President Obama signed a disaster declaration that will provide disaster assistance to eligible Illinois residents in 11 counties, including Cook County, impacted by the storms and heavy rainfall that moved through the state on April 17-18.
Disaster assistance is financial or direct assistance to individuals and families whose property has been damaged or destroyed as a result of a federally-declared disaster, and whose losses are not covered by insurance.
While some housing assistance funds are available through the FEMA Individuals and Households Program, most disaster assistance from the Federal government is in the form of loans administered by the Small Business Administration.
There are two ways to apply for assistance:
1. Apply Online at DisasterAssistance.gov2. Apply by Phone by calling (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585
The Cook County Department of Homeland Security announces that FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Forest View Fire Department located at 7010 46th Street, Forest View, IL.
The Center will be open from 9am – 7pm, 7 days a week until further notice. The General Public may also call 1-800-621-3362 for more information.
The only way to determine whether your're eligible for federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA by phone, online, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are visiting homes and high-traffic locations throughout affected communities in Illinois to distribute information about disaster assistance and provide an opportunity for residents to register. Please be vigilant about protecting your personal information and be alert for potential disaster fraud. Federal and state officials always have ID clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it. FEMA does not charge for information that it gives out. Anyone with knowledge of fraud my call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603 or the La Grange Police Department at (708) 579-2333. For more information about the FEMA Home Inspection Program please click .
For more information, including financial eligibility requirements, please click on the link below or contact La Grange Fire Chief Bill Bryzgalski at (708) 579-2338.