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...

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

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

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Ascension Parish School Board will receive nearly $6.1 million for permanent school repairs following the August 2016 floods. The recently approved funding will help with campus-wide repair efforts at St. Amant High School.To date, FEMA has reimbursed Louisiana schools more than $185 million for disaster-related projects through its Public Assistance program to assist with recovery following the August 2016 floods. This includes more than $51.6 million for the Ascension Parish School Board.  FEMA has provided funding to Ascension Parish School Board for costs associated with remediating...

Official website of the Department of Homeland SecurityOriginal linkOriginal author: earl.armstrong

Denton, Texas– New preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) are available for review by residents and business owners of Grand Lake O’Cherokees areas shown below. Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in appeal and comment periods for the maps. The new flood risk information and FIRM resulted from a long-term flood study lead by a team of local...

AUSTIN, Texas – It is important to make home repairs and clean up debris as soon as possible following a natural disaster. For the residents of Hidalgo and Cameron counties, FEMA urges that needed work be started even if the home has not been inspected or your damage claims approved. Doing so will never disqualify homeowners from federal assistance. Accomplish any work that will help make a home safe, sanitary and habitable again. First, consult with local officials and secure the required permits. Take plenty of photographs of damage before repairs are made,...