RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY FLASH FLOODING ON AUGUST 15-17, 2026
Over the past weeks, community leaders, community partners, disaster relief organizations, public safety agencies, IEMA, and state and federal elected officials have been working together to respond to the large-scale impacts across our communities. Fulton County has received one of the largest rainfall totals in its history, resulting in losses across the County. As such, a Coalition of agencies has come together to help the impacted communities.
QUESTIONS/ANSWERS:
Q) Will residents receive state/federal aid?
A) At this time, this is unknown. The first step in this process is to capture where the damage is, what the needs are, and who needs help. Assistance from federal/state agencies is not a decision made at the local level. Every resource is being brought in to complete this process, and we would like to thank Illinois State Senator Anderson, Congressman Sorensen, and Congresswoman Miller for their support. Residents are strongly encouraged to keep all receipts, document all losses, and take photographs.
Q) Who can I contact if I still need assistance with clean up?
A) Residents can contact the Salvation Army in Canton (309-647-0732). The Flood Response Coalition is working to engage volunteer organizations to help with cleanup (often called muck-outs) and sanitation processes.
Q) Why should I report my damage and loss?
A) It is very important for everyone in Fulton County to report their loss, even if it was minimal, because it all adds up. The goal is to provide proof to the federal government of our total loss, and in order to residents to receive FEMA assistance, we have to meet a very high threshold of loss, so we need all residents to report.
Q) How do I submit details of my losses?
A) There are multiple ways to submit the information into the disaster database. Residents can scan this QR code with your cell phone camera, then tap to follow the link to the survey by arc123
or visit the Salvation Army in Canton or visit the libraries in Canton, Cuba, and Fairview. Staff will assist residents in accessing and completing the survey.
or for anyone who cannot access via computer or by visiting the library, they can also simply call 211 on the telephone! This is a new service recently established in Fulton County to help bring resource education and assistance to our area residents. If you cannot do any of the above options, contact 211 by dialing 211 or calling 309-999-4029.
•This voluntary survey collects information on disaster damages to guide next steps. It does not guarantee federal assistance. Your information may be shared with emergency management officials and partner agencies.
•Report information regarding only your primary residence. If you rent, focus on personal property and habitability.
•Be as accurate as possible; estimates are okay if exact details are unknown.
•If your home is inaccessible or unsafe, note that and avoid entering.
•Completion time: 10-15 minutes
Q) I am a SNAP benefit recipient, and I lost food due to my power being out of service. What can I do?
A) Current Illinois SNAP customers may be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits if there was a power outage of over 4 hours or food was destroyed. Visit this Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) page to learn about assistance :https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=18623
Lastly, we close with this. This will be a long process, a marathon, not a sprint. Please know that the Flood Response Coalition communicates daily to help bring in resources for those in need. Community groups from across the state, made up of volunteers who help residents in need, are being contacted to pool resources, and a lot is going on behind the scenes.