Springfield, IL – State and federal teams are preparing to canvass storm-damaged neighborhoods in Kankakee County as officials work to assess the impact of recent severe weather.
According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, preliminary damage assessment teams will begin going door-to-door Wednesday and continue through at least Thursday following storms and tornadoes that struck the area earlier this month. The visits are part of a coordinated effort to document damage and determine eligibility for potential disaster assistance.
Officials said the teams will include representatives from Kankakee County Emergency Management, the state emergency agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The goal is to collect detailed information on damage to homes, personal property and businesses, particularly losses not covered by insurance.
State officials emphasized that participation is important but urged residents to remain cautious. Teams will carry official photo identification, will not enter homes and will not request payment or hire contractors. Authorities warned residents to be aware of potential scams targeting storm survivors.
Multiple teams will be deployed across the county, and bilingual staff will be available. Officials noted that not every home will be visited, as data collected is used to provide a broader picture of overall damage.
Residents are encouraged to document their losses, contact their insurance providers and complete a residential self-assessment survey online to supplement the in-person assessments. Additional assistance will also be available locally, with state insurance representatives scheduled to meet with residents in Aroma Park and Kankakee later this week.
Officials said the information gathered will help determine whether Illinois will request federal disaster assistance, a process that could take weeks or longer for approval.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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