Gov. Mike Braun gave an update Monday about Indiana’s statewide storm recovery efforts, including that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state Department of Homeland Security are working together on damage assessments for additional state and federal resources.
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“We are coming up on a week since the first round of severe weather hit our state, and my prayers remain with the families who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and so much,” Braun said in a Monday news release. “As floodwaters recede in parts of the state, I will continue urgently deploying every resource to help Hoosiers recover and make Indiana whole again.”
According to FEMA, President Donald Trump approved federal disaster assistance for Indiana on Saturday. Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties were included in the 53-county list.
Braun requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration last week. The governor plans to request a Major Disaster Declaration grant for more resources in the next two days, according to the news release.
Through the president’s action, FEMA can coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts “to alleviate the hardship and suffering” caused by last week’s storms statewide. According to the agency’s announcement, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, in a Monday statement, thanked the administration for its “prompt approval” of Indiana’s federal emergency declaration.
“This assistance will provide critical resources to communities across Northwest Indiana as they recover from the devastating impact of severe weather, flooding, and tornadoes,” Mrvan, D-Highland, said in his statement. “My office will continue working with federal, state, and local officials to secure every available resource to support residents, families, and communities affected by these storms.”
Mrvan encouraged those affected by storms to report damage to Indiana 211, and his statement said his office will provide federal assistance updates.
Following statewide storms last week, Braun declared a statewide emergency, directing the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to enlist support of other agencies and provide emergency services and mobilizing the National Guard for support. The guard was directed to provide “additional manpower and resources” in Gary, Munster and Hobart, according to Post-Tribune archives.
In addition to FEMA assistance, all Indiana public safety agencies, including the State Police, Department of Correction and Department of Natural Resources, are deployed on active emergency response missions. The state is also collecting damage reports through Indiana 211 to prioritize assessments and determine recovery needs.
The State Disaster Relief Fund will provide up to $5,000 in emergency aid grants to Hoosiers in need of assistance, and will provide basics like food and clothing to those who are displaced. Braun also launched emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit replacements for eligible recipients that lost food due to storms.
The state Department of Insurance is working with the attorney general’s office to help residents understand insurance coverage, identify next steps for uninsured losses and protect themselves from disaster-related scams. Consumer complaints can be filed at indianaconsumer.com.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing temporary housing grants for eligible displaced people, which can help with the transition from emergency shelters to hotels, apartments and temporary accommodations, according to the news release.
Those in need of temporary housing can find more information at IN211.communityos.org or by calling 211.
“We want displaced Hoosiers to have a hotel meal, a comfortable bed, and access to air conditioning,” Braun said in the news release.