Nearly two weeks after multiple tornadoes hit Gary, the city’s council unanimously approved a resolution to continue an executive order focused on storm cleanup.

Carla Morgan, corporation counsel for the city of Gary, said the executive order needed extension for city officials to apply for aid.

“For instance, we’ve been having regular calls … with state agencies to talk about how the city can get reimbursed for our labor costs, our machinery fuel costs, other things that have been associated with public works, the fire department and their ongoing response,” Morgan told council members.

On March 20, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton issued an executive order declaring a local disaster emergency within the city after multiple tornadoes touched down on March 19.

Melton’s executive order expired on March 27.

“Our primary focus is the safety and recovery of our community,” Melton said in a previous news release. “We are committed to working tirelessly alongside emergency responders and city officials to restore normalcy and support those impacted by this severe weather event.”

Three EF0 tornadoes passed through Northwest Indiana, two in Gary and one in Highland. An EF1 tornado passed through Gary’s west side.

According to a news release from the city, Gary’s Emerson community, 21st Avenue and Clark Street and Black Oak areas received significant damage. The 21st Avenue corridor between Whitcomb and Hendricks streets was severely impacted.

McCullough Academy, 2757 W. 21st Ave., sustained significant damage, including high winds peeling the roof off the gym, according to Post-Tribune archives. Students will continue classes at the Gary Area Career Center.

Applying for aid will help residents and city officials, Morgan told the council.

The resolution referred to effects from March 19 as “storm damage.” Council President Lori Latham, D-1st, asked why it didn’t say “tornado damage.”

Morgan told the council that “storm damage” will allow the resolution to reach areas that didn’t have a tornado touchdown. Areas without a tornado touchdown still saw significant damage, Morgan said, including funding and damaged awnings.

“Referring to the whole storm as an event allows all folks to get aid from the state and other agencies,” Morgan said.

mwilkins@chicagotribune.com