Tornado Recovery

Residents also are encouraged to report their storm-related property damage by calling 211 or visiting in211.org and clicking on the “DAMAGE 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.

If your primary residence was damaged in the June 11 tornado and you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for up to $25,000 through Indiana's State Disaster Relief Fund to help with recovery.

Learn more and apply at: https://on.in.gov/sdrf

The State Disaster Relief Fund applies only to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. State funding cannot replace insurance coverage, which is the primary and best source of protection from storm damage. The fund only addresses the costs of repairing, replacing or restoring property that is the primary residence of the applicant, and cannot be used to help pay insurance deductibles.

The American Red Cross has relocated its temporary shelter for residents impacted by the June 11 tornado to Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Ave.

If your home was damaged and you are unable to safely stay there or secure other accommodations, the shelter is available and equipped with cots, blankets, meals, and snacks for those in need. Shower facilities are also available on site.

Beginning Thursday, June 25, the Red Cross plans to provide additional support services at the shelter, including health, mental health and spiritual care resources.

Residents in need of temporary shelter or recovery assistance are encouraged to visit Pierce Middle School for support as recovery efforts continue.

Many residential garbage totes were damaged during the June 11th tornado. The town will cover the replacement costs, so residents will not be charged to replace their Waste Management totes that were damaged during the extreme weather. If your tote was damaged in the tornado, call Waste Management at 800-964-8988 and indicate the Town of Merrillville is covering the costs of the new container.

As cleanup continues, the town has arranged for more Dumpsters to be placed throughout the community. Dumpsters will be at the following locations:

57th Ave. and Massachusetts St. (church parking lot)

58th Ave. and Roosevelt St.

58th Ave. and McKinley St.

5951 Hayes St.

5998 Polk Court

6073 Grant Place

61st Ave. and Arthur

63rd Ave. and Taney Ct.

63rd Ave. and Taft St.

There is now an easy way to directly support Merrillville residents impacted by the June 11 tornado.

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.

Merrillville Police Officers will continue conducting 24-hour patrols in neighborhoods impacted by the storm and will maintain this enhanced presence for the foreseeable future.

As always, if you have an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

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.

With the massive amount of downed trees and branches in the community following last week’s tornado, the town has hired Clemons Tree Service and Dyer Construction to assist with curbside removal of these items. Merrillville is working to hire additional contractors to remove trees, limbs and branches throughout The Heart of the Region. We will get to all the affected locations, but it will take some time. We thank the community for all your hard work as you clean up and navigate the recovery process.

United Way Northwest Indiana is seeking volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts. In particular, the organization is seeking heavy equipment operators, chainsaw operators, tree service professionals, contractors and skilled tradespeople, truck and trailer owners as well as general labor volunteers.

This volunteer event starts at 8 a.m. Friday, June 26 at 61st Avenue and Taft Street in Merrillville. Those interested in volunteering can visit https://c64.npasonline.org/epledge/Volunteer/VolOpInfo.jsp?hnbr=65313A415156726345716743396A6D684E68754A6C486C3553735241482D43334559556F48616330533759666630*0 to register.

Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers interested in assisting local families as they clear debris from their properties.

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to fill out the Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Registration Form.

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)