West Cook News

City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have issued disaster proclamations following flooding that occurred between August 16 and 19. These proclamations enable the city and county to seek additional resources for affected residents and communities.

From September 3 through September 7, preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams will visit neighborhoods in both the City of Chicago and Cook County. The teams aim to conduct brief in-person reviews of storm and flood damage. This process is necessary for the state of Illinois to request federal disaster recovery aid.

The PDA teams are composed of representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local emergency management officials. Their role is to survey damages to homes and possessions, including systems such as HVAC units and water heaters, in order to pursue all possible avenues for assistance.

"While meeting with PDA teams is important, IEMA-OHS cautions residents to be wary of scam artists who may prey upon storm survivors."

According to officials, team members will include FEMA, SBA, IEMA-OHS, and staff from Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Joint PDA staff will carry photo identification, do not enter homes, do not use contractors or ask for payment for services. Residents are encouraged to consult information on how to recognize scams at https://ready.illinois.gov/after/beware-of-scams.html and https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Consumer-Protection/Home-Repair/.

Bilingual staff will be available during assessments. Multiple teams will work throughout both the city and county areas. Officials stress that data collection by these teams helps determine eligibility for disaster assistance; therefore, not every resident may receive a visit.

Residents are advised to contact their homeowner or renter’s insurance provider to understand coverage options related to flood damage. Those living in Chicago who have not yet reported “Water in Basement” incidents are encouraged to do so via 3-1-1.

Recovery efforts have been approved by FEMA. Homeowners, renters, and business owners with property damage are asked to participate in the joint PDAs if possible. For those who have already filled out an online survey or reported “Water in Basement” issues through 3-1-1, officials already have their address on file for scheduling visits.

The results from these joint PDAs will help determine whether there was enough damage overall to qualify for a state disaster proclamation as well as FEMA or SBA assistance programs. While some residents may not consider SBA loans as an option, officials note that low-interest loans can support homeowners and renters with recovery costs.

City of Chicago agencies continue working alongside Cook County departments, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies like OEMC and IEMA to coordinate recovery operations across impacted areas and pursue all forms of available disaster relief.