Disaster recovery center opening in Lisle

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is opening a disaster recovery center in Lisle so DuPage County property owners dealing with flood damage can have another way to apply for federal assistance.

County officials said the recovery center will debut Thursday at the Lisle Police Department, 5040 Lincoln Ave. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin said in a statement that more than 9,000 DuPage homes and businesses were damaged during last month’s flood. He said the federal government is providing grants and low-interest loans to help cover some of the uninsured costs endured by families.

While the recovery center gives property owners the chance to apply in person, they also can register directly with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting the disasterassistance.gov website.

The toll-free telephone number will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice.

“They will receive the same kind of assistance from FEMA personnel as they would in person at the disaster recovery center,” Cronin said.

A presidential disaster declaration came after DuPage’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management worked with FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to collect flood damage reports from residents and businesses.

The declaration provides financial assistance to flood victims through grants to help with temporary housing, home repairs or replacement and other flood-related expenses, officials said. Low-interest loans also are available to residents and businesses.

Even though the Lisle Police Department is housing the recovery center, questions about federal disaster assistance and the center should be directed to FEMA.

For more information on how to apply for federal funding, visit ProtectDuPage.org.