FEMA Teams Assess Chicago Flood Damage

FEMA and Local Agencies Begin Flood Damage Assessments in Chicago

Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), along with Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, have started visiting flood-affected neighborhoods in Chicago. These preliminary damage assessment (PDA) visits will take place from Wednesday, August 13, through Sunday, August 17, focusing on areas impacted between July 25 and 28.

The assessments follow disaster proclamations issued last week by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, which enable the city and county to seek additional resources for residents affected by the storms.

Officials urge residents who experienced damage to participate in the reviews, as the findings will determine if Illinois can request federal disaster recovery assistance. According to the agencies, “Joint PDAs will help all of us find out if there was enough damage to qualify for a state disaster proclamation as well as FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance. While you might think an SBA loan isn’t for you, those low-interest and long-term loans can help homeowners and renters with disaster recovery costs.”

PDA team members will carry photo identification, will not enter homes, will not work with contractors, and will never request payment. Residents are advised to remain vigilant against scams; guidance is available at Ready Illinois and FEMA’s Disaster Fraud page.

Bilingual staff will be part of the assessment teams, covering both city and county areas. Collected data will be used solely to determine Chicago and Cook County’s eligibility for aid programs, though not all residents will be visited.

Authorities recommend residents confirm insurance coverage details and promptly report any ‘Water in Basement’ incidents by calling 3-1-1. City agencies continue to work alongside non-profit partners to address community needs, while OEMC, EMRS, IEMA, and other organizations coordinate ongoing recovery and seek all available disaster relief options.