Storm Damage Help in Tippecanoe County

Last Updated: August 2026

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, hail and falling trees can cause serious damage to homes and property. If you have storm damage in Tippecanoe County, start by staying safe, documenting the damage and reporting it through the appropriate local or state channel.

Quick Answer

If your property has storm damage:

Stay away from downed power lines, damaged trees and unstable structures.
Take photos and video before cleanup or repairs.
Contact your insurance company if you have applicable coverage.
Report significant storm damage through Indiana’s current damage-reporting system or Tippecanoe County Emergency Management.
Keep receipts and estimates for cleanup and repairs.

→ Check Current Indiana Damage Reporting

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

→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

For an immediate threat to life or major property loss, call 911.

Check for Safety Hazards First

Before inspecting or cleaning up storm damage, look for hazards around your home and property.

Be especially careful around:

Downed or damaged power lines
Trees or large limbs resting on buildings or utility lines
Damaged roofs
Broken glass
Exposed electrical wiring
Leaning or unstable trees
Damaged gas lines or utility equipment
Partially collapsed walls, ceilings or structures
Standing water near electrical equipment

Never approach or touch a downed power line.

If you smell gas, see sparking electrical equipment or believe a building may be unsafe, leave the area and contact the appropriate emergency or utility service.

Document the Damage

Before beginning major cleanup or permanent repairs, take plenty of photos and video whenever it is safe to do so.

Document damage to:

Roofs and shingles
Siding
Windows and doors
Gutters
Garages and sheds
Fences
Trees and landscaping
Vehicles
Outdoor equipment
Driveways and other property
Furniture and belongings
Interior walls and ceilings
Appliances and electrical equipment

Take wide photos showing the overall damage along with closer photos of individual damaged areas.

If the damage changes — for example, a ceiling begins leaking later — take additional photos.

Report Significant Storm Damage

Indiana may activate Indiana 211 damage reporting following severe storms and other disasters.

Damage reports help local and state emergency officials understand the extent of damage and determine what additional recovery resources may be needed.

Reporting is opened for specific incidents and counties, so check the storm date and county before submitting your information.

→ Check Indiana Damage Reporting

If Tippecanoe County is not listed for your particular storm, contact the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency.

TEMA Phone: 765-742-1334

→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have homeowners, renters, auto or other insurance that may cover the damage, report the loss promptly.

Your insurance company may ask for:

Photos and video
Date and time the damage occurred
Description of the damage
List of damaged belongings
Repair estimates
Receipts for emergency repairs
Receipts for temporary living expenses

Ask your insurer what you should do before removing damaged materials or making permanent repairs.

If temporary work is needed to prevent additional damage — such as covering a damaged roof — save all receipts and photograph the damage before and after the temporary repair.

For insurance questions or consumer assistance:

→ Indiana Department of Insurance – Consumer Services

Fallen Trees and Limbs

Storm-damaged trees can remain dangerous even after the weather has passed.

Large hanging limbs, leaning trees and trees resting against structures may shift unexpectedly. Trees touching power lines should not be handled by homeowners or tree-removal contractors until the electrical hazard has been addressed.

For trees or limbs involving power lines, contact your electric utility.

For trees and debris that do not involve utilities, check local disposal requirements before moving large amounts of debris to the curb or roadside.

Roof and Structural Damage

If your roof, walls or another part of your home has significant damage, avoid areas that appear unstable.

Temporary measures may help prevent additional rain damage, but don’t climb onto a damaged or wet roof if it isn’t safe.

For substantial structural damage, consider having the property evaluated by a qualified contractor or other appropriate professional before beginning repairs.

Keep written estimates and invoices for any work performed.

Watch Out for Repair Scams

Major storms often bring an increase in door-to-door contractors and repair offers.

Before hiring someone:

Get the agreement in writing
Ask for a detailed estimate
Verify the contractor’s identity and contact information
Avoid paying the entire cost upfront
Be cautious of pressure to sign immediately
Don’t sign over an insurance payment or claim without understanding what you’re agreeing to
Get more than one estimate for major repairs when possible

You can search Indiana businesses through the Indiana Secretary of State.

→ Indiana INBiz Business Search

Consumer complaints and scam information are available through the Indiana Attorney General.

→ Indiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection

Check for Disaster Assistance

If a severe storm results in a qualifying disaster declaration, state or federal assistance may become available.

Programs vary by storm, location and type of damage.

→ Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund

→ Indiana Disaster Declarations

→ FEMA Disaster Assistance

Don’t assume that a disaster declaration automatically means FEMA Individual Assistance is available. Check the specific declaration and eligible counties.

If You Need Immediate Help

If storm damage has left you without safe housing, food, clothing or other necessities, Indiana 211 can help connect you with available local resources.

Dial: 211

→ Find Help Through Indiana 211

For immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Local Tip

Don’t clean everything up before taking pictures.

Even if the damage seems obvious, take clear photos and video before removing trees, hauling away damaged belongings or beginning repairs whenever it is safe.

Keep a folder with your photos, insurance information, contractor estimates, receipts and any storm-damage report confirmation.

For questions about reporting Tippecanoe County storm damage, contact TEMA at 765-742-1334.

Report Storm & Flood Damage
Learn where to report property damage in Tippecanoe County and what information to document.
→ Report Storm & Flood Damage

Flood Damage Help
Find cleanup, safety, insurance and recovery information after flooding.
→ Flood Damage Help

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 and emergency resources in one place.
→ Disaster & Emergency Help

Official Resources

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

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

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

Indiana Department of Insurance
Consumer information and assistance with insurance questions.
→ Indiana Department of Insurance – Consumer Services

Indiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection
Information about consumer complaints, scams and fraud.
→ Indiana Consumer Protection

Summary

If severe weather damages your Tippecanoe County home or property, make safety your first priority and document the damage before beginning major cleanup or repairs.

Report significant damage through the appropriate Indiana or Tippecanoe County channel, contact your insurance company if you have coverage and save photos, estimates and receipts.

If the storm becomes part of a qualifying disaster declaration, additional state or federal recovery assistance may also become available.

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY HELP PAGES