Governor Kim Reynolds, Saturday, announced that President Trump had approved the disaster declaration for 56 counties, including Shelby, which free’s-up federal aid for areas devastated by recent flooding. Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Londo said Saturday, that while the county will get federal public assistance from FEMA to help with long-term recovery, the county has not been granted Individual Assistance.

Londo says regardless, “We are going to continue to work diligently to access this program for those in need.” We stressed how important it is for Shelby County residents, especially those that sustained structural damage, to call 1-800-621-3362, or go to www.disasterassistance.gov, and report ALL damage.

“By reporting damage,” Londo says “You may be assisting others in Shelby County in accessing funds to repair severely damaged homes. Defiance, Harlan and Shelby all saw homes that were in the Major damage category,” Londo said. “Some of those receiving damage are unable to access the current low income Individual Assistance Program (IAP), and have been denied assistance from homeowners insurance. The FEMA IAP,” he says, “would potentially allow access to funds to repair these homes.”

Londo says “Even if you have reported damage” to the Shelby County EMA “and have received a visit,” you should still call 1-800-621-3362, or www.disasterassistance.gov, and report it again.”That’s especially true if you have basement wall failures or near failures in your home.