From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
Gary mom still worried after month without power
A month after a historic power outage, Melissa Dixon in Gary, Indiana, faces mold risks and FEMA delays.
In brief
A month after a historic power outage, Melissa Dixon in Gary, Indiana, faces mold risks and FEMA delays. FEMA relief applications remain pending for Gary residents despite NIPSCO's outage affecting 375,000 customers. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Power outage aftermath
Melissa Dixon’s refrigerator works now, but she worries about basement mold after two weeks without power.
“I don't want to put food in here or buy food for a couple days, because I don't want to lose my food again.”
NIPSCO outage impact
375,000 NIPSCO customers in Gary lost power for days after an August 11 derecho storm.
FEMA relief delays
Dixon's FEMA relief application is pending despite 33,000 Lake County residents applying for aid.
Mold health risks
Dixon reports facial pain and vision issues from mold in her basement after power returned.
“I started feeling really weird, like my vision ... a lot of pain in my face and my neck area.”
Financial strain
Shanequa Cauley lost three weeks of pay after NIPSCO delayed her employer's power restoration.
Community support
Tree of Life Church provides food and shelter for Gary residents without power.
“Even though lights came on, people's bank accounts didn't bounce back.”
Red Cross efforts
28 people remain in temporary shelter while Red Cross connects residents with resources.
NIPSCO bill
Dixon received a $374 NIPSCO bill despite two weeks without power.
Relief applications
Gary residents applied for FEMA relief but only received $500,000 in aid for 1,200 households.
Mold concerns
Dixon uses dehumidifiers in her basement but fears mold could cause health issues.
Food insecurity
Dixon stocks food for a day or two after her refrigerator returned.
“I don't want to put food in here or buy food for a couple days.”
Community resilience
Gary residents say they 'refuse to be knocked out' despite ongoing challenges.
“We are strong. We are some that don't give in or give up easily.”
State aid
Lake County received $48.19 million in FEMA funds but few approvals.
Financial aid
Gary distributed $500,000 to 1,200 households but it's a small fraction of needs.
Health impacts
Dixon reports facial nerve problems from mold exposure after power returned.
“I started feeling really weird, like my vision ... a lot of pain in my face and my neck area.”
Relief timeline
FEMA accepts applications until October 25 for Gary residents.
The main idea
FEMA relief applications remain pending for Gary residents despite NIPSCO's outage affecting 375,000 customers.
