Mayor: Hammond suffered over $2 million in storm damage, city hired FEMA contractor and cleanup will extend into October

Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. told viewers Hammond has "over $2,000,000 in damages" from the Aug. 11 storm and that the city hired a contractor to document damage and work with FEMA. "We hired a company. They specialize in working with FEMA," he said, and described city efforts to clear streets quickly after the storm, including paying contractors to clear private property under a declared state of emergency.

Addressing resident concerns about remaining tree branches and yard debris, the mayor said crews are grinding and mulching collected brush and estimated the cleanup will continue through October. He urged residents who feel overlooked to submit requests through Hammond 311 or call (219) 853-6302 for direct follow‑up.