(WTTW News)
Cook County residents affected by severe showers last September that caused flooding, property damage and widespread power outages have just three more days to apply for federal assistance.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, renters and homeowners have until 11:59 p.m. Friday to apply for the disaster assistance, which comes more than five months after rain and flooding wreaked havoc around Cook County.
Though the official rain total for Chicago was just 1.6 inches, measured at O’Hare Airport, the National Weather Service reported that radar estimates suggested 8 to 10 inches fell in the Calumet City area. Southern Cook County was also doused with 4 to 6 inches, the service said.
The rain caused flash flooding that overwhelmed streets, leading to several rescues of people from vehicles, and saw homes filled with feet of water.
FEMA opened disaster recovery centers following the Sept. 17-18 storms, and President Joe Biden approved the federal disaster assistance to the state in November. According to FEMA, more than $45 million has already been approved to help survivors recover.
Friday also marks the last date to visit a disaster recovery center in Cook County; the centers are expected to close by 5 p.m. that day.
FEMA said there are four ways to apply for the funding:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app
- Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, which FEMA said are “one-stop shops” for survivors who need assistance. To find center locations and current hours, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
Patty Wetli contributed to this report.
