Free legal aid is now available at all four disaster recovery centers in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.  Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (TRLA) has sent attorneys and paralegals to all four DRCs to assist low-income survivors with multiple flood-related legal problems.  These legal experts can help survivors with many post-flooding civil legal issues they have. Issues could range from problems with landlords, flood-insurance claims for homes and cars, lost or damaged documents, and accessing aid from FEMA and other programs. The attorneys and paralegals are on hand from 9 a.m. to 4...

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

AUSTIN, Texas – More than 50,00 Texans have learned how to better prepare their homes for natural disasters while visiting local home improvement stores. Join your fellow Texans and visit with a FEMA mitigation specialist at a store near you. We’re in the midst of hurricane season, making it a great time to meet with a FEMA expert and learn how to prepare for extreme weather. Our mitigation specialists will provide tips and techniques on how to repair and build more hazard-resistant homes using proven methods to mitigate against future flood damage. Specialists...

AUSTIN, Texas – Translators for Spanish-speaking survivors who want to apply for federal disaster assistance are available at disaster recovery centers, with FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams and by calling the FEMA registration line.  Translators are also available for other languages including Arabic, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu and Vietnamese.  When you call the FEMA toll-free number, 800-621-3362, you will be asked in English to press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages. If you do not press 1, 2 or 3, and do...

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

AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster survivors from Hidalgo and Cameron counties who are rebuilding and repairing their homes after the severe storms and floods of June 18-June 21, 2018, can visit Lowe’s or Home Depot 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: CountyLocationsDatesHoursHidalgoLowe’s...

AUSTIN, Texas — The outpouring of support for Hurricane Harvey survivors has been inspiring. So many people have sent donations or traveled to the disaster area to volunteer, it would have been overwhelming if not guided by expert, experienced disaster specialists.  FEMA’s voluntary agency liaisons (VALs) have helped ensure those contributions would not be lost in the commotion of disaster response and helped maximize their value throughout the recovery process. By building relationships between volunteer organizations and government agencies, VALs helped coordinate a comprehensive emergency management effort. Among other duties, VALs shared...