Cook County, IL – Cook County leaders are urging residents and business owners impacted by this summer’s severe flooding to submit updated damage information before Thursday, Nov. 7, as part of an ongoing appeal after the Trump administration denied Illinois’ federal disaster aid request.
According to the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (DEMRS), the county is working closely with the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and suburban municipalities to appeal the denial of a Presidential Disaster Declaration following storms that struck from July 25–28 and August 16–19, 2025.
Officials say new virtual and in-person assessments are being conducted to collect additional evidence of property and health impacts to strengthen the state’s case. Residents are encouraged to share photos of damage, mold remediation efforts, appliance replacements, and housing or health concerns through the county’s Residential Self-Assessment Survey, available online until Nov. 7.
County officials stress that even those who submitted earlier damage reports should update their information. They say a strong response from residents could help bolster the appeal and demonstrate the widespread need for federal assistance.
