Central Texas Disaster Relief Resources

RESOURCES FOR DISASTER RELIEF

• Contact the Red Cross - 1-877-500-8654

• To list yourself in the Red Cross Database click here

• Sign up to voluneteer for the Red Cross

• To find out how to help our neighbors in Hays Country, click here.

FEMA UPDATE

On May 29, 2015, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Texas triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from the Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding that occurred May 4, 2015, and continuing.

Individual Assistance designated counties (3): Harris, Hays, and Van Zandt

Public Assistance designated counties (7): Cooke, Gaines, Grimes, Harris, Hays, Navarro, and Van Zandt

All areas of Texas are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

• People who had storm damage in Harris, Hays, and Van Zandt counties can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

• Call center hours are 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. CDT

FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION

• Residents whose property has sustained storm-related losses should contact their insurance agents and photograph and document the damage done to their property.

• Please be aware that flood insurance cannot be bought to cover an ongoing incident or one that has already happened, such as the floods still occurring now. Once people apply for flood insurance, there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.

• Recent flooding in the Southwest has prompted FEMA to add 180 days to the deadline for flood insurance policyholders to provide proof-of-loss documents to insurers.

• Claimants will now have 240 days to report flood damage from torrential rains that began May 16, 2015.


FEMA SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS

• It is critical that people stay aware of the weather and potential for flooding in their areas. Rivers and streams continue to flood and the situation is expected to continue to evolve, possibly for the next couple of weeks.

• Flash floods can results in rivers, creeks and streams that rise extremely quickly and without warning.
• Turn around – don't drown" is our best advice. Floodwaters can quickly damage roads and float vehicles.
• People should consider downloading FEMA's free app to their smart phones. Folks can use it to receive National Weather Service alerts for up to five different locations throughout the nation and access safety tips and other information, including open shelters.