STORM DAMAGE IN COOK COUNTY? HERE’S WHERE RESIDENTS CAN GET HELP RIGHT NOW

COOK COUNTY, Ill. — Residents across Cook County dealing with power outages, property damage, fallen trees and other problems following the recent severe storms have several resources available for immediate assistance and recovery support.

While additional government assistance may depend on damage assessments and future disaster declarations, residents do not have to wait to begin seeking help.

Here are some of the most important resources available right now.

CALL 211 FOR LOCAL ASSISTANCE

Residents who are unsure where to begin can call 211 Metro Chicago.

211 can connect Cook County residents with local organizations and programs providing assistance with needs including:

• Emergency food

• Temporary shelter

• Storm cleanup assistance

• Legal assistance

• Utility and social-service resources

• Other disaster-related needs

For someone whose home has been damaged, whose electricity remains out or who simply does not know which agency to contact, 211 is one of the best first calls to make.

AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER ASSISTANCE

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago provides emergency disaster assistance to individuals and families following severe weather and other disasters.

Depending on the situation and individual needs, assistance may include emergency shelter, food, essential supplies and recovery support.

Residents needing Red Cross disaster assistance can call the organization's 24-hour disaster line at:

1-800-733-27671-800-RED-CROSS

SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is also part of the region's disaster-response network.

Available services can vary depending on the emergency but may include food, shelter, essential supplies and other recovery assistance.

Residents can contact the Salvation Army at:

1-800-725-2769

REPORT PROPERTY DAMAGE

Residents who experienced damage to their homes or property should also pay attention to announcements from Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS).

Damage reports can become extremely important following a major storm because local and state officials use them to determine the extent of a disaster and whether additional state or federal assistance should be pursued.

IEMA-OHS also maintains disaster-recovery information and the state's Virtual Multi-Agency Resource Center, which connects residents with government agencies and nonprofit organizations offering recovery resources.

CHICAGO RESIDENTS CAN ALSO CALL 311

Residents within the City of Chicago can call 311 for non-emergency city services and information related to issues such as fallen trees, debris and other storm-related concerns.

Residents in suburban Cook County should generally begin with 211 and also check with their individual village or city's emergency-management office for community-specific resources.

IMPORTANT: DOCUMENT YOUR DAMAGE BEFORE CLEANUP

Residents with storm-related property damage should document their losses as thoroughly as possible.

Take photographs and video before removing damaged property or beginning major cleanup whenever it is safe to do so.

Make a detailed list of damaged or destroyed belongings and property.

Save receipts for cleanup materials, temporary repairs, hotel stays and other storm-related expenses.

Residents should also contact their insurance company and report the damage.

Do not throw away important documentation simply because you are unsure whether insurance, Cook County, the State of Illinois or FEMA will eventually provide assistance.

WHY REPORTING YOUR DAMAGE MATTERS

Residents may wonder why they should report their losses if FEMA assistance has not been announced for the current storm.

The answer is simple: those damage reports matter.

Local and state officials use damage assessments to determine how widespread and severe the destruction is. That information can be used when deciding whether to seek additional state resources or request federal disaster assistance.

Reporting damage does not guarantee that FEMA or another government agency will provide individual financial assistance, but failing to document widespread losses can make it more difficult for officials to demonstrate the level of need within affected communities.

Residents should therefore watch for announcements from Cook County and IEMA-OHS regarding any official damage-assessment survey for the current storms and complete it if one becomes available.

KEEP THESE NUMBERS HANDY

211 Metro Chicago: Dial 211American Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767Salvation Army: 1-800-725-2769City of Chicago non-emergency services: 311

For emergencies involving immediate danger to life or safety, residents should call 911.

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