Natural Disaster Help & Resources
Following the severe weather in our area, we wanted to share several resources that may be helpful as our community continues recovery efforts. First, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the emergency response teams who worked throughout the storm and its aftermath to keep our community safe. We are grateful for the dedication of our first responders, public works crews, and all those assisting with recovery efforts.
Resources and Links
State Resources
- Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security Recovery Resources
https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/recovery.html - Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Disaster Recovery Programs
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/ disasterrecovery.html - Ready Illinois ? Disaster Recovery Guidance
https://ready.illinois.gov/after/disaster-recovery.html
Federal Assistance
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Declarations
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations - U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Programs
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Volunteer Cleanup and Relief
- American Red Cross Disaster Cleanup Assistance
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and- recovery-services/disaster- cleanup.html - American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Services
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and- recovery-services.html
Public Self Assessment Link
Small Business Administration
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program & Policy Guide (Version 5) outlines how the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may assist businesses if a disaster declaration is declared. While FEMA’s Public Assistance program primarily supports government entities and certain nonprofit organizations, the SBA Disaster Loan Program provides financial assistance to small businesses and private property owners impacted by disasters.
Attached you will find guidance regarding SBA disaster assistance programs.
Please make sure to thoroughly document all disaster-related impacts, including:
- Physical damage to buildings, equipment, or inventory
- Loss of revenue due to business interruption
- Expenses incurred as a result of the disaster (temporary repairs, relocation costs, debris removal, etc.)
- Ongoing fixed expenses, such as utilities, rent, or payroll, that continue despite reduced operations
The SBA has disaster assistance programs that may help businesses offset these costs, including low-interest loans that can assist with both physical damage repairs and economic injury resulting from lost revenue.
We encourage businesses to begin collecting and maintaining documentation now such as photographs of damage, financial statements, revenue comparisons, invoices, and repair estimates will greatly assist them in accessing available relief programs should you choose to apply.