Damage Assessment Survey for Residents Affected by Thunderstorms on July 27, 2026

Residents Asked to Complete Surveys to Compile Data

Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are reviewing damage from the severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that occurred July 27, 2026; and asking that residents who have been impacted by these storms submit an initial damage assessment.

Several municipalities in Cook County, including the City of Chicago, experienced power outages, downed power lines, tree removal emergencies, debris, localized roadway flooding and structural emergencies due to the storm system. Immediately after the weather events, EMRS regional coordinators visited impacted neighborhoods to assess damage, gather information on community needs and provide municipal leaders with recovery resources, support and information.

EMRS and OEMC are partnering with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency – Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) to compile additional information related to the severity and number of damages that occurred. This supplemental information will help determine if the County, along with partners at OEMC and IEMA-OHS can pursue options for additional assistance for residents. Reporting damages to emergency management is voluntary. It is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. 

The survey closes Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Residents can respond to the survey by visiting the Illinois Residential Self-Assessment Survey online or downloading the link with the QR Code below:

Cook County will continue to coordinate with suburban municipal partners, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to analyze the extent of the damage from these storms and will pursue any available assistance on behalf of impacted residents.

Note: Residents can access the survey in English, Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian or Mandarin by selecting the preferred language at the top of the survey.