Information for residents affected by the August 11, 2026 derecho, flooding and severe weather
The August 11 severe weather event caused widespread damage across Northwest Indiana, including high winds, flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and property damage. If you or someone you know was affected, start by calling Indiana 211 (or 866-211-9966) to report damage and connect with local support.
Residents in Lake and Porter counties are specifically encouraged to file reports, as this helps state officials assess the full extent of the disaster and determine ongoing recovery needs.
For eligible uninsured damage to a primary home, financial assistance is currently available through Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), a separate process from filing a 211 report, with applications accessible on the Indiana DHS Disaster Hub.
Please note that while Indiana has requested a federal Major Disaster Declaration, it has not yet been approved, so residents should not apply for FEMA assistance at this time. Should federal aid become available, residents will be directed to apply for FEMA support through DisasterAssistance.gov.
If your home or property was damaged by the August 11 storm, report the damage even if you don’t know whether you qualify for assistance.
Call: 211 or 866-211-9966
You can report damage to:
- Your home
- Roof or structural damage
- Flooding or water damage
- Fallen trees
- Storm debris
- Damaged belongings
- Other storm-related property damage
Residents in Lake and Porter counties are among those specifically asked to report storm damage through Indiana 211.
Important: Reporting damage to 211 does not automatically apply you for financial assistance. If you believe you qualify for the State Disaster Relief Fund, you must submit a separate application.
Before cleaning up: Take photos and videos of damage, save receipts and keep documentation of repairs and other storm-related expenses.
SNAP food replacement
If you lost food that was purchased with SNAP benefits because of the storm, flooding or an extended power outage, you may be eligible to have those SNAP benefits replaced.
Call FSSA: 1-800-403-0864
You can also visit the FSSA Benefits Portal or contact your local Division of Family Resources office.
For the August 11 storm, the current deadline to submit the required affidavit for replacement benefits is August 31, 2026. The required form is State Form 40988.
WIC food or formula replacement
Families participating in WIC who lost WIC-approved food or infant formula because of the storm should contact Indiana WIC.
Indiana WIC: 1-800-522-0874
Ask about replacing WIC foods or formula lost because of the August 11 storm or related power outage.
Need food right now?
Call 211 or 866-211-9966 to find:
- Food pantries
- Emergency food assistance
- Meal programs
- Food delivery
- Senior meal programs
- Other local food resources
You can also search the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana resource directory.
If your home has flooding, water damage, roof damage, structural damage or damage from fallen trees or debris:
First, document the damage.
Take photos and videos before removing damaged items whenever it is safe to do so. Keep receipts for cleanup, temporary lodging, repairs and replacement items.
State Disaster Relief Fund
Indiana is currently accepting applications for the State Disaster Relief Fund for eligible residents whose primary residence was impacted by the August 11 disaster.
Eligible assistance may include certain uninsured losses involving:
- Home repairs
- Essential appliances and furnishings
- Debris removal
- Essential tools
- Medical devices
- Essential transportation
Eligibility and available assistance depend on the circumstances of the household and the location of the damaged residence.
Important: This is separate from reporting damage through 211.
Learn more and apply for the State Disaster Relief Fund
Insurance
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage.
Do not make major permanent repairs until you have documented the damage and spoken with your insurer, unless immediate repairs are necessary to protect people or prevent further damage.
If your home is not safe to live in because of flooding, structural damage, lack of utilities or other storm damage:
Call 211 or 866-211-9966.
211 can help connect you with available:
- Emergency shelter
- Temporary housing
- Hotel assistance
- Rental assistance
- Housing navigation
- Other local disaster resources
Indiana is also coordinating temporary housing resources for eligible residents displaced by the storm.
If you have nowhere safe to stay tonight, call 211 rather than waiting for assistance to become available online.
Storm cleanup can create additional health and safety concerns.
Resources may be available for:
- Flood cleanup
- Debris removal
- Cleaning supplies
- Mold concerns
- Well-water testing
- Drinking-water safety
- Other post-flood needs
Call 211 to find locally available cleanup and recovery resources.
If your private well was affected by flooding, do not assume the water is safe to drink. Visit the Indiana Department of Health for information about water testing and flood-related health concerns.
Older adults and people with disabilities may need additional assistance if they cannot safely leave their homes.
Call 211 or 866-211-9966 and ask specifically about:
- Home-delivered meals
- Senior nutrition programs
- Food delivery
- Transportation
- Emergency food
- Wellness checks
- Other in-home support
You can also contact the Eldercare Locator:
For local food resources, visit the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana resource directory.
If you are concerned that an older adult may be without food, water, medication or a safe place to stay, don’t wait for a website response — call 211. If there is an immediate medical or life-safety emergency, call 911.
Every household’s needs will be different. Indiana 211 can help connect residents with local organizations and services for:
- Housing
- Food
- Transportation
- Clothing
- Utilities
- Cleaning supplies
- Shelters
- Financial assistance
- Senior services
- Health and wellness resources
- Other disaster-related needs
Call 211 or 866-211-9966
Indiana’s official disaster resource page is also being updated as new resources become available.
Unfortunately, scammers often appear after disasters. Be cautious of anyone who:
- Shows up unexpectedly offering repairs
- Demands cash or a large payment upfront
- Pressures you to sign a contract immediately
- Claims to be FEMA and asks for money
- Promises to guarantee disaster assistance
- Asks for your Social Security number or bank information unexpectedly
- Wants your insurance check signed over to them
- Refuses to provide a written estimate
- Wants payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency
Remember:
FEMA assistance is free. You should never pay someone to apply for FEMA assistance or to have your disaster application processed.
And because a federal Major Disaster Declaration has not yet been approved for the August 11 event, be especially cautious of anyone currently claiming they can “get you FEMA money” for this storm.
Before hiring a contractor:
- Get multiple estimates.
- Verify licenses and insurance.
- Get the agreement in writing.
- Don’t sign a blank contract.
- Don’t pay the entire amount upfront.
- Don’t sign over your insurance check.
To report suspected fraud:
FTC Report Fraud
If You Don’t Know Where to Start
Call Indiana 211
Dial 211 or 866-211-9966
Indiana 211 can help you find available resources based on your location and specific needs, and residents in affected counties can also use 211 to report storm damage.
