Last week's heavy rainstorm dumped up to eight inches of water across Monroe County. If your home or business was affected by the flooding, here's what you can do to get assistance:
1. Call 211
Indiana 211 is a free social service agency that connects Hoosiers with state resources. If you live in Jefferson County or Monroe County and have been affected in any way by last week's flooding, dial 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected with someone who can point you toward resources for clean-up and repairs. This applies to homeowners, renters and business owners.
You can also apply for assistance online.
2. If you have insurance, call your provider
If you have homeowner's or rental insurance, call your insurance agent. You may need to take photos and/or videos of any damage in your home, so make sure you have access to a smartphone or digital camera.
3. Find safe shelter
If your home has been deemed uninhabitable or unsafe, there are a few local options. The American Red Cross is currently operating a shelter at Bloomington North High School. The Red Cross provides food, some health services, laundry and childcare. Here's what else to expect at a Red Cross shelter.
If you are a resident of Perry Township and have been displaced by the flood, you are eligible for up to one week's stay in a local hotel, free of charge. Contact the Perry Township Trustee’s office and apply for help there.
Monroe County has issued a disaster declaration. In order to qualify for federal assistance, the county must report at least 25 area businesses with more than 40% of their assessed value damaged by the storm.
Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security is doing its own assessment of damage caused by the storms in affected counties statewide.
