FEMA Administrator travels to Iowa to survey damage, holds press conference

GREENFIELD, Iowa (KTIV) - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Greenfield, Iowa, alongside Gov. Kim Reynolds to survey the damage left behind by the recent tornadoes.

Criswell said as much as she has been watching the videos and seeing the pictures of the tornado damage it does not do it justice.

“When you’re here on the ground and you can see the homes gone or you can talk to a member who lost their home and they shared their story of how they just barely escaped death - You Know, where they just decided to stay to keep safe during the storm,” said Criswell, “Those are the things that you just can’t get unless you’re here on the ground and you are talking to people and seeing the impact firsthand and so we are going to continue to work with the governor’s team to assess all of the damages that have happened and make sure whatever we provide assistance for that we’re able to do.”

During the conference, Criswell also advised residents on what they can do as they assess the damage left behind.

“..The best thing that you can do right now is take lots of photos and document the damages to your home.” said Criswell. “We want to be able to have that information for both your insurance company and if and when a disaster is declared here. You know we’ll have to have that information to process any other types of assistance that are out there.”