(UPDATE 7/15/26): Rock County has announced that a Disaster Recovery Center is opening today, Wednesday, July 15, to assist residents, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the April severe weather event. The center will be staffed by FEMA and SBA specialists who can provide one-on-one assistance with disaster recovery applications, explain available programs and eligibility, answer questions, and help residents navigate each step of the recovery process.

The City of Janesville has been informed that Rock County has been included in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Major Disaster Declaration issued for the State of Wisconsin. This designation allows eligible residents throughout Rock County, including those in the City of Janesville, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance to help recover from the impacts of the severe weather and flash flooding experienced on April 17.

“We appreciate this important federal action, which will provide meaningful relief to Janesville residents impacted by the April 17 storm,” said Janesville City Council President Larry Squire. “The dedication of City staff and our strong partnership with Rock County have proven instrumental throughout this process, and we look forward to this assistance offering much‑needed support to those working to recover.”

FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by disasters. Additionally, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program reimburses eligible local governments and qualified nonprofits for emergency response efforts, debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to public infrastructure.

“Our community’s swift and coordinated response to the April 17 storms was critical in securing this federal disaster declaration,” said Kelly Bedessem, the City of Janesville’s Director of Housing and Emergency Management. “City staff worked tirelessly to document impacts and support residents, and we are grateful to our colleagues across Rock County, partner agencies, and the many community members whose prompt reporting of damages ensured decision‑makers had the accurate information needed to move this declaration forward.”

A Disaster Recovery Center will be established in Rock County in the coming days to provide in‑person support and resources. The City of Janesville will share information about the center’s location and hours of operation with the community once they are available. Impacted homeowners and renters in Janesville can immediately begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling FEMA at 1‑800‑621‑3362.

Community members are reminded that when applying for assistance, they should verify that:

• The damaged home is their primary residence.
• They have not received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance.
• They can be reached by FEMA using the contact information provided in the application.

When applying for assistance, residents will need to provide:

• Contact information, including an email address.
• Their address at the time of the disaster and their current address, if different.
• Social Security number.
• Annual household income.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information, if they choose direct deposit.
• Insurance information, including policy number or the name of their insurance agent or company.

For help with an application or to apply by phone, community members may contact the FEMA Helpline at 1‑800‑621‑3362. Individuals using a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service (CTS), or another accessibility resource should provide FEMA with the number associated with that service.

After FEMA issues a decision, community members who disagree with the determination may appeal:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• In person at a Disaster Recovery Center (location to be announced).
• By mail or fax.

For more information on the disaster assistance process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.