Local Disaster Emergency & Storm Recovery Update
Updated September 2, 2026
Recovery efforts continue throughout the Town of Porter following the severe storm that caused widespread damage throughout the community on August 11.
A federal Major Disaster Declaration has now been approved, making federal disaster assistance available to eligible Porter County residents and businesses. A multi-agency One-Stop-Shop Information Center will also be held in Portage September 9–12 to provide in-person assistance with FEMA and other disaster recovery programs.
Residents and businesses that experienced storm-related damage and have not yet reported their damage to Indiana 211 are still encouraged to do so.
FEMA Major Disaster Declaration & Individual Assistance
On August 25, 2026, a Major Disaster Declaration was approved for Indiana following the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began August 11.
Porter County is included among the counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.
Eligible homeowners and renters affected by the August 11 disaster may apply for FEMA assistance for disaster-related needs and expenses. Residents are encouraged to apply even if they have insurance, as FEMA may be able to assist with eligible disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance or other sources.
Residents may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:
- Online through DisasterAssistance.gov
- By calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362
- In person with FEMA representatives at available registration or disaster assistance locations
When applying, residents should be prepared to provide information such as their Social Security number, insurance information, information about the damage, contact information, financial information, and direct-deposit information, if available. An application may still be started if some information is not immediately available.
The federal disaster declaration is identified as FEMA-4933-DR.
In-Person Storm Assistance Available September 9–12
The Porter County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), will host a One-Stop-Shop Information Center for Porter County residents and businesses affected by the August 11 severe storm.
Representatives from multiple local, state, and federal agencies will be available in one location to help residents and businesses learn about available disaster assistance and navigate the recovery process.
Woodland Park – Sycamore Room
2100 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Dates & Hours:
- Wednesday, September 9 — 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10 — 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 11 — 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 12 — 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Residents and businesses will have an opportunity to ask questions about storm-related assistance, learn about available programs, receive help navigating application processes, and obtain information regarding FEMA assistance, insurance, housing, mold cleanup, replacement of vital records, BMV needs, and other recovery resources.
Participating agencies are expected to include the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Indiana Department of Insurance, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and additional agencies and organizations.
If your home, property, or business was affected by the August 11 storm, you are encouraged to attend even if you are unsure what assistance may be available to you. Representatives will be available to answer questions and help identify appropriate resources.
State Disaster Relief Fund
Indiana's State Disaster Relief Fund may provide assistance to eligible residents whose primary residence was damaged by the August 11 disaster.
State assistance is generally intended to address eligible uninsured or underinsured disaster-related losses and may include certain home repairs, essential furnishings and appliances, essential tools, debris removal, medical devices, and essential transportation.
Residents who previously applied for assistance through the State Disaster Relief Fund should also apply separately for FEMA Individual Assistance.
Additional information and the State Disaster Relief Fund application are available through the Indiana August 2026 Disaster Information Hub.
Assistance for Businesses, Homeowners & Renters
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to eligible businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters affected by the disaster.
Assistance may include loans for physical disaster damage. Businesses and nonprofit organizations may also qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help address disaster-related economic losses.
The deadline to apply for SBA assistance for physical property damage is October 25, 2026. The deadline for eligible economic injury applications is May 25, 2027.
Additional information is available through the Indiana August 2026 Disaster Information Hub or the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to certain eligible workers and self-employed individuals in Porter County whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the August 11 disaster.
DUA is intended for individuals whose unemployment is directly related to the disaster and who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance must be filed by October 27, 2026.
Information about eligibility and how to apply is available through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
Continue Reporting Storm Damage to Indiana 211
Residents and businesses that experienced storm-related damage and have not yet reported their damage are still encouraged to report it to Indiana 211.
Damage reports help state and local emergency management officials maintain a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the August 11 storm and support ongoing disaster recovery efforts.
Residents may call 211 or 866-211-9966 to report damage and obtain information about available community resources.
Indiana 211 can also help connect residents with resources involving food, clothing, cleaning supplies, housing, mental health services, mold concerns, debris removal, and other disaster-related needs.
Storm Debris & Brush Collection Continues
Public Works crews continue collecting brush, limbs, and tree debris throughout Town. The amount of debris generated by the August 11 storm is significantly greater than what crews would normally collect, and completing collection throughout the entire Town will take considerable time.
Crews are working through the community as quickly and safely as possible. Some areas may take longer to reach than others, and we greatly appreciate residents' continued patience during this process.
Residents should:
- Place storm-related brush and tree limbs at the curb.
- Keep vehicles and other obstructions away from debris piles.
- Place debris where there are no overhead obstructions so the grapple truck and other equipment can safely access the pile.
- Avoid placing debris in the roadway or where it could obstruct drainage.
- Continue to use caution around damaged trees, hanging limbs, utility lines, and other storm-related hazards.
Residents who hire contractors for tree removal, storm cleanup, or repair work are encouraged to verify that the contractor is properly licensed with the Town of Porter. Town licensing requirements help protect residents and their property by requiring applicable contractors to provide documentation such as bonding, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage.
Local Disaster Emergency Extended Through September 8
Town Council President William Lopez declared a Local Disaster Emergency for the Town of Porter following the severe storms that caused widespread damage throughout the community on August 11.
Although significant progress has been made since the storm, cleanup and recovery efforts remain ongoing.
On August 25, the Porter Town Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-05, further extending the Town's Local Disaster Emergency through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The extension allows the Town to continue its emergency management, mutual aid, disaster response, cleanup, recovery, and resource coordination efforts as needed.
Stay Informed
Disaster assistance programs and in-person assistance locations may continue to change as recovery efforts progress.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Indiana August 2026 Disaster Information Hub for the latest information regarding FEMA assistance, state assistance programs, disaster recovery locations, SBA assistance, damage reporting, and other available resources.
