Washington County Added to State of Indiana Emergency Declaration for Recent Storms

Submitted by Deniseann (Deni) Stempowski  

Damage after the tornado in early April of 2025. Submitted by Melissa Tucker.

Washington County was added to the State of Indiana Emergency Declaration. Some Washington County residents qualify for SDRF for the Tornado and Flooding events of early April. IF YOU HAD DAMAGE CLICK THE LINKS IN THE STATEMENT FROM IDHS BELOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY.

"The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for residents who incurred damage to their homes or property located in qualifying jurisdictions from any of the following disaster events:

• March 1, 2025: Mine Collapse

• March 15, 2025: Severe Storms

• March 19, 2025: Severe Storms

• March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding

Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance after a complete damage assessment is finished.

The SDRF is not currently accepting applications for the Public Assistance program. Local jurisdictions impacted by eligible disaster events will be notified when Public Assistance becomes available. Learn more about the SDRF. https://www.in.gov/dhs/emergency-management-and-preparedness/state-disaster-relief-fund/#Conditions_for_use...

If eligible, apply here for funds from the State Disaster Relief Fund (Individual Assistance). https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f75ca97d5deb4e789290c1ed1c389223

“Hoosiers across Indiana experienced widespread damage from storms earlier this month. Today, we will be opening the State Disaster Relief Fund for individual use to get help to those in need as quickly as possible as IDHS continues to assess damages. Thank you to Governor Braun for ensuring we support Hoosiers as they recover from the severe storm damage,” said Secretary of Public Safety and IDHS Executive Director Jennifer-Ruth Green.

The State Disaster Relief Fund applies only to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. State funding cannot replace insurance coverage, which is the primary and best source of protection from storm damage. The maximum payout from the SDRF for an individual is $25,000. The fund only addresses the costs of repairing, replacing or restoring property that is the primary residence of the applicant.