Resources for Those Impacted by March 5 Storms – Updated March 8

Our hearts continue to go out to everyone who was impacted by the series of storms that wreaked havoc across the Southeast Polk District. Thank you to all of the different organizations, local companies and good people of our community for your help and support!

Updated Tuesday Afternoon:

News From Polk County Emergency Management

Polk County Emergency Management has set up a special hotline and webpage specifically for the families impacted in our district.

• Click on this link for a variety of resources including details on debris management, volunteering and donations:polk county iowa.gov/emergency management/recent disaster Information/
• Polk County will hold a media conference to cover this information and additional updates tomorrow (Wednesday 3/8/22) at 11 am at the Polk County Administration Building
• Polk County has activated a hotline for those who have been affected to help answer specific questions and provide direction including volunteering for clean-up
  • Call: 515-323-5221
  • It is staffed 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday
• Click on this link to see the Polk County Board of Supervisors Press Release: Polk County Tornado Recovery Press Release

Additional Updates

• The Woodland Hills Church is still open to help by providing bottled water and taking/giving totes – call if you have questions: 515.265.4667
• Toad Valley is still open for people to use the water, power, TV, etc. Please call 515.967.9575 option 0 if you need overnight accommodations
• Wed., March 9 from 11am to 7pm – Toad Valley Golf Course is a site for free warm meals from Great Caterers for the first 200 people
• Friday, March 11  from 11am to 7pm – Toad Valley Golf Course is a site for free warm meals from Big Steer for the first 200 people

Other Resources

• Caring Hands Food Pantry is open from 3:00-5:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

• School counselors continue to be available to talk to students who are struggling with reactions to the aftermath of the tornadoes.

• Families are also encouraged to seek out counseling and/or 24/7 phone consultations through our Student Assistance Program at 515-244-6090. Additional information and mental health resources are listed on the Southeast Polk website.

• For more information on talking to your child about what has happened, see any of the following resources:

  • Helping Children After a Natural Disaster: Tips for Parents and Educators (one page summary from NASP)
  • Helping Children Cope after a Traumatic Event (ChildMind Institute)
  • Answering Children’s Questions about Natural Disasters (Bright Horizons)

• We appreciate the immediate outpouring of support and offers to help. Please go to the Polk County Emergency Management site to learn how to best help: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/recent-disaster-information/

• If individuals or community groups are looking for immediate ways to help, the Red Cross has shared they would benefit most from cash donations. To donate cash, please follow this link: Redcross Donations.  They are not in need of clothing or food donations at this time.

• As SEP becomes aware of additional needs for students and families over the next few weeks, we will make that information available for community members or groups who wish to donate or organize.

We know several of our Southeast Polk families and staff members have been greatly impacted. We are here to support everyone with resources and information. We continue to try to provide a sense of normalcy and a consistent routine. Also, we continue to give students and staff an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about how they were personally impacted by the storm and to share their concerns for others. Our goal will be to normalize all feelings and also remind students that adults are here to help keep them safe.