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-July 13, 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 Store707...

AUSTIN, TX – If you have damage to a vehicle as a result of the severe storms and flooding of June 21- July 13, 2018, in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, auto insurance and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are the primary resources available to help you with your repairs or replacement.  First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a car. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for...

AUSTIN, Texas – The most common, and most expensive, natural disaster facing Americans is flooding. In the devastating hurricanes that have recently hit the nation, like Sandy and Harvey, it was water, not wind that caused the gravest havoc and loss of life. Flooding is by no means limited to floodplains. Twenty-five to 30 percent of flood claims paid are for properties outside high-risk flood areas, or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). And as recently reported after the severe flooding in Houston after Hurricane Harvey struck, just 15 percent of the 1.6 million...

AUSTIN, Texas – After you have registered with FEMA to receive assistance, you will need to provide important documents such as an insurance denial, insurance settlement letter, proof of ownership of damaged property and proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.  An easy way to do this is by setting up an account and uploading your documents from there. Applicants with online accounts can: Check the status of the application and inspection.Update personal information, such as current mailing address and phone numberSecurely view messages...

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