JULY 13
Rumor: The Niobrara River is flooding, too.
Fact: Not so. But businesses in the Nebraska Sand Hills that rely on tourists who want to float down the scenic Niobrara say they're losing business because of the confusion. The Niobrara isn't flooding, and the Valentine Chamber of Commerce says conditions along the river are perfect for canoeing, kayaking or tubing. The chamber says motels and outfitters in the Valentine area have received numerous calls from people concerned about flooding. Some have even cancelled trips.
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JULY 9
Rumor: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is classifying used sandbags full of sand as hazardous waste that must be disposed of at landfills.
Fact: Not true. There are several options, such as sanding streets, for reusing the sand and sandbags, the department says. Learn more at www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/SocialMediaPressRoom/DisasterAssistance.aspx
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JULY 6
Rumor: The Fremont (Iowa) County Fair may be canceled because of flooding.
Fact: The show will go on, according to the Iowa State University Extension. The fair is set for July 20-25 in Sidney.
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JULY 2
Rumor: Flood insurance won't pay claims from the Missouri River flood because it's man-made, since the Corps of Engineers purposely released water from the dams along the river.
Fact: The Federal Emergency Management Agency says: “Policies under the National Flood Insurance Program cover damages to insured buildings and contents whether caused by man-made events such as an intentional opening of spillways or breaching of levees, for example, or whether simply caused by a natural flooding event.”
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Rumor Mill Archive: June 6 - Today
FLOOD COVERAGE ARCHIVE
Archive of previous World-Herald flood coverage
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FLOOD PHOTO GALLERY ARCHIVE
Archive of previous World-Herald flood photo galleries
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FLOODING COUNTY-BY-COUNTY
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FLOOD RESOURCES & INFORMATION
With communities up and down the Missouri River scrambling to deal with flooding, a variety of resources are available to help provide information and assistance. Here's a rundown, along with photo galleries and flood related rumors we've investigated.
FEDERAL
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District can be reached at 402-996-3877 or at its website. It also posts updates on its Facebook page and Twitter account.
• The National Weather Service office at Valley, Neb., posts flood warnings and tracks the level of the Missouri River on its website
• River levels also can be checked at a NOAA website.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted information on floodwaters and the dangers of playing in floodwaters on their website.
• Nebraska Water Science Center: The USGS operates the most extensive satellite network of stream-gaging stations in the state, many of which form the backbone of flood-warning systems.
NEBRASKA
• NEMA: NEMA flooding information is available on its website, as well as its Facebook page.
• Flood insurance questions: The Nebraska Department of Insurance offers flood information on its website.
• Flood plain and dam safety information can be found at the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
• Health questions: Check the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. A list of local health departments is available here.
• Road conditions: The Nebraska Department of Roads provides the latest road information.
• Flood Clean-Up Scams: For tips on avoiding home repair scams, visit the Nebraska Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's website. If you feel you have been a victim of a clean-up or home improvement scam, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (800) 727-6432.
IOWA
• The Iowa Department of Transportation has launched a new map to help travelers navigate flooded roads. The Google-based map can be accessed through the department's website, by clicking on the “Flooding Ahead” link.
• Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management updates and links. Bereadyiowa.org also helps people make a plan, prepare emergency kits, prepare their children and pets.
• Iowa Concern hot line available 24 hours a day at 800-447-1985.
• United Way of the Midlands has operators at 2-1-1 with information regarding food, shelter, help for people with special needs and volunteer opportunities.
• Iowa Flood Awareness website.
• Gov. Terry Branstad's office issues news updates about the flooding.
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides flooding information. For the individual disaster assistance grant program, call 866-434-4692.
• Iowa road conditions: Iowa Department of Roads.
• The Iowa Department of Transportation: Temporary customer service phone line can provide information on which Iowa roads are closed due to flooding. It is available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 866-452-8510.
• The Iowa Department of Public Health flood page contains frequently-asked-questions and fact sheets regarding health and safety during flooding.
NEBRASKA COUNTIES
• Douglas County: Douglas County Emergency Management Agency website or call 402-444-5040.
• Douglas County Health Department: website or call 402-444-7471.
• Sarpy County Emergency Management Agency website or call 402-593-5785.
• Sarpy/Cass Department of Health and Wellness information on precautions, immunizations recommended during a flood. Or call 402-339-4334 or 800-645-0134.
• Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Facebook updates.
• Washington, Dodge and Burt Counties emergency management agency, call 402-727-2785 or the 24-hour hot line at 800-374-7356, or go online.
• Knox County Emergency Manager or call 402-288-5613.
IOWA COUNTIES
• Pottawattamie County: Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency or call 712-328-5777.
• Harrison County flood updates or Harrison County Emergency Management Agency or call 712-644-2353.
• Mills County Emergency Management Services or call the county's flood hotline at 712-328-4672. Find flood information at the Mills County website
• Fremont County Emergency Management Agency or call 712-374-3355 or 712-313-0182.
METRO-AREA CITIES
• The Douglas County Emergency Management Agency has created Omahaflood.org or call 211
• Omaha Parks and Recreation Department lists closures and event location changes. Main office 402-444-5900.
• Bellevue flood news updates.
• Council Bluffs information phone line is 712-328-4672 or go to www.councibluffs-iowa.gov.
• Council Bluffs Department of Public Health offers vaccination information. Also, call the main office at 712-328-4666.
OTHER INFORMATION
• Sioux City flood updates. The Sioux City/Woodbury County Flood Call Center 712-224-5262, operates from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Red Cross Loess Hills Chapter can provide shelter information and answer other assistance questions. Also, call 712-322-4017.
• Red Cross Siouxland and Iowa Great Lakes Chapter or call 712-252-4081 or 800-340-4081.
• Red Cross Heartland Chapter.
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension offers flooding information on its website.
• Iowa State University is offering tips to help businesses prepare for flooding.
• The Office of Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad has launched an Iowa Flood Watch Flickr Page. The page will be updated regularly with the most up-to-date aerial photos taken by various state agencies.
• Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District has added a Missouri River Flood Fighting Updates page to www.papionrd.org
VIDEO: Pedestrian bridge tourists talk about the Iowa side closing and whether or not they feel safe walking across.
VIDEO: Gov. Branstad visits Blencoe, IA
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