Here are some of the highlights from the meeting:
* FEMA officials will be in the area starting Wednesday, July 28 to do property damage assessments. Information collected at this time will be used in presenting a case to have Delaware County declared a federal disaster area. Individuals who sustained property damage were encouraged to contact Lake Delhi Recreation Association officials to ensure their homes would be inspected.
* Property owners with damages were encouraged to apply for state individual assistance. Property owners, whose homes at the lake are their primary residence, are only eligible to apply. Applicants were told to keep receipts for items destroyed in the disaster, or receipts for replacement purchases. The program has income guidelines. To download an application, go to www.idhs.state.ia.us.
* Peggy Petlon, of Delaware County Community Services, encouraged residents to contact her office at 927-5116 for assistance with everything from shelter and food needs, to seeking counseling as a result of the disaster.
* "When in doubt, throw it out," was the message Iowa State University Extension representative Cindy Baumgartner, gave to attendees regarding their food in the aftermath of the flooding. She noted that most food items that come in contact with flood items should be disposed of, including items in glass jars, plastic containers and aluminum cans, including soda and beer. She also cautioned against using food that hasn't been cooled properly for prolonged periods of time.
* All lake-area residents were encouraged to have their wells examined as a result of possible contamination. Dennis Lyons, the Delaware County sanitarian, encouraged residents to have a certified professional treat their wells if they've been contaminated. If a person wishes to have their well tested for contaminates, they should contact him at 927-5925.
* The former county landfill, south of Delhi on Highway 38, will be temporarily reopened to accommodate flood debris. The landfill will open either on Wednesday, July 28 or Thursday, July 29. It will typically be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The landfill will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Residents are asked to separate their items into similar categories before entering the landfill. The facility is expected to be open for about three weeks.
* Those who require funds for immediate purchase needs are encouraged to apply for a voucher with Sheila Freiburger, with Operation: New View in Manchester. Freiburger has been charged by Delaware County Disaster Recovery officials with issuing up to $200 vouchers for flood-related needs.
* To receive volunteer assistance with clean-up efforts, call 922-2058. "This is no time for pride," said Jim Willey, president of the Lake Delhi Recreation Association. "If you need help, call and ask for it."
* Individuals who lost property in the disaster are encouraged to contact the Delaware County Sheriff's office. If you find a boat, boat motor or other accessory, you are encouraged to call a Department of Natural Resources official at 590-1945. Willey noted that it is the responsibility of property owners to retrieve their items from where they end up, however he noted the permission of property owners must be first obtained.
* Willey encouraged residents to stay out of water, as well as the mud that was previously underwater. Additionally, he advised people from straying beyond barricades and going onto the Lake Delhi dam.
* Debris from the lake body will be collected at a later time, Willey said. He said no plan is currently in place on how, or when a collection will take place.