Starting Sunday, Free Expert Rebuilding Advice at Iowa Stores 

Release Date: July 12, 2008
Release Number: 1763-083

» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Starting Sunday, teams of mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be demonstrating flood- and wind-resistant building techniques and offering free professional advice in area building supply stores.

Rebuilding or repairing a home after flooding or a tornado can be a daunting task. But with the right information, homeowners can build back in a way that reduces future damage. Those who were fortunate enough to escape damage from Iowa's recent disastrous weather could still be vulnerable the next time and can retrofit their homes to better withstand severe conditions.

Starting Sunday, July 13, 2008, at 8 a.m., Iowans can meet the experts in the following locations:

Lowe's
400 E. Tower Park Drive
Waterloo, IA  50701

Lowe's
5300 Blairs Forest Blvd. N.E.
Cedar Rapids, IA  52402

Lowe's
2701 Second St.
Coralville, IA  52241

Menard's
110 W. 53rd St.
Davenport, IA  52806

The schedule is Mon.-Sat. from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., except Tuesday when the teams will be off. On Sunday, the schedule is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. The last day for the teams in these locations will be Monday, July 21.

In addition to methods for conventional construction, the FEMA specialists will demonstrate and display techniques to fortify mobile homes. They will be able to offer advice on cleaning up mold as well as information about flood insurance and other subjects.

FEMA community relations specialists will be on hand as well to provide disaster-related information and materials.

Individuals can register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who have hearing or speech impairments. You can also register online at www.fema.gov. FEMA operators are available 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. If residents are not sure if they are eligible, they should still make the call.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Jul-2008 12:04:18