DES MOINES – Gov. Branstad’s office today is releasing the following information in conjunction with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

Citizens in Western Iowa counties may access several resources for answers to questions regarding possible widespread flooding in the Missouri River valley.

Iowa Concern Hotline

Citizens in the affected areas may call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. When flooding is a concern in the state, Iowa State University Extension’s Iowa Concern hotline is available for those who need assistance. The Iowa Concern Hotline is available 24 hours a day. All calls are free and confidential, and the operators are willing to assist wherever possible.

2-1-1

In addition, residents may call 2-1-1 with questions or concerns about the flooding and steps they should take. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community:
*        Basic human needs resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.

*        Support for older Americans and persons with special needs: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.

*        Volunteer opportunities and donations.
Donations and Volunteering

Donations of “stuff” (clothing, miscellaneous food items, household goods, etc.) are NOT needed at this time. Cash is best; it doesn’t need to be sorted, stored or distributed, and cash allows the receiving voluntary agency to direct the donation to the needs that most urgently need addressing. To donate cash, visit www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/CashDonations/Default2.aspx?ST=Iowa<http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/CashDonations/Default2.aspx?ST=Iowa>

Those wishing to volunteer in the flood fight may sign up to do so at www.volunteeriowa.org<http://www.volunteeriowa.org>.