AUSTIN, Texas – Texas residents who suffered damage or losses in the severe storms and subsequent flooding that occurred from June 19 through July 13, 2018 should know that their eligibility for disaster assistance will be based on their individual circumstances and needs. The amount and type of housing assistance an individual receives could be completely different from his or her neighbors, even though the damage appears to be similar. For example, one homeowner might have more extensive insurance coverage than the homeowner next door, which could equal more or less aid...

AUSTIN, Texas – While FEMA does not provide direct assistance to businesses or commercial farms, under the agency’s Individuals and Households Program, people (including farmers) whose homes were damaged or destroyed or who qualify for other-needs assistance can seek help from FEMA. Disaster assistance is available through other federal agencies to businesses and farms that have suffered damage to business property or economic losses as a direct result of a presidentially declared disaster. Economic-injury loans are available to businesses located in Cameron, Hidalgo and Jim Wells counties and in all contiguous counties. Low-interest...

The term “substantial damage” applies to a structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area – or floodplain – for which the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s market value before the disaster occurred, regardless of the cause of damage. This percentage rule can vary among jurisdictions. The decision about a structure being substantially damaged is made at the local-government level, generally by a building-department official or floodplain manager. For communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), substantial damage determinations generally are required by local...

AUSTIN, Texas – A recent case of attempted fraud in Texas underscores how disaster survivors can be victimized by fraudsters.A Texas family received a bogus “notice” sporting the FEMA logo, assuring the family that it qualified for large sums of assistance. All they needed to do was to put a few thousand dollars in cash into an envelope and leave it in their mailbox. FEMA would come around and pick it up. Then the family would get a fat payoff in assistance. The notice was a total scam.The family was also...

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

AUSTIN, Texas — Residents of Jim Wells County who suffered damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 19 - July 13, 2018 might now be eligible for programs that address certain needs. After conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments in the county, FEMA amended the Major Disaster Declaration of July 6 to include Jim Wells County for its Individuals and Households Program.  FEMA encourages survivors of the flooding to self-assess their situation. For homeowners and renters, first determine if your home is safe, sanitary and functional. If your dwelling fails...

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, are urged to rebuild safer and stronger. Mitigation experts say this is an opportunity to rebuild by taking steps to use more flood-resistant building materials.  By using more flood-resistant materials, survivors can reduce the damage caused by future flood waters and make cleanup easier. Building materials are considered flood-resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for up to 72 hours without being significantly...

MYTH: I have to wait for the inspector before I can throw things out and start cleaning out the mud or making repairs. FACT: No. Anything that absorbed water needs to be removed from the home as soon as possible. This includes wallboard and flooring materials where mold can grow. Be sure to take pictures of damage, keep all receipts and continue working on the home. MYTH: I can’t register with FEMA until my insurance claim has been completed. FACT: You can register with FEMA even if your claim is not completed. MYTH: Survivors can’t...

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...