Nearly $4.3 Million Approved For Disaster Applicants In Illinois 

Release Date: June 14, 2002
Release Number: 1416-14

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Springfield, IL -- Nearly $ 4.3 million in disaster grants and low-interest loans has been approved for more than half of the 2,463 Illinois residents who have called to apply for assistance. Residents in a total 68 counties throughout central and southern Illinois may be eligible for disaster assistance.

According to figures released by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the close of business on June 13, the following numbers of people have applied for or received assistance:

Toll-Free Application Number Continues To Operate

Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses, which occurred between April 21 and May 23 in the 68 declared counties, should apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1 800 462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. These numbers are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA has opened temporary disaster loan assistance offices in six Illinois counties to help individuals and businesses with their disaster loan applications. The offices will be open until further notice at these locations and times:

Mt. Vernon - 227 South 9th Street
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 ONLY - from 8 a.m. to noon

Edwardsville - Madison County Government Admin. Bldg. (ground floor) 157 N. Main Street
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 ONLY - from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Decatur - American Red Cross Mid Illinois Chapter
500 East Lake Shore Dr., Decatur
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 ONLY - from 8 a.m. to noon

Cairo - 1st National Bank (Corner of 8th St. & Washington St.)
800 Washington Street
Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 ONLY - from 9 a.m. to noon

Springfield - Property Management Center
200 East Lake Drive, Springfield
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday - not open

Fairview Heights - Fairview Heights Fire Station # 1
10045 Bunkum Road
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 ONLY - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officials urge applicants to complete their loan application and return it as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance.

Disaster Housing Assistance

Individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent tornadoes, severe storms and flooding, and are in a declared county may be eligible for Disaster Housing Assistance. This assistance may be used for alternate rental housing, emergency essential repairs to make a residence habitable, or mortgage or rental assistance in cases where the disaster has caused extreme economic hardship. These grants may be just the initial type of assistance that resident may be eligible to receive.

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.

IFG Program Meets Serious Disaster-Related Needs

Another $571,233 has also been approved for 280 applicants referred to the Individual and Family Grant (IFG) Program. Administered by the IEMA, the program provides grants to individuals and families to meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance, other federal, state, or voluntary agency disaster assistance programs. FEMA provides 75 percent of the funds for the IFG grants and the state covers the remaining 25 percent.

Rebuild Better and Safer

Visitors to the Sangamon County Fair are encouraged to stop by the FEMA booth to see its tabletop display, "Taking Shelter from the Storm Mitigation House." Experts will be available to answer questions on making homes safer from floods and other disasters. There will also be various mitigation materials available and coloring books for the children.

The recent tornadoes and high winds are prompting educational outreach efforts focused on wind resistant construction and safe rooms. Several years ago IEMA supplied FEMA Mitigation Grant Program funds to the University of Illinois to develop a construction publication that includes diagrams to illustrate strapping techniques beneficial to homeowners. The publication, "Windstorm Mitigation Manual for Light Frame Construction," is available from FEMA by calling 217 862-3164/44. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.wind.ttu.edu or www.state.il.us/iema/prep.htm.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Aug-2003 16:24:06