Governor Quinn Announces Federal Aid to Tornado Survivors Tops $1 Million

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced more than $1 million in federal aid has been approved to date to help people and households affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms. Federal grants totaling $1.06 million thus far will help with disaster-related expenses such as temporary home rental, home repairs and replacement of damaged personal property items.

"These grants are helping people put their lives back together after the deadly tornadoes," Governor Quinn said. "This federal aid is critical to the recovery process and I appreciate the Obama Administration's efforts to accelerate needed relief to people affected by the tornadoes. I urge everyone who suffered damage or loss to register for federal aid today."

Governor Quinn successfully secured federal aid for 15 counties just nine days after an Illinois November record of 25 tornadoes caused widespread destruction across the state. The federal disaster declaration includes Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford counties.

Anyone affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms is encouraged to register for federal assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the assistance program, has a toll-free telephone number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) (for hearing and speech impaired) to apply for assistance. Registration also can be done online at disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. The deadline to register for federal disaster aid is Jan. 27, 2014.

In addition to FEMA grants, disaster survivors may be eligible for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which were also made available under the federal disaster declaration.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in Brookport, East Peoria and Rantoul to help people apply for disaster aid and find out about other disaster programs available from SBA, state and local agencies and voluntary organizations. FEMA disaster assistance specialists are also available through Saturday Dec. 14 at the Diamond Village Hall to help tornado survivors.

For more information about locations of the DRCs and Diamond assistance center, visit Ready.Illinois.gov.