McHenry County is joining in with state and federal emergency agencies to appeal a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of federal disaster relief funds for severe storms and flooding that damaged multiple communities in mid-August.
The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency announced in a news release that it will support the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) as it appeals the denial of federal assistance for the severe storms and flooding that damaged McHenry County communities from Aug. 16-19.
The wind and flooding caused by these storms resulted in widespread property damage, prolonged power outages, and significant disruptions to transportation and essential services.
Homes, businesses, utilities, and local governments across the region were severely impacted, officials said.
Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments were conducted in September in McHenry County by local, county, state, and federal teams to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Other jurisdictions impacted by the storm systems include the City of Chicago, City of Aurora, and the counties of Cook, Will, Boone, Kane, Jersey, and Calhoun.
Officials from Chicago and Cook County have also announced they are working with the state to appeal the decision.
As part of the appeal process, additional virtual assessments will be conducted in McHenry County to gather updated documentation and strengthen the state’s request for federal assistance, officials said.
Residents and business owners in the affected areas are urged to submit any new or previously unreported information regarding their damages or ongoing needs, including photos of damage, documentation of alternative housing needs, reports of illness or health impacts, mold remediation efforts, and replacements of furnaces, water heaters, or major appliances because of the storm.
Residents can report additional data through the Residential Self-Assessment Survey at iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery.
Any residents who did not previously submit information are strongly encouraged to do so by Nov. 7, McHenry County officials said.