FEMA External Affairs Specialists Kristin Beilman and Cassie Ringsdorff discuss the recent Midwest flooding and FEMA’s mission with local Emergency Management officials. Many homes, businesses and roads were damaged and compromised due to severe flash flooding on April 18 and more than 7 inches of rain fell in parts of northeast and central Illinois. FEMA in conjunction with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency conducted Preliminary Damage Assessments to determine whether a disaster declaration was needed for Illinois.