The National Guard arrived in LaPorte County on Saturday as the clean-up continues following Tuesday's strong storms. (WSBT 22 Photo)
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. (WSBT) — The National Guard arrived in LaPorte County on Saturday as the clean-up continues following Tuesday's strong storms.
According to La Porte County Commissioner Joe Haney, National Guard members helped with clearing roads, power lines, snapped poles, and debris.
NIPSCO reports more than 10,000 people in LaPorte County remain without power.
A lot of work still needs to be done, but the community is finding ways to help each other out in this time of need.
Many said that while things are getting better, it's still a struggle for those who remain without power.
"We're pretty much living without a fridge right now. Just we by the time we got our hands on a generator, most of that had spoiled. Finding supplies-it's been pretty limited at places," said Brandon Lambert, LaPorte Resident.
LaPorte residents are working to get back on their feet after those storms ripped up trees, downed power lines, and damaged houses.
The National Guard came to the area on Saturday to assess the damage.
Commissioner Joe Haney told WSBT 22 that just hours after they arrived to help assess the area, the plan moving forward changed.
"The state decided to change things a little bit, and now the National Guard is going to stay in Lake County and move east, while the Department of Corrections is fielding a tremendous amount of manpower and staff that will be, I guess, working with the DNR as well, which will be starting in Laporte County and moving west to meet in the middle in Porter County," said Joe Haney, (R) LaPorte County Commissioner.
One positive during this hard time?
The community continuing to rally and help those in need.
It still looks bad now, but compared to what it was, it it was it was pretty nasty. But it's we've all come together, and everybody's done a good job of trying to support each other, said Lambert.
Haney added that patience is key as work continues, but says a key thing residents can do is report storm damage wherever they see it.
"The more damages, the more that's reported that we can document. The more likely we are to get that federal emergency declaration, which will bring even more resources to bear here in Northern Indiana. So, 211 is important. If you have any damages, get on there, fill out those forms, report it as best you can," said Haney.
Haney says those in need of assistance should reach out to local charities and organizations.
Right now, the Planet Fitness off of State Road 2 has opened its doors for those in need of a shower.
You must bring your own toiletries and towels and will need to bring an ID.