After the Storm: Northwest Indiana Comes Together

Over the last few days, our communities have been reminded just how quickly life can change.

The severe storms that moved through Northwest Indiana on August 11 left significant damage throughout La Porte County. La Porte and Michigan City were among the communities dealing with widespread power outages, fallen trees, downed power lines, damaged homes and businesses, flooding, and roads that became difficult or impossible to travel. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of up to 75 mph in La Porte County.

For many families, the storm didn't end when the rain stopped.

People are still cleaning up their yards, trying to figure out how to repair damage to their homes, replacing spoiled food, waiting for power to be restored, and trying to get their families back into a normal routine. Schools have even been affected, with storm damage and power outages delaying the start of the school year in both La Porte and Michigan City.

But through all of the destruction, we have also seen something powerful: neighbors helping neighbors.

People are opening their homes to friends who need a shower or electricity. Crews are working long hours to restore power. First responders are clearing roads and keeping people safe. Local organizations are distributing meals, water and other necessities.

That is what community looks like.

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out

If your family has been affected, there are resources available.

Indiana 211: Indiana residents can call 211 or 866-211-9966 for assistance and information about available resources. Indiana 211 also plays an important role in collecting residential storm damage reports. Reporting damage helps state and local officials understand the extent of a disaster and determine what additional assistance may become available.

The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has been actively responding throughout Northwest Indiana with food, water and emergency assistance. In La Porte County, teams have distributed meals and hydration and deployed a mobile feeding kitchen into storm-damaged neighborhoods.

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross in Michigan City can help connect residents affected by disasters with available assistance. Their disaster assistance line is 888-684-1441.

Because resources and distribution locations can change as recovery continues, please verify current availability before traveling to a location.

If Your Home Was Damaged

If you have damage to your home, your first instinct may be to immediately start fixing everything. Before you do, take a few important steps.

Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup or permanent repairs begin. Contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible and ask what documentation they need. Keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary lodging and other storm-related expenses.

If you need to make immediate repairs to prevent additional damage, document the condition before and after the work whenever it is safe to do so.

Be cautious when hiring contractors after a major storm. Unfortunately, disasters can attract scammers. Verify contractors, get estimates in writing, understand what you're signing and be extremely cautious about paying large amounts upfront.

And if your home has significant damage and you have a mortgage, contact your mortgage servicer before making major decisions involving insurance proceeds or extensive repairs. Depending on the circumstances, your mortgage company may need to be involved in the insurance claim and repair process.

We Are More Than a Mortgage Company

At Ruoff Mortgage, homes are what we work with every day, but behind every home is a family.

Right now, mortgages and real estate may be the last thing on someone's mind, and that's okay.

Our concern is that our neighbors are safe, have the resources they need and know they aren't navigating this alone. Whether you're a client, Realtor, friend, neighbor or simply someone in our community who isn't sure where to turn, please reach out.

If we don't have the answer, we'll do our best to help connect you with someone who does.

Northwest Indiana has been through some difficult days, but if there is one thing our communities continue to prove, it's that when things get hard, we show up for one another.

There is still cleanup ahead. There are still families waiting for normalcy to return. But there are also thousands of people helping, rebuilding and reminding each other what it means to be a community.

NWI, we're thinking about you. We're here for you. And we'll get through this together.