Iowa gov. proclaims O'Brien, Osceola counties disaster areas after tornadoes

DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Chet Culver Tuesday afternoon issued a disaster proclamation for O’Brien and Osceola Counties, as well as several others, in response to the recent severe weather.

The proclamation allows state resources to be deployed to help those who need assistance and reside in the affected counties and authorizes the implementation of the State Individual Assistance Grant Program to assist eligible residents.

According to a news release, the state monitors the needs of families after a storm or flooding occurs and issues the proclamation on an as-needed basis. Culver urged people impacted by the storms to contact their county emergency management coordinators to report damages, so the state is aware of the needs of each county.

Applications for the grant program can be made on the Department of Human Services website at www.dhs.state.ia.us or by calling (877) 937-3663.

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