Storm Info Hub What to Expect After You Apply

Storm Info Hub — Help Is Here, Lake County

Recovery information and assistance for Lake County residents affected by the recent storms. The Lake County One-Stop Shop is open in Gary September 23 – October 2: representatives provide in-person assistance, answer questions, and help homeowners and renters apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program — at no cost to survivors.

FEMA assistance is available regardless of citizenship status.

Lake County One-Stop Shop (September 23 – October 2, 2026)

Representatives at this center provide in-person assistance, answer questions, and help homeowners and renters apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. These services are provided at no cost to survivors.

  • Dates: Wednesday, September 23 – Friday, September 25 and Monday, September 28 – Friday, October 2
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Central Time)
  • Location: United Steelworkers Local 1014, 1301 Texas St, Gary, IN 46402
  • Need a ride or other help? Dial 2-1-1 for guidance on disaster resources, including transportation services.

After You Apply: What to Expect

  • Within 10 days of applying: a FEMA inspector may call you to set up a time and date for an inspection at the damaged address.
  • Before your inspection, have ready: your FEMA application number, photo ID, insurance policy (if applicable), proof of ownership or occupancy if requested, and a list of everyone living in the home at the time of the disaster.
  • During the inspection: inspectors will walk around your home, document damage, and show a photo ID. Inspectors will never ask for money, bank account, or credit card information, and they do not decide whether you receive assistance.
  • After your inspection: within 10 days you will receive a letter explaining FEMA’s decision — and, if approved, how much you will receive and what to spend it on. Questions? Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
  • Printable FEMA fact sheet: What to Expect After You Apply

Storm Damage and the November 3 Election

The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration (LCBER) is hearing from many residents who are worried about how storm damage and mail-in voting affect the Tuesday, November 3, 2026 general election. The short answer: the vote goes on. Here are the questions LCBER is asked most often.

I had to leave my home after the storm. Do I need to change my voter registration address?
Not if you plan to return once repairs are complete. Keep your current registration and vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day, or at any of the eleven Early Voting sites starting October 6. If you are moving permanently, update your registration to your new address once your move is complete.

The address on my driver's license is different from my voter registration. Where do I vote?
The address on your photo ID does not matter. Poll workers check only four things: the name matches your registration, the photo looks like you, the ID is unexpired or expired after November 5, 2024, and it was issued by the U.S. government or the State of Indiana. Vote at any Early Voting site from October 6 through noon on November 2, or at your assigned polling place on November 3.

What happens if the power goes out on Election Day?
The vote goes on. LCBER has a detailed emergency plan, developed with Lake County Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and law enforcement, that includes back-up generators, independent Wi-Fi, secure back-up ballot processing locations, and plenty of emergency paper ballots.

My early voting site or polling place is closed because of storm damage. Where will I vote?
All current Early Voting and Election Day locations remain the same. Any change will be announced on the LCBER website with updated lists, and voters whose Election Day location changes will receive a postcard. You can always check your polling place at indianavoters.in.gov.

Is mail-in voting still happening?
Absolutely. Indiana is using the same procedures as the May 2026 primary. Key dates:

  • Ballots begin mailing out on September 19.
  • Your signed absentee ballot application must reach LCBER by 11:59 PM on October 22.
  • Early Voting runs October 6 through noon on November 2 (all sites closed Monday, October 12, for the federal holiday).
  • Your completed paper ballot must be received by LCBER by 6:00 PM Central on November 3.

Can I return my paper ballot in person? Can I change my mind and vote in person?
Yes to both. Return your completed ballot to the LCBER office by 6:00 PM on November 3 or to any Early Voting site while it is open; a household or family member may drop it off for you after completing an affidavit. If you would rather vote in person, surrender your blank or damaged paper ballot, or report a lost one, at any Early Voting site or Election Day polling place and vote there.

Read the full FAQ from the Board of Elections  ·  2026 Election Central  ·  Early Voting locations and times

Questions about your registration or the election? Call LCBER at (219) 755-3795 or send a message by email.

Need help? Contact Lake County Homeland Security / Emergency Management at (219) 755-3549 or by email, or visit us at 2900 W. 93rd Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.