The federal Disaster Recovery Center for Iowa victims of the August derecho will close Friday. FEMA opened the center in Bettendorf in August, then moved it to Davenport in September.
Spokesman John Mills says they've recorded nearly 600 visits so far, and helped homeowners and renters apply for grants.
"What we've been finding is that fortunately a lot of people in Iowa have insurance coverage that is covering them for their derecho damage. FEMA is helping to fill some of the gaps for people who don't have complete insurance coverage or they don't have any insurance coverage."
Mills says residents of 11 Iowa counties, including Scott, Linn, and Cedar, are eligible for help, and so far FEMA has approved grants totaling nine million dollars, to more than 2,400 households. The agency has also helped homeowners, renters, and businesses apply for loans from the Small Business Administration.
The deadline to apply is November 2nd, and he emphasizes you don't have to go in person to get help - call FEMA first (800-621-3362) or go to its website (disasterassistance.gov).
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Davenport is open until 6 pm Thursday and will be open Friday from 9 am until 6 pm ( Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center - 2828 Eastern Avenue).
