08/17/2026
President Approves Federal Emergency Declaration for Indiana Flooding; Mayor Broderick Urges Anderson Homeowners and Businesses to Document Damage and Prepare to Apply for Aid
City continues to work with Madison County, the State of Indiana and FEMA on a broader disaster declaration that would open individual assistance for residents and small businesses
ANDERSON, Ind. — President Trump on August 15, 2026, approved an emergency declaration for the State of Indiana in response to the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began August 11 and have devastated communities across the state, including Anderson and Madison County. The White River crested in Anderson at a record 24.93 feet, surpassing the previous all-time high set during the Great Flood of 1913.
Mayor Thomas Broderick is sharing the following information to help local homeowners and business owners understand what the declaration means and what steps to take now.
“Our city has been through an extraordinary challenge over the past several days, and I am grateful to the President and to Governor Braun for moving quickly to get federal resources on the ground,” said Mayor Broderick. “This emergency declaration is an important first step, but it is not the end of the process. My administration is working with Madison County Emergency Management and the state to pursue the broader disaster declaration that will open direct assistance to the homeowners and business owners who lost so much. In the meantime, I am asking every resident and business owner with flood damage to document it now and report it to Indiana 211 so we have the strongest possible case when that request is made.”
What the Emergency Declaration Does
The declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures, such as debris removal support, emergency sheltering and mobilization of the Indiana National Guard, in 50 designated Indiana counties, including Madison County. The federal government will cover 75 percent of the cost of these emergency response measures, with the state and local governments covering the remainder. Darrin Ricketts has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer overseeing the federal response.
This emergency declaration is different from a Major Disaster Declaration, which is the action that unlocks FEMA Individual Assistance grants for homeowners and renters, as well as U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. Governor Braun has already requested that broader declaration on behalf of Indiana communities. It has not yet been approved as of this release. The City of Anderson is actively supporting that request with local damage information and will announce immediately if and when it is approved.
What Anderson Homeowners and Business Owners Should Do Now
Taking these steps now will not delay your ability to apply for aid later — it will strengthen it. Documentation gathered today is what supports the county, state and federal damage assessments used to justify individual assistance.
1. Document every loss before you clean up. Photograph and video all damage to your home, business, vehicles and belongings from multiple angles. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs, temporary lodging or cleanup supplies.
2. Report your damage to Indiana 211. Call 866-211-9966 or use the online Disaster Damage Reporting Tool at in211.communityos.org. This is the single most important step right now: it feeds the statewide damage assessment that determines whether individual federal assistance is approved.
3. Contact your insurance company immediately. File a claim for homeowners, renters, flood and/or business insurance as applicable, and ask for a written record of your claim number and adjuster contact.
4. Apply to Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund. This state fund is available now under the Governor’s state disaster emergency declaration for households whose losses are not covered by insurance or other aid. Applications and eligibility details are available through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at in.gov/dhs.
5. Prepare to register with FEMA. If a Major Disaster Declaration with Individual Assistance is approved, register as soon as possible at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). Having your documentation and insurance information ready will make registration faster.
6. Watch for SBA disaster loan announcements. Low-interest SBA loans for homeowners, renters and businesses typically become available once a county is designated under a disaster declaration. Updates will be posted at sba.gov/disaster and shared by the city.
7. Stay informed through official channels. Follow the City of Anderson’s website and social media and Madison County Emergency Management for real-time updates, shelter information and the status of the Major Disaster Declaration request.
What Losses May Qualify for Federal Aid
If a Major Disaster Declaration with Individual Assistance is approved for Madison County, FEMA and SBA programs typically can help with uninsured or underinsured losses in categories such as:
• Structural damage to a primary home, including roof, foundation and essential systems (electrical, plumbing, heating)
• Damage to essential personal property, such as appliances and furnishings needed to live safely
• Temporary housing costs for households displaced from a damaged home
• Disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses
• Business property, equipment, inventory and building damage, through SBA low-interest disaster loans
• Vehicle damage not covered by insurance
