Flossmoor seeks input for flood damage survey

Flossmoor officials are asking residents and business owners who sustained flood damage during the Sept. 27 rainstorm to complete an online survey that could help secure sources of financial assistance.
 

The survey is available on the village’s website and via this survey link. 
 

It includes about 10 questions asking for the history of flooding at the property, the particular source of flooding on Sept. 27-28, and the extent and estimated cost of flooding damage.
 

The village asks that the survey be submitted by early next week so the information can be presented to Cook County officials as soon as possible.
 

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel said the survey is being used to gather data on the scope of private property damage sustained during the Sept. 27 downpour.
 

This information will allow Flossmoor to appeal to the Cook County Department of Homeland Security to conduct a damage assessment.
 

Other towns like Chicago Heights and Peotone are also putting out surveys for this purpose, she said.
 

“Based on their assessment, not only in Flossmoor but any other community that sustained flooding damage, (the CCDHS) then will hopefully turn to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and seek a state declaration of disaster,” Wachtel said.
 

If a declaration of disaster is made, the U.S. Small Business Administration would then make loans available for home and business owners who need financial assistance to offset damage costs.
 

“These loans can be applied to anything from home damages to (losses in) businesses inventory, even vehicles that were flooded out,” Wachtel said. “From what I understand, the loans are pretty flexible, and they are low interest.”
 

In addition to submitting information via the survey, the village also asks residents and business owners to keep receipts from any services (such as pumping out/cleaning up flood water), replacement items or miscellaneous expenses incurred as a result of the flood.