Flooding from the Sept. 19 tropical storm resulted in more than 10,600 flood insurance claims being filed by Texas homeowners, business owners and renters. As of Oct. 29, policyholders have been paid 40 percent of claims or more than $280 million to repair their homes. Flooding is the nation’s costliest and most common disaster. Fortunately, property owners who live in communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program can purchase affordable protection to insure against flood losses. Why Do I Need Flood Insurance? Here are some important facts to keep in...

AUSTIN, Texas –The National Flood Insurance Program has paid over $280 million to Texas policyholders six weeks after Tropical Storm Imelda impacted the state. Of that, nearly $82 million are from advance payments on flood insurance claims. Advance payments can be dispersed in as little as five days to help kick-start recovery.  Advance payments are deducted from a policyholder’s final claim settlement amount. Advance payments may only be used according to the terms of the policy. For example, if a policyholder has a flood insurance policy for a building, the advance...

AUSTIN, Texas — Billy Capers’ mobile home in La Grange was completely submerged by Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters in 2017.  “The first time they let us back to the house, it was just goop,” said Billy’s mother, Sharon Kramer. “You could tell it had been totally up to the ceiling.” Capers, who is deaf, had just finished remodeling his bathroom and deck when Harvey struck. “I had to go through kind of a grieving and saying goodbye to that house,” he said through an American Sign Language interpreter. “I was able to pick a...

AUSTIN, Texas – Renters in Texas counties whose homes and property were damaged during Tropical Storm Imelda may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Aid is available to residents of Chambers, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Orange and San Jacinto counties, who incurred losses from Sept. 17-23.  There are federal grants that can help pay for temporary housing. These rental grants are for a 30-day period, subject to review until renters' previous homes are livable or they find another home. Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help Texas...

AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster survivors affected by the severe storms and floods from Tropical Storm Imelda on Sept. 17-23, can visit local home improvement stores in Dayton and Nederland to get rebuilding tips from mitigation experts. Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be on hand to answer questions about home repair, making disaster plans, putting together supply kits and the importance of flood insurance. Assistance will be available at the following locations starting Wednesday, Oct. 30, to Saturday, Nov. 9: McCoy Lumber Supply810 S Hwy. 146Dayton, TX 77535Monday- Friday...