Storm Recovery

FEMA disaster assistance is available to eligible Northwest Indiana residents affected by the Aug. 11 storm after a Major Disaster Declaration was approved for the State of Indiana.

The declaration makes federal assistance programs available to residents in Lake, LaPorte and Porter Counties. More information about these programs is forthcoming, but residents can begin the FEMA application process by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling FEMA at 800-621-3362.

The State of Indiana has launched the August Disaster Resource Hub, which serves as a resource center for individuals seeking assistance related to Aug. 11 severe weather. Visit on.in.gov/August2026Disaster for more information.

Residents affected by the Aug. 11 severe storm are encouraged to call 211 or visit in211.org from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to inquire about services and resources available to you.

If your home or property was damaged by the August storms and insurance isn’t covering the cost to repair or replace the items, FEMA may be able to help. If you intend to apply for FEMA assistance, submit your application by end of day, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. FEMA has prepared an Indiana Disaster Recovery Update with more information.

Apply in one of two ways:

1.Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

2.Call 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

If you've already submitted an application to FEMA, the agency has prepared information on Your Next Steps in the process.

FEMA Rental Assistance may be available if you can’t safely live in your home because of the August 2026 disaster. This assistance can help you secure temporary housing while your home is being repaired or replaced. They are a variety of eligible temporary housing types available through FEMA.

Mitigation for Homeowners

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through construction and remodeling best practices.

If you applied for FEMA assistance in Indiana following the August 2026 severe storms and flooding, you may receive additional funds for specific mitigation measures to help prevent loss in the future. If you are eligible, after receiving your initial Home Repair Assistance award letter, applicants whose Home Repair Assistance includes additional funds for mitigation measures will receive a follow-up letter explaining the intended mitigation measures. Assistance for mitigation measures is limited and will only be provided for elements of the home that were present and functional before they were damaged by the disaster.

Flood Insurance

Most homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage.

Between 2003 and 2023, 99% of counties in the United States experienced a flood event. Flood insurance can protect your home from damage during a flooding event so you can recover faster.

FEMA offers tips to protect your home from flooding damage and wind damage.

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 American Red Cross is ready to help people experiencing roadblocks to recovery after the recent tornado, flooding and derecho impacted the Indiana Region.

Applications for financial assistance must be completed in person. For the latest information on Red Cross Service Center locations and hours, visit redcross.org/gethelp or call 800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to individuals, businesses and nonprofits impacted by the August 2026 severe weather and flooding.

Deadline for physical damage application: Oct. 25, 2026
Deadline for economic injury application: May 25, 2027

Apply by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster/

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.

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.

There are a variety of online resources available when it comes to preparing for storms like we experienced in June and August. Below are links to information about establishing plans, creating disaster kits as well as other information to help prepare for such events.

https://www.ready.gov/plan

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster-relief/disaster-preparedness/

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html