Disaster Assistance

Disaster Preparation

Prior planning helps to keep you and your family safe in the event of a disaster.  The American Red Cross has developed a series of safety recommendations for a variety of events that can be found by clicking here. 

Disaster Declarations

A federal disaster declaration is a three step process.  

• First the county emergency management agency must request assistance from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). 
• Second, IEMA performs a preliminary damage assessment to determine if a request for a Presidential declaration is required.
• Third, IEMA requests a declaration from the President who engages FEMA in recovery.

To determine if your county has been declared a disaster area click here.

Please note that a county can be declared for Individual Assistance and/or Public Assistance.  Individual Assistance is for residents and Public Assistance helps governmental and certain non-profit organizations with disaster related recovery.

Getting Help After a Disaster

If your county has been declared a disaster, click here for the information you will need before contacting FEMA and beginning the application process.  This applies for businesses and individuals.

After a disaster FEMA routinely provides on-site services for applying for disaster relief.  Check your local media for announcements regarding FEMA mobile assistance sites.

If your county has not received a Presidential declaration click here for the American Red Cross web site.  This site contains general information and allows you to enter your zip code to find the Red Cross nearest you.  Your local Red Cross can help with food, shelter and clothing after a disaster.

Checking on Your Request for Assistance

After you have applied for assistance you can click here for what to expect next and to check on the status of your application.  You will need your FEMA application number which was assigned to your claim when you registered.