Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LOCAL DISASTER DECLARATION AND DIRECTING RELATED ACTIONS FOR THE JULY 27, 2026 SEVERE STORM EVENT
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WHEREAS, on Monday, July 27, 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-0 tornado impacted western and northwestern 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 Monday'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).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Orland Park, Cook and Will Counties, Illinois, as follows:
SECTION 1
Local Disaster Declaration.
The Mayor is authorized and directed to issue a Local Disaster Proclamation pursuant to 20 ILCS 3305/11, with immediate effect.
SECTION 2
Activation of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
The Village is authorized to furnish aid and assistance, including but not limited to emergency protective measures, debris clearance, public safety operations, and coordination of resources.
SECTION 3
Operational Actions and Restoration Priorities.
A. Life-safety first: mitigate hazards (e.g., downed lines, unsafe intersections), deploy traffic control, and safeguard the public;
B. Access & mobility: clear rights-of-way and intersections; coordinate street sweeping and debris operations;
C. Neighborhood debris removal: sustain curbside brush/chipper service and as needed, employ contracted crews to accelerate pickup;
D. Resident support: maintain cooling-center services, direct residents to appropriate reporting channels, and continue public information updates;
E. Assessment & reporting: compile service metrics and damage counts and prepare follow-up briefings to the Village Board.
SECTION 4
Interagency Coordination.
A. Submit damage documentation and requests to Cook County EMRS;
B. Coordinate with IEMA‑OHS Region 4 on state assessments and eligibility determinations;
C. Support any subsequent Governor's proclamation and, if warranted, state/federal requests including FEMA and SBA programs.
SECTION 5
Damage & Cost Documentation.
A. Damaged infrastructure and public property;
B. Emergency response and cleanup costs (labor/overtime, contract services, materials/equipment);
C. Resident impacts (e.g., flooded homes, displacement);
D. Storm-related issues (tree removal, downed power lines, blocked drains).
SECTION 6
Finance & Procurement.
The Finance Director is directed to establish appropriate project/account codes to capture event-related costs and to utilize emergency procurement provisions consistent with Village Code and applicable law, ensuring transparency, rapid response capability, and audit-ready records for potential assistance programs.
SECTION 7
Communications & Public Outreach.
The Communications team shall continue public information activities, including safety reminders, service updates, and assistance resources, and shall share any county/state resident damage survey links or instructions as coordinated through EMRS/IEMA‑OHS.
SECTION 8
Reporting to the Board.
Staff shall provide the Village Board with a comprehensive after‑action report and a detailed damage/cost summary, including any recommended budget amendments, mutual‑aid actions, or policy adjustments.
SECTION 9
Effective Date.
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption.