Chicago mayor speaks out as FEMA's ready to assist homeowners with storm repairs

CHICAGO - In the wake of historic flooding in late June and early July, President Joe Biden on Thursday made good on his disaster declaration to the state of Illinois.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and a host of Cook County dignitaries welcomed members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency who arrived here prepared to supply much needed financial support to thousands of residents and business owners who suffered property damage and personal losses.

On hand during today’s press event, Mary Murphy whose home daycare business in Austin was washed away in the deluge.

"When the storms happened in July, I got four feet of water in my basement. I had carpet destroyed, I had bookshelves ruined, games and clothes damaged," she said.

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Mayor Johnson talked about his own personal experience in the days following July 2nd when a record nine inches of rain fell.

"As I walked through my neighborhood, my heart ached to see the pain and the damage caused by the storm, and as you all know, in the city of Chicago, we’re known for a lot of different things. Our basements are just as much a part of the history of Chicago as house music and Uncle Remus."

Mayor Johnson expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of multiple departments to assist those in need.

"When we talk about the full force of government, that includes the Department of Streets and Sanitation, the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Office of Emergency Management and Communication, the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, the Department of Water Management, the Department of Family and Support Services. We did whatever we had to do in that moment to make sure that we were here for our residents," Johnson said.

Andrew Friend, Federal Coordinating Officer with FEMA, reminded those planning to register for assistance to prepare to be contacted by an unfamiliar source.

"If you get that phone call from a strange number, pick that up because that will certainly delay your funding if you don’t have that inspector come and inspect your property. That could greatly slow down the process."

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