Storm Recovery

Those affected by the Aug. 11 severe storm could qualify for emergency aid grants of up to $5,000 through the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). This fund is designed to help families secure essential items like clothing and uninsured medical devices while they are displaced from their homes.

For questions about SDRF, please call the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at 317-232-2222.

Learn more at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing temporary housing grants to help eligible displaced Hoosiers transition from emergency shelters into hotels, apartments and other temporary accommodations. Hoosiers in need of temporary housing can find more information at IN211.communityos.org or by calling 211. Additionally, Hoosiers can find American Red Cross shelters in impacted areas.

Residents also are encouraged to report their storm-related property damage by calling 211 or visiting in211.org and clicking on the “DISASTER REPORTING” tab. This information is used to determine the needs in the community and develop the next course of action in the disaster recovery process.

There is now an easy way to directly support Merrillville residents impacted by recent severe storms.

The Town of Merrillville has partnered with the Legacy Foundation to establish the Merrillville Emergency Response Fund, providing a secure way for individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute to local recovery efforts.

Donations can be made online at: https://legacyfdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5455

All funds collected will be used to assist residents as they recover and rebuild following the storm.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps our neighbors and strengthens our community as we continue moving forward together in The Heart of the Region.

With power out, many are using generators at their homes. It’s important to follow generator safety rules to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and it can be lethal.

If your generator is still running, these rules still apply:

·      Keep it at least 20 feet away from your home, with exhaust pointed away from windows and vents.

·      Never run it in a garage, basement, or shed — even with the door open.

·      Make sure your CO detectors are working — on every floor and outside sleeping areas.

·      If your alarm sounds, or you feel dizzy, nauseous, or confused — get outside immediately and call 911.

Stay safe while waiting for power to be fully restored.

Dyer Construction and Joe's Tree Service are handling the extensive cleanup efforts across our community. If you still have tree branches, limbs, or other storm-related debris, please move those items to the curb as soon as possible to ensure they are collected during this phase of the recovery. Our crews are making multiple passes as they travel neighborhood to neighborhood.

Thank you to our residents for your patience and cooperation as we continue making progress in Merrillville's recovery.

FEMA has compiled debris removal guidelines for property owners to help expedite the recovery process.

Debris removal update as of August. 17

LOCATIONS WHERE A FIRST PASS HAS BEEN COMPLETED:

• Turkey Creek North and South.

• Vermont Street

• Savanna Hills

• Georgia Heights

• Brookwood North and South

• An area with Johnson Street to the west and Harrison Street to the east. With 61st Avenue to the north and Turkey Creek to the south.

• An area 53rd/54th Avenues to the north and 57th Avenue to the south. From Broadway to Taft Street. (50% Complete)

• Whitcomb Street south of U.S.30

• Industrial park near Whitcomb Street

• 89th Street

• Chase Street

• 91st Street

• Teal Crossing, Bridgewood, Marion Woods, Waterford, Liberty Estates, and Chapel Hill Farms subdivisions

• 73rd Avenue to County Line

• West Mill Subdivision

• Lincoln Mill Subdivision

• County Line Road

• Randolph Street

CURRENT ACTIVE AREAS

• South of 61st from Interstate 65 to Broadway

• 64th Place to 73rd Avenue east of Broadway and west of Interstate 65

• Bon-Aire

• 54th to 57th Avenues west of Broadway to Taft Street

• South of 73rd to U.S. 30

• Taft Place to Burr Street

• Third Edition subdivision behind Great Escape

• U.S. 30 in Grassfield subdivision off 93rd Avenue and heading toward Sand Piper subdivision

The American Red Cross is urgently trying to locate homeowners and renters in Merrillville and surrounding communities whose homes were heavily damaged or destroyed during the recent severe weather event.

Financial assistance may be available to eligible individuals and families. Unfortunately, the Red Cross has been unable to reach many of those affected and wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to receive available assistance.

If your home or apartment sustained major damage or was destroyed, please get in touch with the American Red Cross as soon as possible:

1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)