You are in our thoughts as you face the challenges brought on by severe weather. Below is information we trust you will find useful in the days ahead. We will provide you with updated information as the situation warrants.

As of Thursday, June 26, 2008, counties in eight states -- Iowa , Illinois , Mississippi , Nebraska , Indiana , Wisconsin , Minnesota , and Missouri - have been designated major disaster areas due to severe weather. A list of those designated counties can be found at the following Websites:

• Iowa :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=44320

• Mississippi :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=9886

• Nebraska :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=9906

• Indiana :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=9987

• Wisconsin :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=10028

• Illinois :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=10107

• Minnesota :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=10127

• Missouri :
  http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=10147

To obtain Federal assistance please contact your State Emergency Management office.

• Iowa : Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/
  Phone: (515) 725-3231
• Mississippi : Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
  http://www.msema.org
  Phone: (800) 445-6362
• Nebraska : Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
  http://www.nema.ne.gov/
  Phone: (402) 471-7421
• Indiana : Indiana Department of Homeland Security
  http://www.in.gov/dhs/index.htm
  Phone: (317) 232-3980
• Wisconsin : Wisconsin Emergency Management
  http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/
  Phone: (800) 943-0003
• Illinois : Illinois Emergency Management Agency
  http://www.state.il.us/iema/index.asp
  Phone: (217) 782-2700
• Minnesota : Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  http://www.hsem.state.mn.us/
  Phone: ( 651) 201-7400
• Missouri : Missouri Office of Homeland Security
  http://www.dps.mo.gov/HomelandSecurity/index.htm
  Phone: (573)-522-3007

In addition, private non-profit organizations affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can apply directly to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Federal assistance.

To apply by phone call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). To apply for assistance online and for more information on the process visit: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm

Please have the following information available when you call:

• A phone number and a reliable alternate in case FEMA needs to call you back
• Address of the damaged property
• Brief description of damages
• Social security number
• Insurance information (if you have insurance)
• Current mailing address

**Bank Account Information (if you are eligible for disaster assistance, you may choose to have the assistance check deposited directly into your bank account).

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other assistance may come in the form of loans. Other information sources of possible interest:

• FEMA Warns Property Owners to be Wary of Fraud
  http://www.fema.gov/media/fact_sheets/fraud_08.shtm

• IRS Tax Relief Information
  http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=183966,00.html

• GSA Disaster Recovery Resources
  http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/
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