New legislation will help ensure that Iowa is ready to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible in times of crisis.
Iowans will never forget where they were during the 1993 or 2008 floods—or during the many other disasters that have happened since. In the midst of the devastation, Iowans know how to band together to help one another recover. Government also plays a vital role in responding to disasters, and we need to be sure that we have the necessary tools when disasters strike.
This week, the Senate approved SF 492 to strengthen the state’s ability to provide crucial case management services to families impacted by disasters. This includes helping families navigate the various programs and local assistance that may be available to them. It takes time to build and deploy case management systems, and recovery can be delayed by as much as six months if local and state agencies aren’t prepared.
The legislation establishes and funds a disaster case management program, and ensures that local agencies with offices across the state can be activated to provide these services as soon as a disaster declaration is made by the Governor or President. The program also includes annual training for local agencies to ensure they are ready to spring into action when called upon.