West Cook News

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams have arrived in Cicero to assess damage caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from August 16 to 19. Local officials, including President Larry Dominick, First Lady Diana Dominick, Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, and department directors, joined FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Illinois, and Cook County representatives as teams began visiting homes throughout Cicero.

President Dominick thanked the bilingual volunteers who assisted residents during this process. “Without them we couldn’t do this, because FEMA had a shortage of Spanish speakers,” he said. “We’re here to help the people of Cicero whenever we can.”

First Lady Diana Dominick expressed gratitude for the community’s response. “I am very grateful that once again our community has come together to support FEMA and other organizations as they confirm the damages from the August 16–19 storms and flooding,” she said. “This is an important step toward obtaining federal disaster assistance. A special thank-you to our CERT Team and volunteers, who immediately stepped in without hesitation to lend a hand. Their dedication shows the strength of Cicero as we continue working together to recover.”

CERT Team Leader and Town Chaplain Director Ismael Vargas organized resident volunteers who are accompanying FEMA through local neighborhoods. “What better way to serve our community than with people from the community?” Vargas said. “We are walking alongside FEMA to support this assessment process, helping with translation and answering questions. No one will be going inside homes—it’s about providing security, comfort, and a familiar presence as neighbors work together in this important effort.”

President Dominick acknowledged ongoing flooding issues facing Cicero. He noted that while completely overhauling the sewer system would cost billions of dollars and take more than a decade, the town is working on solutions such as green alleys and stormwater storage tanks on vacant land. He explained that water runoff comes not only from Cicero but also from Oak Park, Berwyn, and Chicago: “We’re working on plans, but in the meantime we hope FEMA’s assessment will bring resources to our residents.”

Clerk Punzo-Arias highlighted why FEMA’s visit is significant for accessing federal aid: “This is a crucial step so the governor can declare Cicero and surrounding suburbs disaster areas, which is necessary before federal aid can be approved by the president,” she said. Arias also commended President Dominick for being first among local leaders to declare Cicero a disaster area after last month’s storms.

Residents are asked to cooperate with assessment teams who will carry official identification badges. Arias encouraged participation: “Don’t be afraid to open your doors,” Arias urged. “Let your voices be heard.”

Water Commissioner Lido Manetti recalled previous collaboration with FEMA during floods in 2023 when temporary offices were set up locally for residents’ convenience: “They made the process easy, even setting up offices here in Cicero to help residents. We’re hoping for the same outcome this time.”

Housing Department Director Tom Tomschin reminded residents that sharing their experiences with FEMA is essential for securing federal disaster assistance needed for recovery.

Cicero continues its recovery efforts through collaboration between local government officials, volunteers—including members of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)—and state and federal agencies.