West Cook News

The City of Chicago, working with Cook County and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), announced plans to appeal the denial of a Presidential Disaster Declaration request. The original request, submitted by Governor JB Pritzker, sought federal aid for communities affected by severe flooding in Illinois during July 25-28 and August 16-19, 2025.

The storms led to significant property damage, extended power outages, and disruptions to transportation and essential services. Both homes and businesses across the region experienced major impacts.

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments were conducted in July and August by teams from local, county, state, and federal agencies. The assessments covered areas including the City of Chicago, City of Aurora, as well as Cook, Will, Boone, McHenry, Kane, Jersey, and Calhoun counties.

To support the appeal process, additional virtual and in-person assessments are scheduled for November 4-7. These efforts aim to collect updated documentation to reinforce the state's case for federal assistance. Residents and business owners in affected regions are asked to provide any new or previously unreported information about their damages or ongoing needs. This includes photos of damage, documentation related to alternative housing needs, reports on illness or health effects, details about mold remediation efforts, and records regarding replacement of major appliances.

Residents can submit additional data through a Residential Self-Assessment Survey available online starting Wednesday, October 29 at 8 a.m. at https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery. The deadline for submissions is November 7.