Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Washington County on Monday in response to severe storms that occurred on September 19, 2026, and continuing.
The proclamation allows state resources to be used to respond to and recover from the effects of the storms, and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for affected residents. It is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of personal property or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery, and applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to apply.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. The program has no income eligibility requirements and closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation.
The Disaster Assistance Request Form and instructions can be found on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. More information on disaster-related programs and resources is available at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov, and preparedness information can be found at ready.iowa.gov.