City of Chicago Informs Public of FEMA Flood Assistance Process

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), along with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the public today of the next steps in the flood assistance program process.

Yesterday, the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the State of Illinois to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of July 22 to August 7, 2010.

Since the federal disaster declaration, those sustaining losses or damage may be eligible for disaster aid. Governor Pat Quinn announced that the federal government approved his request for a federal disaster declaration.

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate property owners for their entire loss. If property owners do have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under the insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other assistance may come in the form of loans.

Illinois homeowners, renters and business owners can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) a special toll-free application number or the TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registration is also available online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Federal funding is available to affected individuals in the counties of Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

For assistance, please have the following information available:

Social Security number
Daytime telephone number where we can call you back
Current mailing address where you are staying
Address and zip code of the damaged property
Directions to the damaged home or property
Private insurance information, if available

The City cautions residents about home repair fraud and companies that prey on residents who have suffered water damage to their homes or properties as a result of severe weather. Consumers looking to determine whether a contractor is licensed or to file a complaint can visit the City’s website at www.cityofchicago.org. As always, if residents have any questions, we encourage you to call 311.

For more information regarding the FEMA process, see the OEMC website or Alert Chicago website at www.chicago.gov/oemc or www.alertchicago.com

To sign up for emergency notifications, register at the Alert Chicago website.

As always, if residents have any questions, we encourage you to call 311.

News Release