18-02-2025
Skokie residents impacted by water main break can now report damages via email
SKOKIE, Ill. – Cleanup efforts are underway in Skokie after a large water main break Friday, and many residents are now turning their attention toward much needed repairs.
Crews in Skokie were notified about a break in one of the village's primary transmission mains near East Prairie and Emerson Street at around 5:15 a.m. Friday. The break left tens of thousands of residents without drinkable water over the weekend.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Skokie water main break causes widespread flooding, icy conditions, road closures
Residents lined up as village officials handed out pallets of water bottles over the weekend. A boil order was also issued Friday, but was lifted Sunday evening.
Those who live closest to the site of the break lost cars and had flooding in their basements.
'They removed the carpet. They put all kinds of machines and disinfected the whole thing,' resident Jack Kogan said.
Meanwhile, Kathleen Schmidt's home was spared, but her family lost three vehicles.
SEE ALSO: Boil order lifted for Skokie water customers after large water main break
'My dad had a smart car and a Honda Odyssey that's been with us since 2009, a Palisade; the smart car is my ride to work,' Schmidt said.
Schmidt, a mother and teacher, is now dealing with insurance companies and driving a rental car for the time being.
Village and county officials are stepping up their efforts to try and help those affected by seeking an emergency declaration.
'This is the first time in the history of the village we've done this. I would ask people to please be patient with us,' Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said.
'People have incurred losses. They should share those with the City of Skokie. That's how we determine the magnitude of the disaster,' Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle added.
PHOTOS: Water main break coating Skokie in ice, water
A village board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night where an emergency declaration resolution will be introduced for approval.
A new email address has also been set up for residents to submit damage information.
Affected residents should email riskmgmt@ and include their name, address, phone number, description of damages, an estimate of repairs and photos.
Anyone with additional questions is asked to call Skokie Public Works at 847-933-8427.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
