Help for 5th District Flood Victims Available
CHICAGO -- The severe storms this past month have resulted in the flooding of homes throughout the 5th district. In response to the damage, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Illinois, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the storms and flooding.
The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) may provide financial help to individuals and households to rent temporary housing and repair damages caused by the storms. There are also low-interest loans available through the Small Business Association (SBA) to help homeowners.
In order to receive federal assistance, you must register your damage with FEMA. You can register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Registration is open online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and phone lines are open 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
When applying for help, be sure to have the following information available:
- Current telephone number.
- Address at the time of the disaster and the address where you now are staying.
- Social Security number, if available.
- Name of insurance company or agent and the policy number, if insured.
- A general list of damages and losses.
- Bank account coding if the applicant prefers to speed up federal assistance by using direct deposit.
Also, be aware of scam artists. Those in disaster areas should not give out information to those claiming to be government workers unless they can show ID. Suspicious behavior should be reported to FEMA's help line at 1-800-462-7585.
In this time of crisis, Congressman Quigley's district office is here to help. Should you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to call 773-267-5926 or visit Quigley.house.gov.