Babin Supports Harvey Relief Package
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On Friday, Congress sent President Trump a relief package that provides emergency funding for recovery efforts to help the millions of Texans impacted by Harvey. The devastation across Southeast Texas is heartbreaking. I am very pleased that Congress has acted swiftly to ensure relief is available for the millions of Texans impacted by Harvey. The devastation across Southeast Texas is heartbreaking. It is quite frankly something we have never seen before. My entire congressional district – from Houston to Louisiana – was basically a vast lake. Countless individuals, families, businesses and communities lost nearly everything – their lives completely upended.
While I am extremely disappointed this relief package was tied to a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) and debt ceiling increase – without any meaningful reforms – it is absolutely critical that these folks get the relief they so desperately need. These resources will help our fellow Americans put their lives back together and begin the long road to recovery. With Hurricane Irma now bearing down on Florida, it is absolutely critical that we ensure emergency resources remain available to help the immediate and long term recovery efforts for all those impacted.
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- In Case You Missed It -
Disaster Clean-Up and Inspection Process
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There are reports that disaster survivors should not remove flood-damaged sheetrock, flooring, carpet, etc. until the house is assessed by FEMA or insurance adjustors. This is FALSE. Property owners are encouraged to document storm damage to their properties – either with photographs or video – and to then begin cleaning up and making whatever temporary repairs are necessary to make their homes safe and habitable again. Before discarding items, you should keep samples or swatches of carpeting, wallpaper, furniture upholstery, window treatments, and other items where the type and quality of material may impact the amount payable on the claim. Properly documenting damaged property is critical for your flood claim.
Take pictures of your damaged home, make repairs to prevent further damage to your property, and keep your receipts to show the inspector. In addition, please visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4332 to find important information directly from FEMA on filing an insurance claim, cleaning/mucking your home, and general guidance on the recovery process. If you have not yet filed a claim with FEMA, please do so as soon as possible at www.disasterassistance.gov. This is the first step in receiving assistance.
Aerial Survey of Flood Damage
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Last week, I surveyed the flood damage across Hardin, Orange, Newton, Jasper, Chambers and Harris counties. These pictures show only a small fraction of the catastrophic flooding across our congressional district. Countless lives have been upended – leaving families, businesses and communities in desperate need of help. Our staff is deployed across the district working with local relief officials to make sure the needs of our constituents are met. We are working tirelessly to help people get back on their feet. This will be a long process, but we will be there every step of the way. We encourage folks to contact our office with any questions or if we can help. Please visit our webpage at www.babin.house.gov/harvey for information and resources.
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| Unemployment Assistance |
If you lost your job or were unable to work due to Hurricane Harvey, you can apply for unemployment benefits online here or by calling 1-800-939-6331.
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Rumor Control
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There are a lot of scams circulating the internet regarding Harvey. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Click here for an on-going list of rumors and whether they are true or false.
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| Farmers and Ranchers Recovery Assistance |
USDA offers a variety of programs and services to help those who suffered damage from Harvey. Click here for more information and be sure to contact your county FSA office with any questions: Harris: (281-469-7856 x2), Liberty, Chambers and Hardin (936-336-9145 x2), Orange (409-860-7293 x2), Jasper, Newton and Tyler (409-384-3332 x2), and Polk (936-327-8911x2)
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Texas 36 Standing Strong
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Visited Deweyville with a truck full of supplies. The town was hit hard again, just as folks were getting back into their homes from last year’s devastating floods. After learning they were short on food and water, we were pleased to help get the word out and facilitate the delivery of supplies from a Chinook helicopter. Commissioner Thompson said the helicopter lifted the spirits of the people as they watched it land on the highway. The pilot even gave people a quick tour.
Proud to spend time with an incredible group of Texans at the Buna Volunteer Fire Department. Their resiliency, compassion and determination to help their fellow neighbors is truly special. We will be with them every step of the way.
Surveyed flood damage in Chambers County and visited the Emergency Operations Center to discuss the response and personally thank staff, first responders and local officials for keeping folks informed and safe.
Very grateful for the great work from everyone at the Polk County Emergency Management Operations Center. Thank you to all the first responders, staff, local officials, volunteers and the entire team for their efforts to keep folks safe.
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