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Helpful Information on Flooding and Disaster AssistanceA Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process and Federal Disaster Assistance
Washington,
June 10, 2015
***This page will continue to be updated as more information becomes available*** Major Disaster Declaration for Texas (DR-4223-TX) On May 29, a Major Disaster for the State of Texas was declared as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding during the period beginning on May 4, 2015 and continuing. This declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Harris, Hays, and Van Zandt counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Details of the disaster declaration and assistance programs are as follows: Declaration Number: FEMA-4223-DR Incident: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding Incident Period: May 4, 2015, and continuing Federal Coordinating Officer: Kevin L. Hannes, National FCO Program Individual Assistance (IA): (Assistance for individuals and households): IA-Designated Counties: Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Denton, Eastland, Fort Bend, Gaines, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Van Zandt, Wichita, Williamson, and Wise Counties. Public Assistance (PA): (Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities): PA-Designated Counties: Angelina, Archer, Atascosa, Bastrop, Baylor, Blanco, Bowie, Burleson, Caldwell, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Comal, Comanche, Cooke, Denton, Fannin, Fayette, Gaines, Garza, Gillespie, Grayson, Grimes, Harris,Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hood, Houston, Jasper, Johnson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lamar, Lee, Liberty, Lynn, Madison, Milam, Montague, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Polk, Refugio, Rusk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Travis, Tyler, Uvalde, Van Zandt, Walker, Williamson, Wharton, Wilson, Wise, and Zavala Counties. Hazard Mitigation (HM): (Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards): HM-Designated Areas: All areas in the State of Texas are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Individuals in Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Denton, Eastland, Fort Bend, Gaines, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Van Zandt, Wichita, Williamson, and Wise Counties can register with FEMA the following ways: Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Apply via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Constituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. Texas Flood Resources
Know Your Risk Before a Flood: Do your homework. Be aware of the potential flooding risks for the particular area where you live. Familiarize yourself with the terms used to identify a flooding hazard. Some of the more common terms used are: A Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. A Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. Flash Flood Safety Tips Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Listen to local officials and monitor your local radio or television for information. Do not drive into flooded areas. Turn Around; Don’t Drown. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are now being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carriers' networks. WEAs sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service are designed to get your attention and to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. Take the alert seriously and follow instructions. More information is available on WEA at www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts. Please find the following fact sheets on the disaster declaration criteria, declaration process and FEMA programs: |