Texas Winter Storm 2021
On February 19, 2021, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the following Texas counties: Angelina, Aransas, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Collin, Comal, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, DeWitt, Ellis, Falls, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gillespie, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hood, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Kendall, Lavaca, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, Montague, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Polk, Rockwall, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Scurry, Shelby, Smith, Stephens, Tarrant, Travis, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wharton, Wichita, Williamson, Wilson and Wise.
On February 23, 2021, an additional 31 Texas counties were added to the above list: Anderson, Austin, Bosque, Bowie, Burnet, Cherokee, Colorado, Erath, Fannin, Freestone, Gonzalez, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hill, Houston, Hunt, Jackson, Jim Wells, Jones, Limestone, Lubbock, Medina, Milam, Navarro, Rusk, Taylor, Tom Green, Val Verde, Washington, and Wood.
On February 26, 2021, an additional 18 counties were added to the above list: Atascosa, Bandera, Brooks, Duval, Eastland, Ector, Goliad, Howard, Jim Hogg, Karnes, Kleberg, Leon, Llano, Newton, Robertson, Trinity, Webb, and Willacy.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app, or by calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY).
If you live in a county not listed above, report your damages to TDEM.texas.gov/warm. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) is providing FEMA with damage totals so they can make a determination to provide assistance to these additional counties.
Articles About Disaster Relief
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Replacing Lost Documents
This resource lists government agencies that can help you get replacement copies of important documents, including birth certificates, property tit... -
Handling Homeowner Insurance Claims
This article tells you practical steps you can take to handle home insurance claims after a natural disaster.
Seeing unusually high prices? Report price gouging.
The Office of the Attorney General of Texas warns Texans that state law prohibits price gouging in the wake of a declared disaster. The Attorney General's office advises:
If you feel that you are being unfairly charged for goods or services such as drinking water, food, batteries, generators, gasoline, or towing, raise the issue of price gouging with the provider. Speak to the provider respectfully but be frank. If you are unable to resolve the matter, file a consumer complaint.
Disaster Relief Resources
Ready.gov | Recovering from Disaster
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community and your life back to normal.
FEMA | Texas Severe Winter Storms
FEMA is updating its information as it responds to the disaster. FEMA has information on available help for individuals/families, local resources, how to help, and funding obligations.
See FEMA - Answers to Common Questions to learn more about how FEMA may be able to help you recover from a disaster.
The website provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance.
For large and small disasters, the Red Cross meets the immediate needs of victims by providing shelter, food, bedding, clothing, and sometimes assisting with the replacement of essential medications and medical equipment.
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
A disability-led organization with a focused mission on equal access, disability rights, and full inclusion of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.
National Distress Helpline for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7, year-round treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
State Bar of Texas | Disaster Relief Resources
When disasters strike Texas, the State Bar serves as a clearinghouse for disaster response resources for the public and attorneys.
NCOA provides an overview of benefit programs that can help with energy assistance needs, including Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization Assistance Program, and Emergency Assistance.
Resources for consumers and advocates on mitigating the impact of disasters, covering topics like housing relief, avoiding home repair fraud, and utility issues.
Resources for Advocates
National Center on Law and Elder Rights
The National Center on Law and Elder Rights has the following tips and resources tho help professionals assist clients after a disaster:
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Quick Tips to Help Older Homeowners Access Insurance Benefits after a Disaster. This practice tip provide advocates with information on advising older homeowners filing insurance claims.
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Legal Services and Disaster Assistance for Older Adults. This collection of resources is for legal assistance providers and advocates working with older adults during and after a disaster. This document is provided as a resource to attorney volunteers who are fielding questions from those affected by disasters.
Texas Disaster Assistance Manual
The Disaster Assistance Manual is a resource available to attorney volunteers who are fielding questions from those affected by disasters.
Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center
A bank of legal resources and critical information for legal aid professionals, pro bono volunteers, and the disaster survivors they assist.