FEMA Disaster Assistance Teams on the Ground in Illinois

FEMA Disaster Assistance Teams are currently on the ground in some Illinois Counties affected by storms this past July.

According to a press release from FEMA, Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are actively assisting communities in Illinois that were impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred between July 13th and 16th, 2024.

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These teams are deployed in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties.

How DSA Teams Can Help

Disaster Survivor Assistance personnel are here to support residents in navigating the federal disaster assistance process.

They can help homeowners and renters apply for FEMA aid, identify immediate needs, and connect them with additional resources available in the community. They can also provide updates on the application status.

Important Security Reminders to Avoid Scams

FEMA is reminding residents in disaster areas to be aware of safety measures when interacting with DSA teams.

According to the press release, FEMA personnel will always be wearing an official FEMA identification badge with a photograph. However, just having a FEMA shirt, vest, or jacket alone doesn't show proof of identity.

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While assisting with applications, they may ask for personal information such as social security numbers, income details, and bank information. Residents should always request identification before providing any personal details.

Verification of a legitimate FEMA visit can be done by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Applying for FEMA Assistance

Residents in the affected Illinois counties who have uninsured or underinsured losses due to the July storms do not need to wait for a DSA team visit to apply for assistance.

Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.