Residents Affected by Skokie Water Main Break Seek Solutions at Tuesday Evening Gathering

In Skokie, Illinois, residents affected by flooding due to a water main break are eager for answers at an upcoming meeting. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday night, aims to address concerns and provide information.

Some say they are hoping to get the financial help they need to get their lives back on track.

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Local officials from Skokie are organizing the meeting to specifically address the recent water main break that occurred on Friday. They will also explore potential financial assistance options for residents impacted by the incident, such as Kathleen Schmidt.

Schmidt says she and her father had three of their vehicles damaged when floodwaters from the break got within 3 feet of their home.

“It’s just been really, really hard on our family. We’re fortunate that it didn’t get into our basement, but it came pretty close,” Schmidt said.

The single mother of triplets has since had to rent a car to get her to and from work, and her father has been relying on rides from friends.

The loss of her vehicles, she says, has turned their family’s life upside down as they navigate how to pay for repairs and new transportation.

On Tuesday night, she and many others are hoping that financial help is on the way.

“Residents like Kathleen Schmidt are seeking clarity on how the authorities plan to assist in replacing lost belongings. For example, Schmidt mentions that her father’s two older cars were damaged, making it challenging to afford replacements due to insurance coverage limitations,” said Schmidt.

Skokie officials say they responded to the water main break near East Prairie and Emerson in the early morning hours last Friday.

Chopper 7 captured the scope of the damage, impacting homes and vehicles, from above.

The break prompted a boil order over three days after crews were able to repair the water main.

But for many residents, the cleanup continues.

Schmidt says she and other residents received flyers from the village asking them to detail a description of the damage so they can prepare a report for Cook County Emergency Management.