Griffith residents affected by storm-related damage must contact the state to document their claims, although financial assistance will not be available for at least 90 days. During a special meeting on Wednesday, the town enacted a local disaster declaration due to the June 24 storm that toppled more than 300 trees and 70 utility poles, damaged multiple power lines, and left 6,000 residents without electricity for several days. On Thursday, June 25, power crews were active along North Broad Street in Griffith. (Photo by John Smierciak/for the Post-Tribune)
Effective until July 8, this declaration permits the town to take lawful actions to address, document, and seek relief for the emergency and any related damages. Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3, informed residents that they must contact the state directly for damage assessments. Ryfa stated, “The state will assess the extent of the damage in Griffith to determine our eligibility for assistance. More damage increases our chances for citizen reimbursement.”
Residents can report damage by calling 211, texting INOD 898211, or visiting www.in211.org to submit a damage report. Police Chief Al Tharp briefed the council on efforts led by Lake County Homeland Security Deputy Director Paul Petrie, who started initial damage assessments on June 26. The town must also evaluate cleanup operations for reimbursement. Petrie advised tracking all emergency work and resources used because reaching the threshold improves eligibility for public assistance. For individual assistance, an impact statement’s importance was highlighted.
Ryfa discussed that individual damage may not have limits, but a town-wide threshold set by the state must be met. He mentioned his conversation with the Homeland Security Director, emphasizing the importance of submitting all possible details for resident relief claims.
Elizabeth Woods, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, communicated via email that Governor Mike Braun authorized the State Emergency Disaster Declaration on June 18 for weather events affecting 63 counties, including Lake County. This allows affected residents to access the State Disaster Relief Fund.
Applicants from the affected counties have 90 days to apply for assistance; the Indiana Department of Homeland Security reviews applications during this period. Relief distribution begins post-application. IDHS is actively seeking financial assistance avenues for homeowners, businesses, and communities amidst recovery assessment efforts.
Local infrastructure suffered, including the parks losing 38 trees—30 at the Girls’ Softball Field, three at Griffith Youth Baseball, two at Central Park, and one each at the trail, Woodland Park, and the depot. Public Works Director Andy Raab noted some streets are affected by high water, causing buckling. Cleanup efforts, according to Raab, might take two to three weeks before completion across Griffith.
(Photo by John Smierciak/for the Post-Tribune)