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.

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.

Dyer Construction is expected to complete public curbside debris collection in tornado-affected areas on Friday, July 31.

The Town of Merrillville contracted Dyer Construction shortly after the June 11 tornado to assist with the extensive cleanup efforts across our community. If you still have tree branches, limbs, or other tornado-related debris, please move those items to the curb as soon as possible to ensure they are collected before this phase of the cleanup concludes.

While curbside collection is ending, recovery work will continue. Crews will remain in tornado-affected areas clearing debris from easements to restore access to critical utilities, including sanitary sewer infrastructure.

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

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)