FEMA opening new offices in Eastern Iowa for disaster relief

Iowans affected by flooding and storms in 13 counties have started applying for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA spokesman Lloyd Barningham says 539 people had applied for help at the close of business Sunday. He says 225 of the applications came from Scott County. Barningham says more than 223-thousand dollars has been given out already for emergency housing and repairs. He’s urging people hit by flooding not to wait before the water goes down to register.More disaster offices are opening up in northeast Iowa this week. The FEMA is opening a mobile disaster recovery center at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta on Wednesday. Another office will be opened at the Civic Center in Independence on Thursday. FEMA opened an office last Friday in Guttenberg. The mobile centers will help victims of flooding and tornadoes apply for disaster assistance. FEMA also has a toll-free number you can call to find out about disaster assistance. It’s 800-462-9029.