My house was flooded

[JodiR]

I am also homeless from the Iowa floods. Have been since Monday. A second crest is expected tonight so there is mandatory evacuation. I live in a split foyer and I lost a living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry room along with my stairs, foyer and doors.

I have flood insurance but since my house is sub-grade (which I think means built too far below the ground) I will not get full coverage. I do not have a walk out so I can't get all my expenses covered. My bathroom and whirlpool(which neither will be covered) is only 5 years old and worth around $7,000.

I am just sick over this.

 

[RitaE]

I'm sorry sorry Lisa, and also Jodi.


Hopefully no more rain.

 

[3jsmommy]

Lisa & Jodi, I'll say a prayer for you both of you, I hope God gives you all the strength to get through this hard time.

 

[mum4jenn]

If you need to talk to anyone that has been through something like this just PM me. We went through what was called a 500 year flood in 1994. We got 7 feet of water in our house so I do understand what you are and will be going through. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

 

[douglisa]

Please contact the American Red Cross and/or The Salvation Army. Both have disaster programs (though they are likely focusing on larger towns now). Both provide immediate help with things like clothing, food, essential medications and can, in certain circumstances, provide cash assistance (limited). They also have specially trained grief counselors (or pastoral care in the case of The Salvation Army) that can help you sort through your emotions so you can make good decisions for your family.

Also, contact your insurance agent. Many flood insurance and homeowners policies have "displacement" causes where they will pay for temporary housing while you are underwater and after while your home in uninhabitable. It is not an "automatic" thing with your insurance, you generally have to opt (and pay extra for) that type of coverage.

I used to do work with FEMA back when they were the good guys (not during Katrina where the leadership was filled with bumbling idiots). FEMA does take time and I'm sorry for that. However, that is why they (and others) stress that you must have an emergency plan and be prepared for a disaster. Unfortunately, the calvary does not arrive immediately! Bear in mind that the first responder is always local...and when they are overwhelmed, the state...and when they are overwhelmed, the Feds. Immediate assistance always goes to protect life first, then property second.

Unfortunately, floods are slow disasters (unlike a earthquake). Damages cannot be assessed until the floodwaters have receded. FEMA has to wait for the State to ask for assistance and, even then, immediate assistance is always provided by non-profits like Red Cross and Salvation Army. You are right that little towns are overlooked when bigger towns are affected...and for that I am truly sorry. It's not that people in a larger town suffer more...it's just that they already have access to more resources that smaller towns do (and have the infrastructure to support it) so they get more quicker.

My heart is with you. Please let us know how you are doing. Keep a journal (both for your emotions and your expenses). Please know that there are many caring and compassionate disaster workers out there (I used to be one, before kids) and they will do what they can to help.

Thank you! Unfortunatly our insurance will not cover hotel expenses. Our agent is suposed to come tomorrow to have a look see. I told Doug to ask since I have asthma and alergys to mold if a medical situation would warrant them to allow us to stay at a hotel. I had not thought about contacting the Salvation Army or Red Cross. I have a good thing that I want to tell about.
Today I took ds 7 to Goodwill to find him another pair of shorts. All we have with us was one pair. Anyway, I have no form of ID and the only money I have is $20 on my husbands ATM card. They were not going to take it till I got tears in my eyes and explained the situation. Out of no where came a beautiful person, she paid the $1.19 and then gave me a $10! I about lost it and started blubbering like a fool. She hugged me and said "Thank you for letting me help you." The lady at the cash register told me they had just given some clothing vouchers to the fair grounds at the temporary shelter. I told her we would be fine, all we needed was the one pair of shorts. I would do it if I needed it but we have some things where others have nothing.

 

[Papa Deuce]

As you are one of my favorite DISer's, you have my thoughts and prayers.

 

[douglisa]

I have been wondering what is going on with my cousins in Iowa. I won't be able to find out until my Mom gets back from her camping outing this weekend. She's got all the numbers to get in touch with them.

Prayers for you and yours for a quick ending to these problems that literally washed up to your doorstep.

It makes me wonder if your DH's employer is having hard financial times that it won't reissue your DH's check... needing to use the payroll for its own needs right now. That's awful, but can be correct.

When all is said and done, make sure you get on direct deposit with your bank instead of getting a check, if you can, so you can avoid this in the future. That can be one of your lessons learned the hard way.

The company is super sucessful and is up on dry land. They went and got all their machinery out before it became a problem. Unfortunatly they just do not give a hoot. I wish it were as you suggested.

 

[douglisa]

I am also homeless from the Iowa floods. Have been since Monday. A second crest is expected tonight so there is mandatory evacuation. I live in a split foyer and I lost a living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry room along with my stairs, foyer and doors.

I have flood insurance but since my house is sub-grade (which I think means built too far below the ground) I will not get full coverage. I do not have a walk out so I can't get all my expenses covered. My bathroom and whirlpool(which neither will be covered) is only 5 years old and worth around $7,000.

I am just sick over this.

If you need a shoulder to cry on you may pm me. I am sorry, so much sadness.

 

[douglisa]

As you are one of my favorite DISer's, you have my thoughts and prayers.

Wow, I am very honored. Thank you.
Man, I am sooo feeling the love, thank you all.

 

[KelNottAt]

Prayers said for your DH and home.

 

[TigerKat]

Many horrible memories are coming back. My heart aches for you and everyone else affected. You WILL survive this. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

 

[MoniqueU]

Sorry to hear that you are going through this. I hope things go ok with FEMA and getting your house repaired.

 

[rie'smom]

I'm sorry for your trouble and I hope all goes well.

 

[KirstenB]

Lisa and Jodi, I'll pray for you both.

 

[tonilea]

I can't imagine how difficult this must all be for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[kimmikayb]

It just seems to keep getting worse. Raining again today. We can't even get to any of the towns accross the river to help.

Hope everyone is safe.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm so sorry.

 

[RUDisney]

The company is super sucessful and is up on dry land. They went and got all their machinery out before it became a problem. Unfortunatly they just do not give a hoot. I wish it were as you suggested.

Well, that is just wrong. I hope when all is said and done, your DH repays this company's "kindness" by finding a better job.

There are angels where you least expect them to be. Your story about the woman buying your DS shorts and then giving you $10 gave me goosebumps.

I think you've written your posts very well. Perhaps you should document all of your emotions and the events through which you are living so you can write a memoir... "Out of the Water."

You have a very positive attitude in your hardship. Others can surely learn from you.

 

[Freyja]

I am so sorry. What a horrible thing to go through. Sending all my best wishes your way.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family