DES MOINES, Iowa- Polk County Emergency Management Director A.J. Mumm says this (Thursday) afternoon they have received, 1,501 addresses of properties have been impacted in some way by last weekend's flash flooding.
Polk County is using a color-coded system to categorize the properties. Mumm says most are in the "green" category, which means there's little damage. Properties with minor damage have been designated "yellow" and those with major damage are designated "red" and are not habitable.
Mumm says the the numbers are expected to rise.
Most of the damaged properties are in the City of Des Moines. Inspectors in Des Moines have checked out 500 properties so far, with another 500 to do over the next few days.
The City of Des Moines has also added two drop-off sites for flood debris, Perkins Elementary on College Avenue and Hoyt Middle School on Sheridan. These locations are in addition to other sites:
Northwest Aquatic Center parking lot
Beaverdale Park lot
Grandview Park lot
Birdland Parking lot
South Des Moines Library
These locations will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday.
Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg reports the city has received 600 calls for debris pick-up. He says crews have gotten through about half of those.
Flood victims who have not done so already are asked to call 2-1-1 or to go to the Disaster Recovery Center, at 2309 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines, which will be open Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those outside central Iowa can call 1-800-244-7431.
The Polk County Health Department is urging residents to clean out flood debris as soon as possible, to discourage mold, which is an irritant and can cause mild-to-severe symptoms. Health officials are asking residents working in flooded areas to get a tetanus shot and to use protective gear, such as masks and gloves, and to avoid mixing strong cleaning chemicals.
Emergency Management Director Mumm says there are still 14 flood victims living in a temporary shelter at Southeast Polk Middle School.
He also says hundreds of local and out of state volunteers are now helping residents, and those who wish to volunteer can contact the United Way.
Emergency officials are repeating their request that those who wish to donate, consider helping financially, rather than donating food, clothing, or other items.