Preliminary Damage Assessment for July Storm
Date: July 25-27, 2025
Did you have damage from late-July storms?
If so, a quick in-person review of the level of damage is key to having the State of Illinois request federal disaster recovery assistance for you. To handle those reviews, Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams will be in your area August 13–17.
Recovery teams have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and we ask that any homeowner, renter, or business owner with damage be available for the joint PDAs.
If you have already filled out the online survey and reported the damage to 3-1-1, we already have your address for a potential visit.
These joint PDAs will help determine if there was enough damage to qualify for a state disaster proclamation as well as FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance.
Even if you believe an SBA loan might not apply to you, keep in mind that these low-interest, long-term loans can help homeowners and renters with disaster recovery costs.
Facts About Joint PDAs
- Team members will include FEMA, SBA, IEMA-OHS, and local emergency management staff.
- Joint PDA staff will have photo identification.
- Teams do not enter your home.
- PDA teams do not use contractors and do not ask for payment for anything.
- Bi-lingual staff will be available.
- Multiple teams will be working across the city and county.
- Data collection is for determining city and county eligibility for assistance — don’t worry if you don’t receive a visit.
- Contact your homeowners or rental insurance company to learn if you are covered and for how much.
Deep Dive Resources
For those who want to learn more about the PDA process and assistance options:
