Texas Hurricane Harvey (DR-4332)

Returning home after a flood can be the most trying time. There is a lot to be aware of when getting back into your home, to ensure you are mitigating all potentional issues. You can use the resources on this page to help you get back to normal.

What's the quickest way to apply for federal assistance? Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). Due to high demand, lines may be busy. Please be patient, and try calling in the morning or evening when call volume may be lower. To get help in person, find a Disaster Recovery Center near you with the DRC locator.

If asked, please complete and submit your SBA loan application. SBA offers low-interest, long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profits (such as churches and charities), homeowners, and renters.

If declined, applicants may be referred back to FEMA, possibly for Other Needs Assistance (ONA), which includes personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

FEMA may award certain grants that cover specific needs—such as childcare or medical and dental expenses caused by the disaster—that do not require you to apply for an SBA loan to be eligible.

If you cannot return to your damaged home due to long-standing floodwaters, you may be eligible for one month of expedited rental assistance from FEMA. You may also qualify for Critical Needs Assistance, a one-time payment to a displaced household to cover urgent disaster-related needs—such as food, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, gas for transportation and medical supplies.

Quick Links

• Visit our Hurricane Harvey Facebook Page for recovery related information and updates.
• Visit our Rumor Control page for a list of identified rumors and help us combat misinformation.
• Fill out a Survivor's Checklist of 9 steps to take you and your family down the road to recovery.
• If your home or business was damaged or destroyed by flood, you face major decisions about your property. Visit our Mitigation page for information and resources for residents and communities in Texas.
• Visit our rebuilding resources page for a list of materials and information to support Hurricane Harvey rebuilding efforts.
• Browse through our library of disaster recovery video resources for people with disabilities, access & functional needs.

Apply for Assistance

Registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance since the event will last several days and the full scope of damages may not be evident until the storm has passed. If you are unable to access the internet, you can also call at 1-800-621-3362.

Find a Disaster Recovery Center near you with the DRC locator. Survivors can go in to any Disaster Recovery Center for assistance.

FEMA offers Individual Assistance after a disaster to help begin your recovery. Look at the steps and options available.

After you Apply for Assistance

Town Hall Meetings

FEMA & SBA will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting in the following counties:

Friendswood:
Monday, Sept. 18, 6 to 9 p.m.
Friendswood Junior High School
1000 Madison Parkway Friendswood, TX 77546

League City:
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6 to 9 p.m.
Walter Hall Park
807 Highway 3 N League City, TX 77573

Dickinson:
Monday, Sept. 25, 6 to 9 p.m.
Dickinson High School Auditorium
3800 Baker Drive Dickinson, TX

Tips for Cleaning Up

Returning Home

• NFIP Policyholders Must Follow the Guildelines of Their Flood Policy When Cleaning Up
• Homeowner's and renter's guide to mold cleanup after disasters (EPA)
• Public Assistance: Contracting Requirements Checklist
• Public Assistance: Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Debris Removal

• Public Assistance Debris Removal Tips Fact Sheet

• Public Assistance: Private Property Debris Removal Fact Sheet

• After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures

• Test your well water before drinking it. For more information, go to TCEQ's hurricane response page.

Tips for Clean-Up

Below are a few simple guidelines to follow that will make the clean-up and salvage process safer and easier:

• Always wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.
• Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other exterior damage.
• Take photos of your damage before you begin clean up and save repair receipts.
• Your home may be contaminated with mold, which raises the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. Refer to the Center for Disease Control for more info on mold: www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/flyer-get-rid-of-mold.pdf.
• Open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.
• Turn off main electrical power and water systems and don’t use gas appliances until a professional can ensure they are safe.
• Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage.
• Throw out all foods, beverages and medicines exposed to flood waters or mud including canned goods and containers with food or liquid.
• Also, throw out any items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).
• Beware of snakes, insects, and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.
• Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
• Clean all hard surfaces (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, etc.) thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.
• For tips and guidance on disposing animal carcasses left by Harvey, go to TCEQ's hurricane response page.

Beware of Fraud & Price Gouging

After a disaster scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Survivors should keep in mind:

• FEMA does not authorize individual contractors to solicit on its behalf.  Beware of any individual contractors contacting you directly on behalf of FEMA to sign you up for debris removal or remediation services.
• If you have any concerns about individuals representing themselves as FEMA or would like to report fraud, please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov. 
• Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept money, and always carry identification badges
• There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state
• Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person

Price Gouging

Price gouging occurs when a supplier marks up the price of an item more than is justified by his actual costs. Survivors are particularly susceptible because their needs are immediate, and have few alternatives to choose from. If you find price gouging, contact you the Texas State Office of the Attorney General.

Report Price Gouging

• Call: 1-800-621-0508
  Email: consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov

Dealing with Contractors:

Survivors should take steps to protect themselves and avoid fraud when hiring contractors to clean property, remove debris or make repairs.

