Flood Damage Help in Tippecanoe County

Last Updated: August 2026

Flooding can damage homes, basements, belongings, driveways and other property very quickly. If your Tippecanoe County property has flooded, start by making sure the area is safe, documenting the damage and contacting your insurance company if you have coverage.

Quick Answer

If your home or property has flood damage:

Stay out if there are electrical, structural or other safety hazards.
Take photos and video before cleanup whenever it is safe.
Contact your insurance company if you have applicable coverage.
Report the flood damage through the appropriate Indiana or Tippecanoe County reporting channel.
Remove water and begin drying the property as soon as it can be done safely.

→ Check Indiana Storm & Flood Damage Reporting

For local disaster questions, contact the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) at 765-742-1334.

→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

Before You Start Cleaning Up

Don’t rush into a flooded building until you’re sure it is safe.

Flood damage can create hazards involving:

Electricity
Structural damage
Contaminated floodwater
Sewage
Mold
Chemicals
Broken glass and sharp debris
Damaged gas or utility lines

If you aren’t sure whether the home is safe to enter, wait for guidance from emergency officials or a qualified professional.

For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

→ EPA Guide to Safely Cleaning a Flooded Home

Document the Damage First

Before removing damaged materials or throwing belongings away, take plenty of photos and video whenever possible.

Document:

Standing water and visible water lines
Walls, floors and ceilings
Basement flooding
Furniture and appliances
Heating and cooling equipment
Electrical equipment
Damaged personal belongings
Garages, sheds and other structures
Vehicles
Driveways and exterior property damage

Take both wide photos showing the entire affected area and closer photos of individual damage.

Keep damaged items until your insurance company tells you they can be discarded when practical and safe to do so.

Report Your Flood Damage

Reporting flood damage helps local and state officials determine how widespread the damage is and what recovery resources may be needed.

Indiana activates damage reporting for specific storms and counties, so check the current reporting information before submitting a report.

→ Check Current Indiana Damage Reporting

If Tippecanoe County isn’t listed for your particular storm event, contact the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency for guidance.

TEMA Phone: 765-742-1334

→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

Dry the Property as Quickly as Possible

Once the property is safe to enter and you’ve documented the damage, begin removing water and drying wet areas as soon as possible.

Mold can begin growing quickly in wet materials. Federal guidance recommends drying flooded homes and belongings within 24 to 48 hours when possible.

Depending on the amount of damage, cleanup may include:

Removing standing water
Removing wet carpeting and padding
Removing materials that cannot be cleaned and dried
Opening doors and windows when conditions allow
Using dehumidifiers when electricity is safe
Cleaning and drying hard surfaces
Having damaged HVAC or electrical systems inspected

→ EPA Flood Cleanup Guidance

Watch for Mold

If walls, flooring, furniture or other materials remain wet, mold can develop quickly.

Some porous materials that have been soaked may need to be discarded because they cannot be completely cleaned and dried.

If you’re doing cleanup yourself, federal guidance recommends protective equipment including an N95 respirator, goggles and gloves.

Large amounts of water damage or widespread mold may require professional cleanup.

→ EPA Mold Cleanup Information

→ CDC Mold Cleanup Guidance

Be Careful With Electricity and Generators

Never enter standing water when electrical outlets, appliances or wiring may be energized.

If your electricity is off and you’re using a portable generator, never operate it inside a house, garage, basement or other enclosed area.

EPA recommends placing fuel-powered generators outside and at least 20 feet away from buildings, positioned so exhaust does not enter doors or windows.

→ EPA Flooded Home Safety Guide

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have homeowners, renters, flood or other insurance that may cover the damage, contact the insurer as soon as possible.

Keep:

Your claim number
Photos and videos
Lists of damaged belongings
Repair estimates
Cleanup expenses
Contractor invoices
Receipts for supplies
Temporary lodging expenses
Insurance letters and emails

Remember that standard homeowners insurance and flood insurance are different types of coverage. Your insurer can tell you what coverage applies to your particular loss.

For help with an insurance problem or complaint:

→ Indiana Department of Insurance – Consumer Services

Check for Disaster Assistance

If the flooding is part of a declared disaster, state, federal or other recovery assistance may become available.

Programs vary by disaster, and assistance approved for one storm does not automatically apply to another.

→ Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund

→ Indiana Disaster Resources for Survivors

→ FEMA Disaster Assistance

If You Need Immediate Help

Flooding can leave families needing somewhere to stay, food, clothing, cleanup supplies or other basic necessities.

Indiana 211 can connect residents with available local assistance.

Dial: 211 or 866-211-9966

→ Find Help Through Indiana 211

Indiana also maintains a collection of disaster recovery resources for residents affected by storms and flooding.

→ Indiana Disaster Resources for Survivors

Local Tip

Don’t start major cleanup before documenting the damage.

Take your photos and video first, contact your insurer if applicable, and keep receipts for everything you spend because of the flood.

If you’re unsure where to report Tippecanoe County flood damage or what local resources are available, contact TEMA at 765-742-1334.

Report Storm & Flood Damage
Find out how and where to report property damage in Tippecanoe County.
→ Report Storm & Flood Damage

Disaster Relief & Financial Assistance
Find Indiana disaster assistance, FEMA information and other possible financial help.
→ Disaster Relief & Financial Assistance

Disaster & Emergency Help
Find all Tippecanoe County disaster recovery and emergency resources in one place.
→ Disaster & Emergency Help

Official Resources

Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
Local emergency management and disaster recovery information.
Phone: 765-742-1334
→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

Indiana Department of Homeland Security – Damage Reporting
Check current storm and flood damage reporting information.
→ Indiana Damage Reporting

Indiana Disaster Resources for Survivors
Find disaster recovery assistance and other resources.
→ Indiana Disaster Resources for Survivors

EPA Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance
Safety information for returning to and cleaning a flooded home.
→ EPA Flooded Homes

CDC Disaster Cleanup Guidance
Health and safety information for cleaning after floods and other disasters.
→ CDC Disaster Cleanup Safety

Summary

If your home or property floods in Tippecanoe County, put safety first, document the damage and contact your insurance company before beginning major cleanup whenever possible.

Report the damage through the appropriate Indiana or local channel and keep photos, receipts, estimates and other records.

Once it is safe, begin drying the property quickly to reduce additional water and mold damage, and check whether disaster recovery assistance is available for your particular storm.

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