AUSTIN, Texas — If Clyde Cain had to guess, he’d say the Louisiana Cajun Navy rescued 8,000 to 10,000 Houstonians during the flooding that followed Hurricane Harvey last year. But, he’s really not sure. “I don’t ever focus on that number … because you don’t have really time to pay attention to that,” said the founder and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Cajun Navy. “The only number that will always matter to me is how many people didn’t get saved. How can we make that number zero?” Cain and his fellow sailors...

AUSTIN, Texas — When Ervin Lassiter’s neighborhood was ravaged by a tornado in April 2011, members of the nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse were among the first faces he saw. “My home was hit on a Saturday evening. By first thing Sunday morning, Samaritan’s Purse was there,” the Colerain, North Carolina, resident said in July 2018. “They helped me recover my home … and then they built nine homes in my area from the ground up.  “Once all that was finished, our community said, ‘It’s time for us to start giving back.’” Lassiter deployed with...

AUSTIN, Texas – In 2017, Aug. 25 was a tragic day. Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, bringing destructive winds and floodwaters that claimed 88 lives and caused immeasurable damage. In 2018, as that date approaches again, Texans mourn the loss of those who were taken too soon and reflect on the struggles hundreds of thousands have faced in Harvey’s aftermath. Texans, however, also take pride in the triumphs of so many survivors who have overcome difficulties and destruction Harvey dumped into their lives. “Hurricane Harvey was an unprecedented natural disaster that devastated...

AUSTIN, Texas — Residents of Cameron, Hidalgo and Jim Wells counties whose dwellings were damaged from the recent floods should have made appropriate insurance claims by now. But sometimes insurance carriers take weeks to dispatch an adjuster and to settle claims. Survivors have two weeks left to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.  So, if things with your insurance are still up in the air, then you might want to register with FEMA before the deadline of September 4. Then, if your insurance claim falls short of covering damages or...

AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster survivors from Hidalgo, Cameron and Jim Wells counties who are rebuilding and repairing their homes can visit local home improvement stores to get free hazard mitigation consultations from FEMA mitigation representatives. Mitigation advisors will be on-hand to answer questions about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster related damage. Topics include flood insurance and elevating of utilities. Most of the information provided is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available at these stores: CountyLocationsDatesHoursCameronLowe’s 525 East Ruben Torres BlvdBrownsville, TX 78520Monday, Aug. 27Tues. Aug....

AUSTIN, Texas – When disaster strikes, many people think they have only FEMA to help them recover. But in fact FEMA is only one of myriad agencies and organizations ready to provide assistance to those affected by calamities, both natural and manmade.  Since the severe storms and flooding engulfed Hidalgo, Cameron and Jim Wells counties in June and July, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), volunteer groups, and FEMA have all worked together to help survivors get back on their feet. Through federal low-interest disaster loans, SBA assists businesses of all sizes...

Official website of the Department of Homeland SecurityOriginal linkOriginal author: daniel.green2