Storm Recovery Report Highlights Major Preparedness Initiatives Following August Derecho

GARY, INDIANA – The City of Gary has released its comprehensive Derecho Storm Report, detailing the City's response to the devastating August 11, 2026 derecho and outlining key investments aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and community resilience for the future.

The August storm produced winds reaching 99 mph, causing widespread damage, prolonged power outages, blocked roadways, and significant disruptions throughout Northwest Indiana.

"An event of this magnitude disrupts more than just our physical landscape; it tests our collective resilience," said Mayor Eddie D. Melton. "Yet, in the immediate aftermath, what defined Gary was not the devastation, but the swift, courageous response of our community. Our first responders, public works crews, and municipal teams mobilized without hesitation to clear debris, secure hazardous zones, and protect the safety of our residents."

The report documents the City's emergency response efforts, including:

• Rapid deployment of police, fire, and public works teams to address life-safety concerns and restore critical access routes.
• Coordination with local, state, and federal partners that ultimately helped secure a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.
• Emergency shelter operations in partnership with the YWCA and American Red Cross.
• Creation of an Emergency Household Assistance Program to help residents affected by displacement, food spoilage, lost wages, and storm-related hardship.
• Large-scale debris removal efforts supported by contractors and volunteer organizations, including Team Rubicon and Eight Days of Hope.
• Enhanced grant management and FEMA documentation processes to maximize disaster recovery funding and ensure long-term accountability.

The report also outlines several significant initiatives that emerged from lessons learned during the disaster, including:

Building a More Prepared Gary

To strengthen emergency readiness, the City has launched Smart911, a free public alert system that provides residents with real-time emergency notifications, severe weather alerts, road closure information, water service updates, and other critical public safety communications.

In addition, the Gary Fire Department is advancing a $600,000 project to restore a citywide outdoor warning siren system, marking the return of a comprehensive siren network for the first time in more than two decades. The proposed system includes 10 strategically located siren sites designed to provide citywide emergency coverage.

The City has also expanded its long-term emergency management capabilities through dedicated personnel and recovery resources focused on disaster preparedness, grant management, recovery coordination, and resilience planning to better position Gary for future emergencies.

"As the city transitions from immediate crisis response to long-term rebuilding, this report stands as a testament to our community's strength and a blueprint for a more resilient future," Mayor Melton said. "The lessons learned from this storm are helping us build stronger systems, improve emergency communications, and better protect our residents."

The full Derecho Storm Report is available at www.gary.gov/stormrecovery.

Mayor's Video Message: https://youtu.be/fO2Zt4BQi8A

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Media Contact:

Steve Segura,

Chief Communications Officer

ofc: 219-293-0101

cell:219-670-8072

em:Stsegura@gary.gov Headline

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