During the evening of August 23, 2016, Decorah, Iowa received reports of 7" to 10" in rain in about an eight-hour time period. Josh and Miranda McGrath (and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 9) were in their home that they had moved into a few months ago. During the night, the Upper Iowa River rose from 3' to nearly 14' and the flood waters broke through a window and came rushing into their home. Josh and Miranda heard the screams of their 5-year-old daugher who was in the basement and standing on her mattress and by the time her mom got to her. Luckily, she stayed on her mattress (which was floating) and didn't try to wade through the rushing water that would have likely pulled her under. Their 4-year-old daughter, who normally also sleeps in the basement, had chosen to sleep upstairs with her parents because of the loud thunder. She would have been in the room where the window broke and rushed away by the water had she been sleeping in her room. The family is safe, but left with only their clothes they had on. The insurance company has already said that they are not eligible to collect any insurance because their policy doesn't include flood insurance, but their house is also not in the flood plane.

This fund has been set up to help Josh and Miranda (and their three children) with the repair and replacement of all the items damaged in their house and vehicle by the flood. Thank you for considering a donation.