Disaster Recovery
Recovering after a disaster
If your home, family, or business has been affected by a storm, flood, fire, or other disaster, this page walks you through what to do first and where to find help. Take it one step at a time — you don't have to do everything today.
If anyone is hurt or in danger, or you smell gas, see fire, or spot downed power lines, get to safety and call 911 right away. Do not go back into a damaged building until officials say it is safe.
Call 911Your first 24–48 hours
These steps are in order for a reason: stay safe first, then protect your claim, then ask for help. Work through them as you're able.
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1
Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for
Stay out of damaged structures until they have been inspected. Watch for broken glass, nails, and unstable floors or ceilings.
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2
Check for hazards before you do anything else
If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911 or your utility from outside. Treat all downed power lines as live. Don't touch wet electrical equipment.
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3
Call your insurance company and open a claim
Insurance is your first and best source of recovery. Federal and state programs are limited and only help with costs your insurance doesn't cover — so start your claim as soon as you can.
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4
Document the damage before you clean up
Take photos and video of everything, inside and out, before you move or throw anything away. Keep receipts for repairs, lodging, and supplies.
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5
Report your damage to Indiana 211
Reporting damage helps the county and state measure the impact and decide whether disaster assistance can be opened. Call 866-211-9966 or dial 211.
Getting financial help
Start with insurance, then explore the programs below. Some federal and state programs only open after a disaster is formally declared for our area — so check current status or call us if you're not sure what's available.
Your insurance company
Homeowners, renters, flood (NFIP), auto, business
File your claim right away and keep a record of every call. By law, FEMA and state funds cannot pay for losses your insurance already covers, so your policy comes first. If you have flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program, file that claim separately.
FEMA Individual Assistance
Available only when a federal major disaster is declared for our county
FEMA may offer grants for temporary housing, essential home repairs, and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Have your insurance information, Social Security number, and damage details ready when you apply.
Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF)
For Hoosiers who are uninsured or underinsured · primary residence only
When the state opens the SDRF for a declared event, it can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your primary home where insurance falls short. It is not a replacement for insurance. Apply through Indiana 211, which can walk you through the process.
SBA low-interest disaster loans
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers long-term, low-interest loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property when an SBA declaration covers our area. Renters and homeowners can apply too — not just businesses.
Document your damage
Good records make every claim and application go faster. Try to capture this before cleanup begins.
- Photos and video of all damage — each room, the exterior, the roof, and any damaged vehicles.
- A written list of damaged or destroyed items, with approximate age and value where you can.
- Receipts for repairs, temporary lodging, cleanup supplies, and anything you buy because of the disaster.
- Your insurance policy number and the claim number once you've filed.
- Serial or model numbers for major appliances and electronics, if available.
- Don't throw soaked or destroyed items away until your insurer or an inspector has seen them — or you've photographed them thoroughly.
Staying safe during cleanup
More injuries often happen after a disaster than during it. A few precautions go a long way.
Water
Assume tap water may be unsafe until officials confirm otherwise. Follow any boil-water advisory, and use bottled or boiled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
Electricity
Never touch electrical equipment while wet or standing in water. If your home flooded, have a licensed electrician inspect it before power is restored.
Natural gas
If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately, don't flip any switches, and call 911 or your gas utility from a safe distance.
Generators & carbon monoxide
Run generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use them inside a home, basement, or garage — carbon monoxide is invisible and deadly.
Mold
Dry out and ventilate wet areas within 24–48 hours. Wear gloves and an N95 mask, and discard porous items (carpet, drywall, mattresses) that stayed soaked.
Food
Throw out any food that touched floodwater or sat above 40°F for more than a few hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
Where to take debris, recycling & hazardous waste
As you clear out damaged materials, the Southeastern Indiana Recycling District (SEIRD) runs drop-off centers across our seven-county area, including one right here in Franklin County. Their site lists every location, hours, and what each one accepts.
Franklin County Recycle Center
9076 Landfill Road, Metamora, IN 47030
Open Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. A good first stop for recyclable cleanup materials. Call ahead if you're unsure whether they'll take a specific item.
SEIRD recycle centers
Eight drop-off sites across seven counties
Find addresses, hours, and downloadable brochures for every center, plus guidance on difficult disposals and household hazardous waste — important for safely getting rid of paint, chemicals, batteries, and electronics damaged in a disaster, which should never go in regular trash.
Taking care of yourself and your family
Feeling shaken, exhausted, or overwhelmed after a disaster is completely normal. Support is available any time, day or night — you don't have to wait until things get worse to reach out.
If you need someone to talk to
These lines are free, confidential, and staffed around the clock.
Watch out for scams
Disasters bring out people who want to take advantage of survivors. Protect yourself:
- FEMA inspectors and legitimate officials carry photo ID and never charge a fee to apply or to inspect your home. If someone asks for payment, it's a scam.
- Be cautious with contractors who demand full payment up front, pressure you to sign immediately, or aren't licensed and insured. Get it in writing.
- Never give your Social Security number, banking details, or FEMA application number to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- If something feels off, slow down and verify. Report suspected fraud to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline or to local law enforcement.