Illinois Officials Begin Storm Damage Assessments in Four Counties

FEMA is on the ground with officials in northern Illinois to assess storm damage that occurred in four counties to determine if federal disaster assistance will be approved.

Teams to Survey Cook, Will, Boone, and McHenry Counties

According to a press release, a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) team will conduct door-to-door assessments from Wednesday, September 3, through Sunday, September 7.

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Teams will reportedly be evaluating storm and flood damage caused by the severe weather that struck Illinois between August 16 and 19.

The teams include representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local emergency management personnel.

Damage Assessments Could Unlock Federal Aid

The purpose of the assessments is to document the extent of damage to homes and essential household systems, including HVAC units and water headers.

This data will help determine whether affected residents qualify for federal disaster relief.

According to IEMA-OHS Acting Director Ted Berger, there is no set dollar threshold for FEMA's Individual Assistance program; instead, the agency evaluates uninsured losses and whether local resources are sufficient to support recovery.

Residents Urged to Be Cautious of Scams

While participation is important, IEMA is warning residents in storm damage areas to be aware of scam artists posing as inspectors and contractors.

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Legitimate PDA team members will carry official photo identification, will not enter homes, and will never request payment for services.

Multiple teams will be working across Cook, Will, Boone, and McHenry Counties, and bilingual staff will be available, according to the press release.

Next Steps in Recovery

The data being collected by PDA teams will be used to determine whether or not Illinois qualifies for additional recovery resources.

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine coverage and continue working with local nonprofits offering support in the aftermath of the August storms.