WACO, Texas -- Community Relations (CR) teams made up of representatives from the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are busy reaching out to Texans affected by Tropical Storm Erin, August 14-20.

CR teams are going door-to-door, canvassing neighborhoods and spreading the word that disaster aid is available to residents of Bexar, Harris, Jones, Kendall, Medina and Taylor Counties. They deliver vital disaster recovery information to storm victims as well as coordinate with county emergency managers and other local officials.

CR officers are the communication lifelines for valuable disaster recovery information for residents, local governments, businesses, religious organizations and volunteer agencies and they provide valuable information on the location of the nearest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Residents and business owners with Tropical Storm Erin related damages and losses are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY 1-800-462-7585) for the speech- and hearing-impaired. Toll-free registration lines are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Residents and business owners may register online at www.fema.gov. The registration deadline is December 3, 2007.

GDEM and FEMA also work closely with community-based organizations, community leaders and public officials to assist Texas in recovery efforts.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.