Damage Assessments Underway For Illinois Flooding

Officials in Illinois have begun to assess the residential and commercial damage and costs incurred from what has become known as the Great Flood of 2019 on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. 

The damage assessments will take place in 22 counties. They include Alexander and Union counties in extreme southern Illinois, as well as Jackson and Randolph counties in the Carbondale and Chester areas. Teams began inspections on Monday in the northern part of the state, and will make their way south.

The State of Illinois has until September 3 to submit a request to the federal government for a major disaster declaration. 

Local residents and business owners are encouraged to work with their county emergency management agency to assist with the evaluation. Assessment teams begin in the northern portion of the state on Monday and move south as they complete their work. 

In order to request federal assistance, Governor J.B. Pritzker must submit a request letter that includes the damage assessment results as well as information about the overall impact of the disaster on affected communities. That information could include such factors as level of insurance, length of time people were displaced, economic effects of road closures on businesses and workers, to number of people assisted by social service agencies, impact of power outages, unemployment rates and more.

Officials also warn residents to be alert for scams which can take a variety of forms. All team members will carry official identification at all times. Residents who have questions about the legitimacy of anyone who approaches them protect their personal information and should ask to see proper identification. Damage assessment teams will never offer pre-paid cards or request personal information over the phone. Residents are urged to immediately report any fraudulent activity to their local law enforcement.

Other counties that will be assessed, which are mainly along the Mississippi River, include: Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Knox, Henry, Peoria, Pike, Woodford, Calhoun, Madison, Monroe, Hancock, Adams, Jersey, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties.  

For updates on the current flood operation, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.ready.illinois.gov.