In the wake of rare emergency flash flooding and a tornado touchdown in northwest Davenport, a collection of Quad Cities agencies, government and businesses are working to help residents cope with the aftermath of a deluge that inundated homes and businesses.
Among them is the Quad Cities Community Foundation, which quickly activated its Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund in response to the severe weather events in Scott County that began on Friday, July 11. The foundation is urging Quad Cities to give generously to the fund at www.QCCommunityFoundation.org.
Through those dollars, the foundation and its partners – who include Scott County Emergency Management Commission, Disaster Ready Quad Cities, Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross – will work to ensure a collaborative, long-term recovery strategy.
That coalition also will soon begin awarding grants to nonprofit partners working to help the area recover from the storms. “The Disaster Recovery Fund exists for moments like this,” Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO, said in a news release.
“We know the needs won’t end when the waters recede. This fund allows us to move quickly and thoughtfully to support the organizations that will be walking alongside our community in the weeks and months ahead,” she added.
In addition, the U-Haul Company of Eastern Iowa said it also is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage at three facilities to Quad Cities residents affected by the tornado and flash flooding that occurred on Friday.
On Monday, July 14, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Scott County in response to the storms. The action opens the door for state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the disaster. Effective immediately through Wednesday, Aug. 13, residents impacted by the storms can apply for assistance from the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program.
‘Dangerous situation’
The seeds for the extended and unexpected weather emergency were sown on Thursday, July 10, by heavy rains that saturated the ground. It grew rapidly when heavy rainfall across eastern and central Iowa on Friday led to rushing waters that blocked roads and flooded homes and other structures.
The storm’s impact extended into early Saturday, July 12, as the National Weather Service (NWS) warned residents to avoid all travel and move to high ground due to a “particularly dangerous situation” in southern Scott County and Rock Island County. That also included downtown Moline.
The NWS reported widespread flash flooding occurred in multiple locations with “the most significant flash flooding occurring in downtown Davenport.” The NWS also issued the rare Flash Flood Emergency at 5:26 p.m. Friday as rapidly rising waters impacted homes and businesses. “Many roads were impassable with vehicles stalled in water along with Duck Creek rising out of its banks,” the agency said. Those rains fell after “another wet day occurred on Thursday across much of the area.”
In the wake of the storm event, the American Red Cross Quad Cities quickly opened an emergency shelter at Davenport Community School’s JB Young Opportunity Center at 1702 N. Main Street. On social media posts, leaders urged those impacted by the storm to come to the shelter for:
- A safe place to stay.
- Meals.
- Charging stations.
- Information and community resources.
On Saturday, July 12, MidAmerican Energy reported some 16,000 customers had been without power during the height of the emergency and its crews “encountered challenging conditions as heavy rains continued Friday night well past the initial severe storm impact.”
In addition, the utility reported then, “With almost four inches of rain, flash flooding has also impacted crew access to certain areas.”
Davenport’s response
The flash-flooding from those heavy rains also kept Davenport emergency responders busy.
There were 144 calls for service from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday. The city website said weather-related calls came from people in flooded cars or those experiencing flooding in basements. Others called to report storm-related wind damage, downed power lines, and/or trees in the roadway. There were no reports of serious injuries.
By Friday night, Davenport city crews also were out assessing damage. The city reported on its website that it will continue to work with the Scott County Emergency Management Agency and other partners to support residents through the recovery process.
Davenport leaders also are warning residents to beware of scammers who pose as contractors offering to repair storm damage.
The website said those scam artists may be unqualified, overcharge, or even disappear with payment before completing the work. Residents are urged to review the scam prevention information posted here for more ways to protect themselves.
The city also is working directly with residents to provide services that will help them respond to the emergency weather event. An updated list can be found here.
How to get help
City post-flood services include:
- Waiving sticker and fee requirements for yard waste collection through Aug. 1. Waste must be placed at the resident’s normal collection point in Kraft-ply bags or in a yard waste cart.
- Bundled tree debris created by the storm can be placed at residents’ usual collection points for pickup. Limbs must be five feet or less and bundles should weigh 50 pounds or less. Pickup could take a few weeks.
- Flood-damaged property, including furniture, appliances, and rugs, also can be placed for pickup in their normal waste collection spot. Smaller, loose items should be placed in bags, each weighing no more than 50 pounds.
- To get a flood-damaged property pickup call Davenport Public Works during regular business hours at (563) 326-7923.
- Contractors helping residents with cleanup also can drop off tree debris for free at the Davenport Compost Facility through Aug 1.
- No household hazardous materials or building materials will be collected. Household hazardous materials must be taken to the Waste Commission of Scott County’s Household Hazardous Materials Facility, and building materials will need to be taken to the landfill.
- The city also reminds residents that if home repairs such as structural damage, standing water, roofs, etc., are needed, permits are required before work begins.
- Properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area also will require a Floodplain Development Permit. Resources on Building Permits and Floodplain Development Permits are posted under “Specifications and Forms” at www.davenportiowa.com/build.