Simple rules to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

• Only use contractors licensed by your state
• Get a written estimate and get more than one estimate
• Demand and check references
• Ask for proof of insurance
  • i.e., liability and Workmen's Compensation
• Insist on a written contract and refuse to sign a contract with blank spaces
• Get any guarantees in writing
• Make final payments only after the work is completed
• Pay by check.

The best way to avoid fraud is to arm yourself against it by having a checklist to remind you of what you need to demand when hiring a contractor.

National Flood Insurance Program

Information about Loss Avoidance. NFIP flood insurance policyholders may be able to get up to $1,000 to help with protective measures taken to avoid flood damage when a flood is imminent.

• Esta página explica el proceso de reclamaciones y los pasos a seguir mientras archiva y trabaja con su ajustador y agente. ¿Cómo presento mi reclamación contra inundaciones?  
• Visit FEMA’s How do I File My Flood Claim? site that explains the claims process and steps to follow as you file and work with your agent and adjuster. The more you know, the smoother the process will go.
• Download and print this guide for insured-survivors on What to Do After the Flood
• Report your loss immediately to your insurance agent and ask them about advanced payments: NFIP's Write Your Own insurance companies
• Read more about what to do after your inspection.
• NFIP Policyholders Must Follow the Guidelines of Their Flood Policy When Cleaning Up. Read the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency’s Homeowners' and Renters' Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters.
• How to file your NFIP flood insurance claim infographic.

Steps to File a Claim

FEMA’s How do I File My Flood Claim?  page offers more details on each of the steps below, along with more information for Hurricane Harvey survivors who have flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program.

1. STEP ONE: File a Claim
   • Who to call
   • What information to provide when reporting your claim
   • How to register for FEMA assistance online
2. STEP TWO: Prepare For Your Inspection
   • How to document damage
   • How to remove your flood damaged items
   • Who to contact as you make repairs
3. STEP THREE: Work with Your Adjuster
   • What you should expect from your adjuster visit
   • What to know, do, and discuss with your adjuster
   • What to do after your inspection
4. STEP FOUR: Complete A Proof of Loss

Note for Hurricane Harvey Survivors: Although ordinarily required within 60 days from the date of loss, completing a Proof of Loss (POL) will be waived for a period of one-year. The insurance company will accept the adjuster’s report to pay your claim. You will need a POL if you find additional flood damage or if you disagree with what the insurance company pays you.

Please keep in mind that even after you receive an initial payment for your flood claim, you have the option to request additional payment. You will need to submit a POL by one year from the date of loss if you request additional payment(s).

Unsatisfied With Your Claim Payment? If after you receive a denial letter (for all or some of your flood insurance claim) from your insurer you are unsatisfied with the dollar amount being offered for flood-loss repairs or replacements, you may explore other options. These options are only available for policyholders who have received a denial letter.

Hazard Mitigation

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding for long-term public assistance mitigation measures following major disaster declarations.

• FEMA's 404 Mitigation Program provides funding for damaged and non-damaged facilities based on a percentage of dollars obilgated to the PA and IA programs.
• Summary of FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grants: 404 and 406.

Resources

• To find family & friends or to register yourself as safe, visit the @americanredcross Safe & Well site: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/
• To report a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570. Also read this fact sheet on keeping children safe after Hurricane Harvey.
• To talk to a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm, call the @disasterdistressline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Visit the FEMA Social Hub for updates from official emergency management social media accounts.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App to receive alerts from the National Weather Service, get safety and survival tips, customize your emergency checklist, find your local shelter, and upload your disaster photos to help first responders.

Related Informational Videos

• Videos on the following topics
  • Federal Disaster Assistance
  • FEMA Questions
  • Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA)
  • Aid Registration

How to Help

To help people affected by the storm, visit @nvoad’s page for a listed of trusted organizations: https://txvoad.communityos.org/cms/node/104

• Cash is best. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.
• Confirm donations needed. Critical needs change rapidly – confirm needed items BEFORE collecting; pack and label carefully; confirm delivery locations; arrange transportation. Unsolicited goods NOT needed burden local organizations’ ability to meet survivors’ confirmed needs, drawing away valuable volunteer labor, transportation, and warehouse space.
• Connect to volunteer. Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed, and can ensure appropriate volunteer safety, training, and housing.

Thank you for your interest in helping the survivors of Hurricane Harvey, there are other ways to help. When disaster strikes, America looks to FEMA to support survivors and first responders in communities all across the country. We are currently seeking talented and hard-working people to help support the response and recovery.

News, Fact Sheets, Multimedia, Rumor Control, FAQs

• News & Fact Sheets
• Photo Resources
• Video Resources
• Rumor Control
• FAQs

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