Agencies
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Disaster Recovery
After the Disaster
After the immediate danger of a disaster has passed, individuals should continue to exercise caution in their homes and communities to stay safe during the clean-up and recovery process.
After a flood
- Avoid floodwaters. Do not let children play in the water.
- Be aware of areas where water has receded. Roadways may have weakened and could collapse.
- Avoid downed power lines and muddy water where power lines may have fallen.
- Return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Discard food that may have been contaminated.
- Check on sewage systems. If damaged, these can be a serious hazard.
Additional Information:
Additional Information:
After a Thunderstorm or Tornado
- Assess your immediate environment.
- Report fallen trees, flooded streets, or damaged public utilities to the proper department.
- Continue listening to local radio or television stations and your NOAA Weather Radio for updated information.
- Review your Family Emergency Plan and follow through with your Communications Plan. If all of your family members are not present, report to your family's pre-designated meeting point, unless emergency officials direct otherwise.
- Assess any damage to your home or immediate surroundings. Be aware of any potential hazards such as ruptured gas lines, structural damage to your home, downed electrical lines, and localized flooding. Immediately report any injuries or hazards via 9-1-1. Advise your family and neighbors as well.
- Call 9-1-1 to report injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate, but do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. Never enter any building that appears to have suffered structural damage or that poses any other hazards.
- Do not enter any disaster area. Your presence there will simply add to the confusion and may hamper emergency response efforts. A public message will be broadcast in the event that volunteers are needed.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Once you have notified your pre-identified emergency contact person that you are okay, let him or her notify other family or loved ones. Telephones are frequently overwhelmed in a disaster situation and need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.
Additional Information:
After an Earthquake
- Check for injuries. Render first aid. Do not move seriously injured victims unless they are in immediate danger. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury, fire or other emergency. Hunt for hazards.
- Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse).
- Check utilities (water, gas, electric). If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source.
- Check for other hazards and control them (fire, chemical spills, toxic fumes and possible collapse).
- Check building for cracks and damage, including roof, chimneys, and foundation.
- Check food and water supplies.
- Emergency water can be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, canned vegetables, and toilet tanks.
- Never use matches, lighters or candles inside.
- Turn on the radio and listen for emergency broadcasts/announcements, news reports, and instructions. Cooperate with public safety officials.
- Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
- If buildings are suspect, set up your shelter area away from damage.
- Work with your neighbors for a quicker recovery. Stay calm and lend a hand to others.
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
- Plan for evacuation in case events make this necessary. Leave written messages for other family members or searchers.
- Use gloves, wear heavy shoes, and have adequate and appropriate clothing available.
Additional Information:
Additional Information:
For More Information on Recovering from Disasters:
Disaster Assistance
In addition to the self-help efforts of individuals and families and the efforts of local government, voluntary agencies are a key part of the effective response to and recovery from a disaster.
Voluntary agencies such as the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and other Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) are an essential part of any disaster relief effort, providing critical assistance with food, shelter, clothing, household items, medical expenses, clean-up, repairs, and rebuilding.
Some voluntary agencies are available to assist in emergencies in all communities; others may only be able to assist in disasters that affect specific regional areas. Voluntary agencies assist whether or not there has been a presidential disaster declaration, coordinating with each other and with government officials to meet a community’s disaster needs. If you have had a disaster, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross or other social service agencies. You can obtain the numbers of these agencies by looking in your local phone book.
Some public assistance recipients may be eligible for assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services. If you are a public assistance recipient who has been through a disaster, contact your case worker for additional information.
If a disaster is of sufficient magnitude to warrant a presidential disaster or emergency declaration, federal disaster assistance programs may be made available to help individuals, families, homeowners, renters, businesses, and units of government recover from the disaster. The programs that may be available are Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers an American Sign Language video with answers to frequently asked questions about Federal Disaster Assistance.
Individual Assistance Programs
Individual Assistance Programs include grant programs administered by the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a loan program administered by the Small Business Administration. These programs provide assistance to individuals, families, homeowners, renters, and businesses. If these programs are included in a presidential declaration, the public will be notified of the declaration through the local media. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) - Apply for Assistance web page provides detailed information on the Individual Assistance Programs.
Public Assistance Program
The Public Assistance Program makes grants available to state agencies, local government organizations, and certain private non-profit organizations that incurred costs or damage as a result of the disaster. Units of government and eligible private non-profit organizations within the area declared a disaster will be contacted by state and local officials so that they may apply for grants. Detailed information on the Public Assistance Program may be found on the web at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Public Assistance Program and Illinois Emergency Management Agency - Eligibility Information.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the grants is to implement measures to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages. Find detailed information on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.