Storm Damage Resources, July 2021
NOISE is working diligently to create a comprehensive list of community/government resources to assist in the recovery after the wind storm on July 9th, 2021. If you have resources to contribute please reach out to us on Twitter or Instagram @noiseomaha.
If you were receiving SNAP benefits prior to the storm,
you can apply for additional benefits to replace food that spoiled in your fridge and freezer.
To request additional SNAP benefits call DHHS at (402)595-1258. The request must be for spoiled food that originally was purchased with SNAP benefits. When you make the call, you will need to provide the information below:
1. The approximate time your power went off and came back on from the recent storm.
2. The approximate dollar amount of food spoiled in the refrigerator, and a separate amount for food spoiled in the freezer.
The request will be reviewed and additional benefits will be provided on the original SNAP card if awarded. Unfortunately, the review process may take longer than 10 days as they have received many requests.
Nancy Williams, Founder of No More Empty Pots spoke to NOISE about food recovery.
Williams explained how they gleaned potatoes that would have otherwise been thrown out at a local farm. "We have summer programming that's going on right now, and some of that recovered food is also used in showing kids how to prepare snacks and simple meals with foods that are local, seasonal, and or reclaimed."
Free veggies and meals are available, click here for more information.
Red Cross has opened a cooling center in response to the severe storm
Today The American Red Cross of the Omaha and Council Bluffs Metro opened a second cooling center at the chapter headquarters, 2912 S. 80th Ave. in Omaha at the west side of the building. The Red Cross of Nebraska and Council Bluffs metro has opened a cooling center in Bellevue for residents to shelter from storm damage. The cooling center is located at 3100 SP Benson Drive in Bellevue, Nebraska. Impacted community members are welcome to seek shelter from storm damage while cooling off and also to charge electronic devices. Both shelters will be open from 10 am until 8 pm today. They noted that if anyone is currently relying on medical devices, residents must bring their own medical equipment.
The Red Cross is working with Sarpy County Emergency Management to assess the ongoing effects of the inclement weather.
Damages at Kountze Park - Photo Credit by Elle Love
The Douglas County Health Department Tips for food safety Post-storm:
Power Outage for Less Than Two Hours:
“If the power in your home is out for less than two hours, then the food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to eat,” Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said. “Keep the doors to your appliances closed as much as possible while the power is out to preserve the cold.”
Power Outage For More Than Two Hours:
• A full freezer will safely hold food for 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will safely hold food for up to 24 hours.
• Pack items from the refrigerated section, like milk, meat, fish, eggs, and spoilable leftovers, into a cooler filled with ice. Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers work fine for this.
• Use a digital quick-response thermometer to check the temperature of your food before you cook or eat it. Dispose of any food with a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Omaha area off areas for damaged tree limbs and debris include: Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in the Elkhorn area, Towl Park at 93rd and Center, Hefflinger Park at 112th Street and West Maple Road, and the parking lot at 156th and F Streets.