08/29/2026
Flood Recovery: What You Need to Know
Please verify all the information yourself before relying on it. We know this is a long read — but we'd rather you have everything than miss a step. We're an insurance agency sharing what we verified with official sources to help our neighbors. We are not FEMA, the state, or your adjuster, and this is not legal advice or a guarantee of any specific outcome. Every situation is different, and your recovery decisions are yours to make. By using this information, you agree Jett Insurance Agency, Inc. is not liable for any loss, damage, or outcome resulting from decisions made based on this post.
Respectful Introduction
We want to be clear we are not trying to step on anyone’s toes — not the State of Indiana’s, not local officials’, and not the TV stations’. We know the state has made statements and some local TV stations have shared information about filing claims. Some of what’s been circulating could hurt people’s recovery if they follow the wrong order of steps, and we don’t want anyone to lose out on help they’re entitled to. Everything in this guide was verified directly against the official FEMA.gov and Indiana DHS websites so our neighbors get accurate information.
Customer Statement — August 2026
Jett Insurance Agency, Inc. is sharing this information to help Indiana residents understand the basic steps following the August 11, 2026, severe weather and flooding. Availability of assistance depends on the type of damage, insurance coverage, location, and individual eligibility.
1. If You Have Flood Insurance
If you have a flood insurance policy, contact your insurance agent or insurance company promptly and report the loss.
You should file your flood insurance claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate payments for losses covered by insurance. However, you may still qualify for FEMA assistance for eligible losses or expenses that are not covered by your policy.
When reporting the claim, have your policy number and contact information available. Ask whether an advance payment may be available while your claim is being reviewed.
Before removing or discarding damaged property, take photographs and videos of:
The building and structural damage;
Standing water marks inside and outside the property;
Damaged furniture, appliances, and personal property;
Damaged flooring, carpet, walls, and other materials; and
Make, model, and serial numbers when available.
Only enter a damaged building after officials determine that it is safe. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, but contact your insurance company or adjuster before signing contracts for major repairs, remediation, or replacement work.
2. If You Only Have a Regular Homeowners Policy
A standard homeowners policy generally does not cover damage caused by flooding. However, it may cover damage caused by another covered event, such as wind, falling trees, or certain plumbing losses.
If you are unsure what caused the damage or what your policy covers, contact your insurance agent or insurance company before assuming that a loss is excluded.
Keep a copy of your declarations page, commonly called the “dec sheet.” FEMA or another assistance program may request information about your insurance coverage. Your declarations page identifies your policy and coverage information, but the policy itself controls coverage.
3. Apply for FEMA Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance is available for eligible residents in designated Indiana areas affected by the August 11, 2026, disaster. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s address, the type of damage, insurance coverage, and other program requirements.
Apply through:
Website: DisasterAssistance.gov
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
If you have insurance, report your loss to your insurance company before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot pay for losses that are covered by insurance, but FEMA may consider eligible needs that remain uninsured or unreimbursed.
When applying, you may need:
Contact information;
Your address at the time of the disaster;
Your current address if you have been displaced;
Social Security number;
A general list of damage and losses;
Annual household income;
Banking information if requesting direct deposit; and
Your insurance policy number or the name of your insurance agent or company.
Applying for assistance does not guarantee that assistance will be approved. FEMA makes that determination based on federal requirements and the information provided.
4. Call Indiana 211 for Immediate and Local Resources
For immediate assistance and local referrals, call 211 or 866-211-9966. Indiana 211 may be able to connect residents with resources such as:
Food and meals;
Food pantries;
Clothing;
Cleaning supplies;
Shelters and temporary housing;
Public showers;
Pet food assistance;
Mold and drinking-water resources;
Debris-removal assistance;
Mental-health resources; and
Other local recovery services.
Indiana 211 is also collecting damage information in designated counties to assist Indiana officials with damage assessments and recovery planning. Reporting damage to 211 is separate from filing an insurance claim or applying for FEMA assistance.
5. Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund
Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund may provide limited assistance for certain uninsured damages to eligible items at a primary residence.
Eligibility may require that:
The damaged property is the applicant’s primary residence;
The damage occurred during the designated disaster;
The damage is uninsured;
The damaged item is eligible under the program; and
The property is located in a jurisdiction that has issued any required local disaster declaration.
State assistance is not guaranteed and may not cover all losses. Information and applications are available through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
6. Temporary Housing Assistance
Eligible displaced households may be able to receive temporary housing assistance through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Depending on eligibility and availability, assistance may include:
A temporary hotel stay; or
Rental assistance for an approved rental property.
Program terms, limits, and eligibility requirements apply. Contact 211 or review the current information on the Indiana August 2026 Disaster Hub.
7. Businesses and Farms
FEMA Individual Assistance generally does not cover business-related losses. Businesses and farms should review available assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration and other state or federal programs.
Additional resources are available through:
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Indiana 211
8. Beware of Scams
Be cautious of anyone who requests money or sensitive personal information while claiming to represent FEMA, the state, an insurance company, or a disaster-relief organization.
Do not provide personal information to unsolicited callers, text messages, emails, or visitors until you independently verify who they are. Use official websites ending in .gov whenever possible.
Suspected fraud may be reported through the Federal Trade Commission.
Important Notice
This statement is provided for general informational purposes and is not a guarantee of insurance coverage, FEMA assistance, state assistance, or eligibility for any particular program. Insurance coverage is determined by the applicable policy, and FEMA, Indiana agencies, and other assistance providers make their own eligibility decisions.
For questions about an insurance policy or claim, contact your insurance agent or insurance company directly.
Official Resources
FEMA Disaster Assistance
FEMA Flood Insurance Claims Information
Indiana August 2026 Disaster Hub
Indiana 211
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Jett Insurance Agency, Inc.
[www.jettins.com]
How Can FEMA Help? Check Your Disaster Application
