08/16/2026
To our friends, neighbors, clients, and communities throughout Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, and the surrounding areas:
With the severe storms and flooding impacting communities across Indiana, we know some local families may be dealing with water damage, storm damage, flooded basements, downed trees, damaged roofs, or other property concerns.
If your home or property has been affected, knowing what to do right now can make a big difference later. Please share this information with anyone in our community who may need it.
If there is an immediate danger, put safety first.
Do not enter areas with standing water if there is a possibility of electrical hazards, structural damage, contaminated water, or other unsafe conditions. For life-threatening emergencies or situations involving an immediate threat to people or property, call 911.
Report your damage.
Damage reports are extremely important. Local and state officials use this information to understand how widespread and severe a disaster is and to help determine what additional resources or assistance may be needed.
Indiana 211 can be reached by calling 211 or 866-211-9966 and can provide information regarding available resources and activated damage-reporting programs.
Residents of Tippecanoe County can also contact the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) at 765-742-1334 for local emergency management information and guidance.
Before cleaning up, document EVERYTHING you safely can.
Take plenty of photos and videos before removing damaged materials or throwing anything away.
Document things such as:
• Standing water and visible water lines
• Basements and crawlspaces
• Flooring, drywall, ceilings and walls
• Roof, siding and exterior damage
• HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems
• Furniture and appliances
• Personal belongings
• Vehicles, garages and outbuildings
• Fallen trees and other property damage
If possible, take both wide-angle photos showing the overall damage and close-up photos showing individual damaged items.
Keep receipts for everything related to the storm—including cleanup supplies, equipment rentals, temporary repairs, contractors, temporary housing, meals, and other necessary expenses.
After documenting the damage, take reasonable and safe steps to prevent additional damage to the property, including beginning the drying process when it is safe to do so.
Contact your insurance company.
Homeowners and renters should notify their insurance carrier as soon as reasonably possible and ask what documentation they require before damaged property is removed.
Remember that coverage for flooding and storm-related water damage can vary significantly depending on the cause of the damage and your individual policy, so don’t assume something is or isn’t covered before speaking with your insurance provider.
Additional disaster assistance may become available.
Depending on the extent of the disaster and any local, state, or federal declarations, additional assistance may be made available through programs such as the Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund, FEMA Individual Assistance, or SBA Disaster Assistance.
FEMA Individual Assistance is not automatically available following every storm and generally requires the appropriate federal disaster declaration.
The U.S. Small Business Administration may also provide low-interest disaster loans to qualifying homeowners and renters—not just businesses following eligible disasters. These are loans and must be repaid.
Be cautious when hiring someone for cleanup or repairs.
Unfortunately, major storms can also bring unqualified or dishonest contractors into affected communities. Before handing over a large deposit or signing a contract, verify who you’re hiring, get the agreement in writing, and be cautious of anyone using high-pressure tactics or promising something that sounds too good to be true.
Most importantly, take care of each other.
If your home wasn’t affected, check on your neighbors. Check on elderly residents, families with young children, and anyone who may need help moving belongings, finding resources, or simply figuring out where to start.
And if you know someone in Lafayette, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, or one of our surrounding communities who has experienced storm or flood damage, please share this post with them.
From all of us at REMAX ONE, our thoughts are with every family dealing with the aftermath of these storms.
Stay safe. Help your neighbors. Take care of one another. 🤜🤛
♥️🤍💙 ONE Family. Many communities. Here when our neighbors need us.
