Farmers Weekly Review

President Joseph R. Biden has signed a federal Major Disaster Declaration authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for areas impacted by the severe weather and flooding on July 13-16, which includes Will County.

Will County community members can now apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, which could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners to recover from the effects of the severe weather experienced between July 13 and July 16.

“The July storms caused significant property damage throughout Will County,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant in a press release.

“This disaster declaration creates an opportunity for residents, business, and non-profits to apply for financial assistance. I would like to thank both Governor Pritzker for requesting a federal Major Disaster Declaration and President Biden for ensuring that the federal government can support recovery efforts.”

Residents and businesses owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA App.

If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA with your number for that service when calling. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

“Anyone who experienced property damage from this weather event should consider applying for assistance,” said Allison Anderson, Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director, in the release.

“This was a severe weather event, with seven tornadoes recorded in Will County. I look forward to coordinating with FEMA and other federal agencies on recovery in our communities.”

Residents and business owners should prepare the following information before applying for assistance with FEMA:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf)
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

The U.S. Small Business Administration has also made available low-interest disaster loans for businesses and residents impacted by the severe weather event. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. More information is available at www.sba.gov/disaster

Will County EMA will be coordinating with FEMA to open three Disaster Recovery Centers to provide on-site technical assistance with disaster applications. Local updates will be provided at www.WillCounty.gov.