In response to the damages caused by the severe storms from July 13-16, FEMA is now offering additional assistance to homeowners in Illinois. Eligible residents can access funds specifically for mitigation measures aimed at reducing future damage. These upgrades include enhanced roof repairs to withstand intense winds and strategies to prevent water infiltration, such as elevating critical appliances and electrical panels. Furthermore, the U.S. Small Business Administration is providing an opportunity for disaster loan borrowers to obtain extra funding, up to 20% of verified damages, to implement similar mitigation efforts. Borrowers are urged to apply for these funds within two years of their loan approval to bolster their defenses against upcoming natural disasters.
Flood Mitigation Tips
- Invest in Flood Insurance. Did you know an inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage? Most homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings and/or contents in a building. To purchase a National Flood Insurance Program policy, call your insurance company or insurance agent. Find a provider online at FloodSmart.gov/flood-
insurance-provider or call 877-336-2627. - Seal Foundation Cracks. Use mortar and masonry caulk to fill foundation cracks to help keep water out.
- Install a Sump Pump and Back Flow Valve. Make sure you have a sump pump with battery-operated backup in case of electrical failure and consider hiring a plumber to install a backflow valve to push the flow of water and sewer backup away from your home.
- Elevate Utilities. Raise and anchor air conditioning condensers, heat pumps, water meters, and other service equipment onto platforms at least one foot above the potential flood elevation. Consider raising other major appliances above the ground floor.
- Landscape to Improve Runoff. Build up any sunken areas around the foundation, dig small depressions to properly channel water, and otherwise improve your yard so it slopes away from your home.
Wind Mitigation Tips
- Reinforce Your Residence. Retrofitting your home can provide structural updates that didn’t exist when it was constructed. For example, a homeowner can install straps to their roof’s structural beams to make it strong enough to resist the “uplift” effect of high winds that can cause it to lift and collapse back down on the house.
- Defend Those Doors. Garage or double-entry doors can fail under wind pressure. Garage doors can be reinforced with girts and by strengthening the wheel tracks. Double-entry doors can be reinforced with a heavy-duty deadbolt, adding slide bolts on one of the doors, and using longer hinge attachments on the door and frame.
- Guard your Glass. Storm shutters prevent windows from breaking when there is windborne debris. You can also add shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass to defend glass from breaking.
- Trim and Tighten. Consider cutting away any dangling tree branches that pose a threat to your home and securing outdoor furniture and fuel tanks that can serve as projectiles during high-wind events.
- Ensure You’re Fully Insured. Take the time to review your insurance coverages and talk to your agent to verify your household is adequately insured for high-wind events and other disaster risks in your community.
For more information about FEMA and SBA mitigation assistance, visit go.dhs.gov/3×8 and www.sba.gov/funding-programs/
For even more tips to protect your home in high winds and flood events, visit Protect Your Property From Severe Winds Brochure 2023 (fema.gov) and Protect Your Property From Flooding Brochure 2020 (fema.gov).
Important Reminders:
• Don’t Delay! Deadline to apply for FEMA & SBA Physical Disaster Loan Assistance is Nov. 19. Homeowners and renters with disaster-related damage or loss from the July 13 – 16, 2024, severe storms are eligible to apply for FEMA grants and a long-term, low interest loan with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You aren’t required to apply for an SBA loan to be considered for FEMA grants, but you could miss out on SBA’s help with disaster-related expenses that FEMA assistance doesn’t cover. If insured, you do not need to wait for a settlement letter to apply for federal assistance; insurance documentation will be requested but can be submitted after applying.
• Stay in Touch with FEMA. After applying for FEMA assistance, applicants should continue to stay in touch through the 800-621-3362 helpline and their DisasterAssistance.gov profile to update their application or contact information and inform FEMA of any changes to their need for assistance.
• Read your FEMA decision letter carefully. If the letter says your application is currently not approved, it will tell you why or what FEMA still needs to know. It also tells you how to appeal the decision if you disagree. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to submit information or documents FEMA requests to be considered for an appeal. Appeal documentation can be uploaded to your DisasterAssistance.gov profile, submitted in-person at a recovery center, or sent through mail to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.