KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging Kankakee County residents affected by the March 10 storm to begin pursuing repairs now that preliminary damage assessments are complete. The assessments were conducted by the Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“My gratitude goes out to the officials at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency for their hard work over the last few weeks getting these damage assessments done,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Now residents in the area can begin to rebuild what they’ve lost.”

The joint preliminary damage assessments may lead the state to request federal assistance if the level of damage exceeds state capabilities. However, residents should not wait for potential federal assistance to begin their recovery. Residents dealing with damaged property are strongly encouraged to take the following steps now:

• Contact their insurance providers and file claims as soon as possible.
• Document all damages with photos or videos and keep repair and cleanup receipts.
• Use proper safety precautions during cleanup.

Residents with unmet needs should dial 211 for social services assistance. For more information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882.