JOHNSTON, Iowa - Iowa's Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have responded quickly in assisting Iowa communities as part of their State mission.
Guard members are working in conjunction with the office of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, and many local, county, state, and federal entities, is providing assistance, coordination, planning, and preparation in support of flood response operations across the state of Iowa.
As of Thursday, six Iowa counties have been declared state disaster areas with about 185 Soldiers and Airmen currently providing support for flood operations in western Iowa.
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division has the overall responsibility for all emergency responses in Iowa; they provide resources for county requests based on needed capabilities, availability of assets, projected response time, and appropriateness.
State and local authorities have robust capabilities, in many cases, much greater than those of the National Guard. However, the Iowa National Guard does possess some unique capabilities and equipment should the need arise, and stands ready to bring them to the aid of Iowans in need.
Per state and federal regulations, the State of Iowa must utilize its organic capabilities before requesting National Guard assets.
Additional Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are currently preparing for potential future flood relief operations.
The Iowa National Guard, in conjunction with the office of the Governor and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, will continue to respond to requests from within the state throughout this emergency response.