Iowa Lt. Governor Judge Updates Flood Information, Encourages Patience, Stress Management

June 16, 2008 -- (JOHNSTON) – At a press conference today held at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Iowa Lt. Governor Patty Judge confirmed today that a flood-related fatality occurred in Louisa County bringing the death toll to five. The body of a 35-year-old man was found Sunday in flood waters.

With response efforts continuing along the Mississippi River in Davenport, Burlington and Keokuk, Lt. Governor Patty Judge told reporters today that many areas of Iowa are starting down the long road to recovery. And, she said, resources are being provided to aid individual Iowans as well as communities.

Currently, 24 counties have been declared for Individual Assistance under a Presidential Disaster Declaration. This is an important step, Lt. Governor Judge pointed out, because it opens a number of programs to help Iowans through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and also offers Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans. In addition there are 15 counties declared for Public Assistance which is designed to help public and certain non-profit agencies rebuild infrastructure.

“We will work with the President to add additional counties to both of these programs as the waters recede and we can complete damage assessments,” Judge said. “Those assessments teams are underway in Northern Iowa and will work their way south as the rivers creep back into their banks.”

"Also joining the Lt. Governor was Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton. Newton highlighted the importance of managing stress during this difficult time, avoiding injury and carbon monoxide poisoning, and talking to one’s health care provider before requesting a tetanus vaccination. He also encouraged Iowans with personal wells to have their water tested and talked about the state health department’s plans to work with local authorities on mosquito control efforts.

Jim Saunders, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Public Safety, addressed an incident that took place in Cedar Rapids earlier today around 10:00 a.m. According to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, officers were at a check point when they were approached by a subject wanting information on re-entry. This subject was later identified as 53-year-old Ricky Blazek who demanded to re-enter. Blazek was denied entry into this area. Blazek returned to his vehicle. An Iowa State Trooper moved his vehicle to block the checkpoint and had exited his vehicle. Blazek drove his vehicle toward the state trooper and struck the state trooper three times with his vehicle. Cedar Rapids police officers and the state trooper ordered Blazek from his vehicle numerous times. When Blazek refused, the driver’s window was broken out because the doors were locked and Blazek was removed from the vehicle. Blazek was arrested for Assault on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon and transported to Jones County Jail. The state trooper was not injured. The incident was captured by a photographer and the photograph was widely distributed. Law enforcement officials understand the desire of residents to return to their homes, but also stress the importance of remaining patient as local authorities evaluate the safety of each evacuated area before allowing reentry.

The Lt. Governor was joined by Bill Vogel, Coordinating Officer for FEMA, who reminded Iowans who have experienced property damage to register for these programs by calling 1-800-621-3362.

So far, more than 10,000 Iowans have registered for assistance. The helpline is now open 24 hours a day. Vogel also stressed the importance of checking for FEMA photo identification badges if approached by someone claiming to be from the governmental agency. So far, FEMA has supported the state with $3.6 million in housing assistance and $285,000 in other needs. Six disaster recovery centers have been established across the state.

The Lt. Governor also reminded citizens wishing to help Iowans impacted by the 2008 floods with monetary or other donations by utilizing the new flood response web site. Donations are being coordinated by the Safeguard Iowa Partnership through www.flood2008.iowa.gov.

For more information about the 2008 floods, visit www.flood2008.iowa.gov.

Source: Iowa Lt. Governor

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