Roof Damage 1

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area Tuesday night, and it was felt in a big way at an apartment building in Perry.

The roof of the building located at South Gate Drive and 8th Street was torn off as a result of the winds during the storm. As emergency crews responded to the scene, they found a considerable amount of wreckage in the yard and driveway of the house across the street. A tree at the neighboring house sustained heavy damage.

The Perry Police Department was on the scene, where Officer Josh Sienkiewicz reported, “We did evacuate everyone. Everyone is safe and everyone’s accounted for that was in the building at the time. Red Cross has been contacted, the residents are being taken to the local fire department here, where they’ll be able to receive the services that they need.”

The Red Cross sent four volunteers to assist the families at the fire department. There were 12 individuals in four families affected, and the Red Cross provided them with immediate basic needs. This includes financial assistance for a couple nights stay in a hotel, food, clothes, and other essentials. A representative from the Red Cross said this initial support typically lasts three or more days depending on how the family uses it.

The representative also said they will conduct follow-up casework with the families where they will discuss a recovery plan, identify gaps, and inform them what resources and other organizations are available to them. They will also work with local authorities and the landlord regarding the building and how long it might be until they could potentially move back in.

Those wanting to help the families affected can make financial donations to the Red Cross of Iowa. They are also always looking for volunteers for comfort care and assistance. To learn more, call 1-800-Red-Cross, or go to RedCross.org.