

05/11/2022

A good reminder that it is the humidity in combination with the heat that creates the dangerous conditions.

04/12/2022

Here's a quick reminder of where your safest place is from a tornado. If you have a basement, this is your safe place. If not, go to the first floor of your home and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible (think of a bathroom or closet).

03/23/2022

Tornado drill day. We already started March off with one in Vinton. Know where your safe place is at home and at work.