Flooding in Chicago on July 6, 2023. (WTTW News)

Cook County officials are asking residents to provide feedback to help shape how the county prepares for natural disasters.

Last year, two major federal disaster declarations were issued in Cook County, underscoring the need for improving the county’s emergency preparedness and mitigation efforts, officials said.

The federal disaster declarations were for severe storms and flooding on Sept. 17-18, significantly impacting residents in the south suburbs of Chicago, and severe storms and flooding between June 29 and July 2, significantly impacting residents on the city’s West Side and nearby suburbs.

Those who live or work in Cook County can take a survey to share their experiences and concerns about natural disasters in the area like severe storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Survey responses will help the county and local communities create strategies and take action to reduce the future risk of death, injuries and property damage from natural disasters, according to officials.

The survey will remain open until May 31. The survey can be found at cookgov.me/mitigate2024.

Cook County is also hosting three public information and planning sessions to gather input from residents regarding potential emergencies and disasters that could impact the area. The public meetings will be held:

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the Lester L. Long Fieldhouse, Ember Room, 14700 Evers St. in Dolton

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St. in Skokie

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Melrose Park Senior Building, 900 N. 25th St. in Melrose Park

Efforts to gather community input come as Cook County works to update its hazard mitigation plan, which makes the county eligible for federal funding that goes toward improving emergency preparedness in communities.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: @eunicealpasan | 773-509-5362 | [email protected]