Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Monday, July 6, 2026 for Polk County in response to flooding and severe weather beginning Friday, July 3 and continuing.

The proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents of Polk County. The grant program provides up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food and temporary housing expenses not covered by insurance or other grant programs. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. Applications must be completed within 45 days of the Governor’s proclamation.

Residents seeking to apply for the grant program or Disaster Case Advocacy can do so by following the instructions on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at Individual Disaster Assistance Programs | Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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If your home or property sustained damage from the recent flooding, the City encourages you to complete the Polk County Emergency Management Citizen Damage Self-Reporter form.

Report your damage here: Citizen Damage Reporter

Citizen damage reports are used to document the overall impact of the flooding and support state and federal disaster assistance requests. Submitting a report does not directly qualify you for disaster assistance. Residents should continue working through their insurance process and document all damages with photographs. If disaster assistance becomes available, more information will be shared on that process.

Every report submitted helps provide a more complete picture of the flooding's impact on our community and supports disaster recovery efforts.

Polk County Recent Disasters Info Page can be found here: Recent Disaster And Emergency Information - Polk County Iowa

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Update 7/7/26

Storm Tree Debris Curbside Pickup to take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00am

The City of Elkhart has arranged for a one-time curbside pickup of tree and woody storm debris this Thursday, July 9, beginning at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine. Polk County crews will make one pass only through the community. There will be no makeup day or follow-up pickups, so please have all debris placed at the curb before 8:00 a.m. Thursday. This is for properties within Elkhart city limits.

To help the cleanup go smoothly:

-Tree limbs and woody debris may be any length and do not need to be cut into small pieces.

-Place debris neatly at the curb, but keep it at least 4 feet away from mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility poles, utility boxes, and other above-ground utilities.

-Do not place household trash, construction materials, furniture, recycling, or other non-tree debris with the pile. Only tree and woody storm debris will be collected.

Please note that heavy equipment will be used during the cleanup. While crews will remove the large debris, some small twigs or wood chips may remain. Any debris placed at the curb after Thursday's collection will be the responsibility of the property owner.