Storm Recovery Resources

Supporting Businesses in NWI

Northwest Indiana Business Storm Recovery

Resources, updates and assistance for Northwest Indiana businesses impacted by the August 2026 storms

Crossroads Chamber is committed to helping our business community navigate recovery. This page will be updated as new local, state and federal resources become available.

Latest Recovery Updates
Last Updated October 14, 2026

FEMA Deadline Approaching for Northwest Indiana Residents Impacted by August Storms

For families across the Region displaced by roof cave-ins or extended structural damage, FEMA notes that rental assistance remains available on a case-by-case basis to cover temporary housing while primary residences are repaired. Recipients initially ...
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Governor Braun launches new program to help communities, property owners navigate disaster recovery

Gov. Mike Braun, through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), is launching the Substantial Damage Property Assistance Program to help local communities and property owners navigate recovery requirements following recent disasters.
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NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation Funding: $1M to Legacy Foundation

The NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO's parent company's charitable arm, is contributing to 17 local nonprofits to help with disaster relief and long-term recovery after the Aug. 11 derecho and the prolonged power outages that followed.
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Mrvan Requests Federal Investigation into NWI Power Outages

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting an investigation into the power outages following the derecho that struck Northwest Indiana on August 11, 2026.
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NEW: SBA Business Recovery Center Opens in Gary

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center in Indiana to assist businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning Aug. 11.
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Porter County Emergency Management Agency Announces One-Stop-Shop Information Center for Storm Assistance

The Porter County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), has established a One-Stop-Shop Information Center to help residents and businesses affected by the severe storm that occurred on ...
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FEMA approves $2.1M in aid for Hoosiers impacted by storms and flooding

The federal government has already approved more than $2.1 million in disaster assistance for Hoosiers impacted by an onslaught of storms and historic flooding in August, Gov. Mike Braun announced Sept. 2. More assistance will ...
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Governor Braun, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton Visit Storm Recovery Sites Across Indiana

Gov. Mike Braun and FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton visited the American Red Cross shelter in Gary as part of a tour of Indiana communities recovering from the storms. The state says 71 National Guard members ...
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Braun signs executive order that would allow state employees impacted by storm damage additional leave

Some employees of the state of Indiana who suffered storm and/or flooding damage are being granted special paid leave, according to a news release from the office of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun. Braun signed an ...
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Assistance available for eligible employees who lost their jobs due to storms

Governor Mike Braun announced today that assistance is now available for eligible employees who lost their jobs or had them interrupted by severe weather earlier this month and who live in the 21 counties approved ...
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FEMA Mobile Assistance Centers Open in Lake County

FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are offering in-person disaster assistance at rotating locations in Crown Point, Hobart, Gary and Munster through September 5. No appointment is required. Residents can receive help applying ...
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Trump approves major disaster declaration for 21 Indiana counties after deadly storms

Federal disaster aid is on the way to Hoosiers and communities across storm-battered Indiana after President Donald Trump approved the state’s request for a major disaster declaration. The declaration makes individual assistance available in 21 ...
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Governor Braun directs next phase of storm recovery for Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Braun today directed additional storm recovery efforts around the state of Indiana. “In the aftermath of historic storms, power outages, and flooding, the cleanup is significant. Debris management is a significant ...
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NIPSCO donating $2 million to Northwest Indiana storm relief, suspending disconnections

NIPSCO is donating $2 million to disaster relief and suspending disconnections after the Aug. 11 storm that devastated Northwest Indiana with a derecho, tornadoes and straight-line winds of more than 100 mph. The Merrillville-based utility(opens in ...
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Federal Disaster Assistance

Physical Damage Deadline: October 25, 2026
EIDL Deadline: May 25, 2027

A Major Disaster Declaration has been approved for Indiana following the August 11 storms, making federal recovery assistance available in affected counties, including Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties.

Eligible businesses and private nonprofits may apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans of up to $2 million to recover from physical damage and economic losses.

  • Business Physical Damage Loans
    Help repair or replace storm-damaged real estate, equipment, machinery, inventory and other business assets.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
    Help eligible small businesses meet operating expenses impacted by the disaster, even without physical property damage.

For more information review the PNP Fact Sheet, Official Presidential Declaration, and SBA Eligibility and Details Sheet.

Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance

Report Business Damage

If your business sustained property damage from the August storms, report the damage directly to your county Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Reporting helps local and state officials document the full impact of the storm and identify recovery needs.

Businesses should also document damage with photos, videos, receipts, repair estimates and records of damaged equipment or inventory. Keep records of closures, lost revenue and other storm-related expenses.

Businesses with storm-related property damage should contact their county Emergency Management Agency for guidance on reporting commercial damage and available recovery resources.

Tax Relief & Extended Filing Deadlines

New Deadline: February 1, 2027

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Indiana Department of Revenue have announced tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by the August 11, 2026, storms.

Eligible taxpayers in 21 Indiana counties, including Lake, Porter and LaPorte, now have until February 1, 2027, to file certain federal and state tax returns and make qualifying tax payments.

The extensions cover several tax obligations, including business income tax returns, certain quarterly estimated tax payments, and eligible payroll and excise tax returns.

What Businesses Should Know:

  • Eligible taxpayers within the designated disaster areas generally receive federal filing and payment extensions automatically.
  • Extensions apply to qualifying deadlines falling within the designated disaster relief period.
  • Certain tax obligations are excluded, and previously overdue taxes may not qualify.
  • Businesses should consult their tax professional to determine which deadlines and relief provisions apply to them.

Learn More:

IRS Disaster Tax Relief Announcement

Indiana Department of Revenue Disaster Relief

Insurance Relief for Storm-Impacted Businesses (opens in new tab)

The Indiana Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 280 on August 17, 2026, calling for a 60-day moratorium on insurance cancellations and nonrenewals resulting from storm-related missed premium payments.

The relief applies to policyholders directly affected by the August storms and includes a suspension of associated late-payment penalties during the moratorium period.

The moratorium does not eliminate premiums owed. Policyholders should contact their insurance providers to discuss outstanding payments, available payment arrangements and any additional extensions.

Review Indiana Department of Insurance Bulletin 280

Access trusted local, state and federal resources for the latest disaster information, recovery assistance and business support.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Statewide disaster updates, available assistance and recovery information.

Indiana 211
Connections to local disaster assistance, community services and recovery resources.

Indiana Department of Insurance
Insurance guidance and protections for storm-impacted policyholders.

U.S. Small Business Administration
Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to eligible businesses and private nonprofits for physical damage and economic losses related to the August 11 storms.

Local Emergency Management Agencies
Updates and resources specific to affected Northwest Indiana communities.

Substantial Damage Property Assistance Program
This program is especially relevant to businesses with flood-damaged commercial property. For guidance on substantial damage assessments, permitting, and rebuilding requirements for properties in regulated floodplains, call 833-495-9888.

Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund
Household assistance eligibility and procedures for emergency grants up to $5,000.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Learn More and Apply

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible workers and self-employed individuals whose employment or ability to work was directly impacted by the August 11 storms.

Eligible individuals in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties may receive temporary unemployment benefits if they are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance.

Application Deadline: October 27, 2026

Get In-Person Assistance

Find Resources

FEMA and state representatives are offering in-person assistance at rotating locations throughout Lake County. View current locations and hours through the Indiana Disaster Information Hub.