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Joint preliminary damage assessment teams will visit residents in Chicago and Cook County affected by flooding that occurred from August 16 to 19. The assessments are scheduled from Wednesday, September 3, through Sunday, September 7.
City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have both issued disaster proclamations following the floods. These proclamations allow the city and county to seek additional resources for recovery efforts.
Assessment teams will include representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local emergency management personnel. The teams will go door-to-door in impacted areas to review damage levels. This process is necessary for the state of Illinois to request federal disaster recovery assistance.
According to officials, "Team members will include FEMA, SBA, IEMA-OHS and local emergency management staff from Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications." Residents are advised that joint PDA staff will have photo identification and that teams do not enter homes or use contractors. They also do not ask for payment for any services. More information about avoiding scams can be found at https://ready.illinois.gov/after/beware-of-scams.html and https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Consumer-Protection/Home-Repair/.
Bilingual staff will be available as multiple teams work across both the city and county. Officials note that data collection is intended to help qualify for assistance; residents who do not receive a visit should not be concerned.
Residents are encouraged to contact their homeowner or renter’s insurance providers to determine coverage details related to flood damage. Those living in Chicago who have not yet reported “Water in Basement” incidents are asked to call 3-1-1.
Recovery teams approved by FEMA will ask homeowners, renters, and business owners with damage to participate in the assessments if possible. For those who have already completed an online survey or reported basement water issues via 3-1-1, officials already have addresses on file for scheduling visits.
The joint PDAs aim to determine whether there was enough damage for a state disaster proclamation as well as eligibility for FEMA or SBA assistance. Low-interest loans offered by the SBA may assist homeowners and renters with recovery costs even if they initially think such loans may not apply.
Collaboration continues between city agencies, Cook County departments, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to address resident needs after the flood event. OEMC, Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, and IEMA remain involved in coordinating ongoing recovery efforts across affected communities while seeking all available disaster assistance options.
