City of Chicago Seeks Flood Assistance From FEMA; Residents With Flood Damage to be Cautious of Home Repair Scams

On Friday, July 23rd, Chicago was hit by a series of extreme storms that produced flooding in various areas throughout the City. Today, Chicago began the Disaster Declaration Process.

“These storms had a devastating effect on many of our residents and their families,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley.  “This is a first step that the City and residents can take to try and alleviate the costs associated with the flooding.” 

The City will provide an official damage assessment to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), who will then send a recommendation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“The application for disaster declaration can be a long process that requires the City to provide a damage report to the State, but it is well worth the effort,” said Jose Santiago, Office of Emergency Management and Communications’ (OEMC) Executive Director, We need residents to help us provide a complete picture of the damage for the State by filling out a damage assessment form.”  

Residents can download the initial damage assessment form online and submit it via email to flood2010@cityofchicago.org. Completed forms can also be obtained and dropped off at local Aldermanic offices.

Residents who do not have access to a computer can visit any one of the Chicago Public Libraries to download the form or residents can also call 311, and an operator will assist them with completing the form over the telephone.  

Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Norma I. Reyes warns consumers, "Residents with flood damage seeking a contractor for repairs should be cautious and do business with only reputable and legitimate home repair companies. When people are distraught they can let their guard down because they want things back to normal, so residents need beware of companies out there looking to take advantage. Slow, simple steps are easy ways to avoid being scammed after suffering damage to your property."

The City cautions residents about home repair fraud and companies that prey on residents who have suffered water damage to their homes or properties as a result of severe weather.  It is also cautioning residents to beware of fraudulent claim adjusters or individuals trying to collect personal identification or bank information claiming to be from insurance companies or government agencies.

Residents should use the following precautions to help prevent fraud:

▪ If someone comes to your door claiming to be from your insurance company or a government agency VERIFY.

▪ Be wary of contractors who materialize after a severe storm, flooding or disaster

▪ Do not hire people who show up at your door offering services. Legitimate contractors generally do not seek customers in this manner.

▪ Don’t rush.  Resist high-pressure tactics such as the “good deal,” if you hire on the spot.

▪ Make sure the contractor is licensed

▪ Ask for proof of insurance

▪ Ask for and check references.

▪ Get written estimates

▪ Do not pay for a job in advance

▪ Do not pay in cash

Consumers looking to determine whether a contractor is licensed or to file a complaint can visit the City’s website at www.cityofchicago.org. As always, if residents have any questions, we encourage you to call 311.

For more Emergency Preparedness information on cleaning up flood water, entering flooded homes and facts about mold and dampness, visit the OEMC website at www.cityofchicago.org/oemc or www.alertchicago.org 

The Disaster Declaration Process information can be found on OEMC’s website.

To sign up for emergency notifications, register at the Alert Chicago website.

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