The cleanup and recovery from the devastating tornadoes which struck Illinois on Sunday November 17 continues. Six people were killed in Illinois and hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed in a line of storms which affected the entire state, from Brookport at the southern tip all the way to Chicago. We have compiled the latest information from state agencies, non-profits and media in the disaster areas to try and assist the victims and their families, and to provide an outlet for those who want to help.

FEMA today approved another 15 Illinois counties for federal Public Assistance (PA) disaster aid to reimburse local governments in those counties for expenses incurred from the spring flooding.

The newly-declared counties are Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Greene, Hancock, Lawrence, McDonough, Monroe, Morgan, Peoria, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Tazewell and Will.

Local governments and certain private non-profits in those counties may now apply to FEMA for reimbursement of up to 75% of their costs related to this spring's flooding. Persons affected by the flooding who live in declared counties may apply by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.

FEMA reports that so far it has disbursed more than $70 million in aid to local governments in the 24 counties already included in the disaster area. More than $92 million in federal assistance has been approved for 34,800 individuals and households which suffered damage from the flood.

Five Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Centers are now open in Illinois for those affected by last month's severe flooding. Persons in the declared disaster areas can visit one of these centers to meet in person with staff from FEMA and other relief agencies in order to sign up for recovery assistance and get their questions answered.

Residents of the declared counties can also sign up for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

Most private insurers do not write flood insurance policies and so flood damage is not included in typical homeowners' policies. Instead private insurers work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to administer the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood insurance is required for residents and business owners who live or work in a Special Flood Hazard Area, if they have a loan from a federally regulated mortgage lender.  Those who live outside a Special Flood Hazard Area may, but are not required to, purchase flood insurance.  Individuals should contact the National Flood Insurance Program to determine if their location is in flood hazard area and to find a local agent.

We continue our coverage of Illinois flooding right here. Please check back often for regular updates.

We also encourage you to check the following sites for additional flood related information:

Previous Flood Watch Updates
Flood Resources
Ready Illinois




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