Chicago City Wire

On September 20, United States President Joseph R. Biden signed a federal Major Disaster Declaration to authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for seven counties in Illinois, including Cook County and the City of Chicago. This decision follows severe weather and flooding that affected the state from July 13 through July 16, 2024.

The declaration allows FEMA to provide grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs for individuals and business owners impacted by the severe weather.

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is collaborating with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and FEMA/Office of Homeland Security to offer additional information and services to those affected. For details on FEMA assistance related to this disaster (DR-4819-IL), visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4819.

Residents and businesses who sustained damages can begin applying for Disaster Assistance through FEMA. Disaster Recovery Centers will soon be open in all seven counties, providing more opportunities for disaster survivors to engage with FEMA representatives regarding the application process.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations such as translation services and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be provided to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency or disabilities. If discrimination occurs during this process, individuals are encouraged to call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362.

For additional information on disaster relief and emergency preparedness, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications can also be followed on social media platforms including Facebook (@coemc), X/Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), and YouTube (OEMC Chicago).

Chicago’s OEMC oversees several functions supporting public safety around the clock throughout the year. These include managing 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch services; operating a 3-1-1 call center; handling emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with various city departments like the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department as well as other local, state, and federal agencies concerning public safety planning for large-scale events or emergencies.