The overwhelming generosity of the public in the wake of Hurricane Harvey is helping affected communities to start healing from the consequences of this disaster.However, the amount of donated items now exceeds the needs of the impacted communities, and supporting agencies are having to redirect manpower away from providing direct services needed by survivors to managing donated goods that may not meet survivors’ needs.Therefore, the State of Texas is asking that you please DO NOT donate unsolicited goods at this time. This will support improved coordination with experienced disaster relief organizations...

AUSTIN, Texas – Local, state and nonprofit agencies and organizations in Texas seeking reimbursement for Hurricane Harvey expenses have until 5 p.m. Oct. 31, 2017 to submit their requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).Eligible applicants are reimbursed for disaster-related costs for emergency response, debris removal and permanent work such as repairs or replacement of schools, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. The federal cost-share for all categories of Public Assistance is 90 percent.To download the RPA form, go online to https://grants.dps.texas.gov/site/PA.cfm and click on Forms, or contact the...

AUSTIN, Texas – A State of Texas/federal Disaster Recovery Center will open Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Jefferson County, in the city of China.Disaster recovery centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods.Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State and other agencies will be at the center to talk about assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance in filing an application. The new center...

AUSTIN, Texas – Survivors of Hurricane Harvey can learn how to salvage and stabilize household treasures damaged by the storm from Smithsonian Institution preservation experts who are visiting three State of Texas/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) this week.Among the heirlooms that might be salvageable are photos, artwork, quilts, important documents and other keepsakes. The experts will discuss how to handle, dry and clean these items, as well as personal safety during the salvage process, setting priorities and treatment options. Part of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, the experts are visiting these...

AUSTIN, Texas – Two State of Texas/federal mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Orange and Vidor will change their hours of operation starting Monday, Oct. 9.Both DRCs will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. They will be closed Sunday. The locations are: Orange County Convention and Expo Center11475 FM 1442Orange, TX 77632 Vidor Police Station(Building behind Police Department)695 E. Railroad St.Vidor, TX 77662 DRCs offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods. Recovery specialists from...