Cook County residents and business owners who experienced damage from the severe weather between July 13 and 16 can now apply for federal aid to help them recover.
United States President Joe Biden signed a federal declaration Sept. 20 that authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s individual assistance program to help individuals and businesses recover from the storms, according to Oak Park officials.
Tornado warnings went into effect throughout Cook County and Chicago July 15. Extreme weather brought down trees in Oak Park’s residential areas, such as on locals’ houses and on streets. Strong winds and flooding were also a risk.
The next day, some streets were closed. Village officials said the part of Oak Park most affected was between Interstate 290 and Madison Street. Sidewalks with tree limbs and debris and downed power lines had to be cleared over the span of a few days. One resident even complained of a gas leak at her home as a result of storm damage.
“Millions of residents across the state have incurred damages from the severe weather in July due to torrential rain and flash flooding,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in a Ready Illinois news release.
Assistance through FEMA could be grants for temporary housing or home repairs, loans to cover uninsured property loss, or other programs intended to support recovery, according to village officials.
Seven Illinois counties, including Cook County, are part of the declaration Biden signed. The other counties in Illinois are Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will and Winnebago.