2024 tornado outbreak: Biden approves federal funding for Nebraska
FEMA to begin working in damage areas Sunday
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - President Biden on Friday approved the federal emergency declaration for Nebraska.
Gov. Jim Pillen responded to the expedited approval of his relief request, saying: “We know that the road to recovery will be a long one, but this declaration will help expedite processes and funding provided through FEMA to help people take care of both immediate and long-term needs.”
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency will soon have information available for storm victims to assist them with the necessary applications.
The disaster declaration makes federal funding available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and offers assistance for certain nonprofits on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency work caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Douglas and Washington counties on Friday, April 26.
Grants can cover serious needs like food, water and medicine; displacement costs; home repairs and rental assistance; and select other needs, like replacing personal property. Federal funding may also to assist with certain preventative projects statewide.
Andrew P. Meyer was appointed as the FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the area. FEMA staff will begin visiting affected neighborhoods on Sunday, but those who sustained damage or losses in Douglas and Washington counties may apply for assistance online or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The FEMA App is also free to download.
When applying, you’ll need to provide your address and ZIP Code, condition of your home, insurance information, one household member’s Social Security Number, your phone number, an address at which you can receive mail, and bank account information to authorize direct deposit of funds.
Bear in mind, FEMA is not allowed to pay for losses that insurance will cover. You can apply for relief money whether you are insured or not.
FEMA asks those seeking assistance from its Disaster Survivor Assistance, or DSA teams, ask to see photo identification before providing them with personal information.
Funding was also requested for Lancaster County, but it was not included in the federal disaster declaration. FEMA said in a news release Friday afternoon that “additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.”
Iowa governor Kim Reynolds declared an emergency for Pottawattamie County hours after a tornado devastated the town of Minden, Iowa. She added eight other counties to the emergency declaration later, and on Thursday requested “expedited” funding, urging President Biden to declare a federal disaster for the area.
SECURITY UPDATE
At a news conference Friday afternoon, officials from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Omaha Police Department, NSP, and the Nebraska National Guard provided an update on security measures in areas impacted by last week’s tornadoes.
Law enforcement collectively stressed the importance of staying out of the affected areas unless you have a valid reason to be on site.
Sheriff’s deputies for both Douglas and Washington counties are maintaining patrols in damage areas. Gov. Pillen has also ordered additional Nebraska State troopers and Nebraska National Guard members to assist with security in both counties.
The Nebraska National Guard has established three checkpoints in an effort to cut down on pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Three groups of people will be allowed in: residents, volunteers, and contractors; the latter two must have a form of proof from a resident or organization that they are assisting with recovery efforts.
Omaha Police continues to help with traffic control and enhanced patrolling in affected neighborhoods. Officers are also keeping in touch with residents. Those without a valid reason to be in the affected areas will be escorted out.
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson says some incidents of theft have been reported. In one instance, a riding lawn mower and other outdoor items were reported stolen from a residence. In another, a forklift was also reported missing in the Bennington Lake area.
Overlapping efforts from multiple agencies is making the overall response better for everyone involved, Hanson said. Help from NSP and Omaha Police ensures some of his deputies can remain available for calls for service outside of the disaster area, he said.
HELPING VICTIMS
Officials remind the public that volunteering is welcome — but it must be done via the proper channels. Authorities recommend calling 211 for guidance if you’re not sure where to start.
The American Red Cross said Friday that volunteers are continuing to distribute supplies for cleanup efforts to affected residents. This includes rakes, shovels, trash bags, work gloves and cleaning supplies. To date, the Red Cross says nearly 3,000 of those items have been distributed to over 500 households.
Volunteers are also delivering meal kits, having provided nearly 450 thus far. The Red Cross’s teams continue to assess residential damage and determine what affected persons need most.
TORNADO RECOVERY
Where to dispose of debris from recent storms
Several debris collection sites are available in Douglas and Washington counties.
How to help — and find help
Here are ways you can assist those in Nebraska and Iowa who are recovering from tornadoes that hit on Friday, April 26.
The Red Cross will be among several agencies at the Pottawattamie County Multi-Agency Resources Center this weekend. The MARC will be available from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Minden United Church of Christ at 106 Lincoln Street.
Anyone still in need of assistance is asked to call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
For those wanting to help in Washington County, Sheriff Mike Robinson says a town hall will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Kennard.
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