Winter Weather Recovery

Information will be updated as it is made available. 

TDEM Individual Damage Collection Survey
The Governor announced a statewide effort to collect damage assessment data for this unprecedented event. This information is being collected to help officials across the state gain an understanding of damages for individuals throughout Texas. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has created a survey for individuals to complete for damage that occurred to their residence or business. Individuals suffering damage to their residence or business are urged to report such damage as quickly as possible. 

Reporting damage to Texas Division of Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Damage can be reported by clicking here or scanning the QR code below with a mobile device that has an internet connection. 

damage collection

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), with the assistance of the Texas Military Department, launched a call center to assist Texans, who have limited or no internet access, with completing the State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). Texans can call 844-844-3089 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM seven days a week to submit their disaster damage information. This call center is specifically for Texans who are unable to submit information through the online iSTAT tool.  If needed, a state emergency management professional will visit impacted homes to collect photos and documentation of damage for the validation process.  Texans are urged to fill out the iSTAT, either online or over the phone if internet access is limited, to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent severe winter weather event. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals.  "The information gleaned from the iSTAT will help us advocate for the support and assistance our communities need to recover from the winter storm," said Governor Abbott. "This call center is available to help Texans without internet access complete this crucial survey."  

FEMA Individual Assistance
Brazoria County, including the City of Iowa Colony and surrounding areas, has received a major disaster deceleration from the President. This opens to way for individuals to directly receive assistance from FEMA through their Individual Assistance program. Individuals seeking assistance under FEMA's Individual Assistance program may find information by clicking here or calling either 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585. The Individual Assistance program is a direct assistance program from FEMA to the individual. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to SNAP recipients to use their food benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals and for the replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to impacts from the severe winter storm. Additional information may be found here.

USDA Programs
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to work with local, state, and federal, and non-governmental partners to address the severe winter weather effects on Texas livestock and poultry and is working with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to deliver programs to provide assistance to rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families, and small businesses affected by the recent winter storms. 

How to Spot and Report Price Gouging
Price gouging is illegal, and the Office of the Attorney General has authority to prosecute any business that engages in price gouging after a disaster has been declared by the governor or president. The attorney general has issued stern warnings about price gouging to businesses in times of disaster, but you should still be on your guard. Reports about price gouging and more information can be found at this Texas Attorney General's Office page.

Insurance Tips Following Winter Storm
The Texas Department of Insurance has released tips and information regarding filing for insurance claims after the winter storm. If your home was damaged due to a broken water pipe, downed tree limbs, or other winter damage, contact your insurance company or agent to file a claim as soon as possible.

After the Storm Information
Avoid Home Repair Fraud
Steps for Filing Insurance Claims
Right's for Renters
US Small Business Administration Disaster Information - English
US Small Business Administration Disaster Information - Spanish