Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LOCAL DISASTER DECLARATION AND DIRECTING RELATED ACTIONS FOR THE AUGUST 11, 2026 SEVERE STORM EVENT
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WHEREAS, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, severe thunderstorms and tornado activity impacted the Village of Orland Park, causing power interruptions, roadway hazards, debris, and other conditions affecting the public health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 105 mph impacted southern Orland Park; and
WHEREAS, under State of Illinois Statute 20 ILCS 3305/11 (Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act), a local disaster may be declared only by the principal executive officer of a political subdivision (including a Mayor or Village President) and the effect of a declaration is to activate the political subdivision's emergency operations plan and authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance; and the Village Board seeks to support and effectuate such actions in response to Tuesday's event; and
WHEREAS, the Village must promptly document all storm-related damages and losses, including damage to infrastructure and public property, emergency response and cleanup costs, resident impacts, and storm-related issues such as downed trees and power lines, to ensure accurate recordkeeping and eligibility assessments;
WHEREAS, the Village's request for assistance and related documentation shall be submitted to the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS), which serves as the primary point of contact and will coordinate with IEMA-Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Region 4 on state-level assessments and next steps; and, where damages exceed local/county capabilities, such coordination may culminate in a Governor's proclamation and, if warranted, a request for a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to unlock federal programs (FEMA Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, SBA loans, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program).
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