Apply for FEMA assistance
The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is October 22, 2024. The final day of operations for the Disaster Recovery Center in Sheldon (in the basement of City Hall at 416 9th St) was August 30th. We were informed on September 3 that there have been 756 FEMA registrations in O’Brien County. A number for Sheldon is not available.
Here is the flyer in English / Spanish.
Please apply even if you don’t think you will get much, and here is why.
- FEMA has surprised us with how fast they are with processing claims. It may slow down now that more people are applying, but we have heard reports that they are quick - as in 3 - 4 days.
- You won’t know unless you apply. The claims are loss-based and not necessarily income based like the state grant is.
- Because this is a federal disaster, uncovered losses are tax deductible. The FEMA claim’s documentation will help you when you do your taxes next year.
- The more complete a picture we can paint for FEMA, the more the City of Sheldon and O’Brien / Sioux County can be eligible for in terms of public infrastructure grants, housing assistance, etc. You are also helping all of us by filing your claim.
Some of you are worried that you didn’t take enough pictures. If you didn’t take enough pictures at the beginning, take them at the end. If your neighbor’s house had damage that was documented, and you had damage that isn’t as well documented, FEMA will probably send someone to your home to document as much as possible. If your insurance adjuster took pictures, you should be able to ask them for that claim information as well.
How to Apply with FEMA • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov • Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362). • Download and use the FEMA app • Survivors can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to apply or get application assistance. As of 9/3/24, the only DRC remaining in NW Iowa is in Rock Valley.
Disaster Recovery Centers – Northwest Iowa (See DRC Locator)
Rock Valley - Sioux County City Park Shelter House 1013 13th Ave. Rock Valley, IA 51247 Open Monday – Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
To save time, apply with FEMA before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
