HOUSTON — Streets of the most impacted neighborhoods from last week’s derecho storm are lined with piles of debris and feature homes with tarps on rooftops covering damage, marking visible signs of an ongoing and long recovery process that is sparking concern as extreme temperatures arrive this weekend.
KHOU 11 visited several neighborhoods in parts of District C, which encompasses parts of west and northwest Houston.
"This is Timbergrove Manor, and there's a lot less timber today than there was a week ago," resident Bob Fleming said.
Fleming’s neighborhood is among those with the most damage. A week after the storm hit, efforts continue to make homes safe and livable.
"I consider myself very fortunate in that we didn't have it any worse than the neighbors just down the street," Fleming said.
KHOU 11 met up with District C Councilwoman Abbie Kamin who discussed ongoing recovery efforts and concerns going forward.
"We're going on now a week, we're heading into triple-digit heat, so I'm very concerned," Kamin said in an interview in front of one home with damage from a tree having fallen onto a garage. "First and foremost, about getting our families stabilized, whether they're in a home that's been damaged like this or whether they've been able to relocate, we still need to make sure that they have all the resources that they need."
While Kamin said the government response has been robust, she said she had concerns about the private sector response to residents’ needs.
"I have heard from some residents, which is very concerning to me, that their insurance agents aren't coming out until next week," Kamin said. "The fact that an insurance agent has not been out to someone's home should not preclude someone from taking the necessary steps to tarp their roof to get tree remediation, things like that."
Kamin said she’s working on efforts to help educate residents on their legal rights with regard to insurance after disasters.
Kamin also wants people to be aware of available resources through FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the Disaster Alliance and 211.
There are also long-term concerns, including ways to build back infrastructure to be more resilient during future natural disasters.
"That was only a category 2 level for 20 to 30 minutes of sustained winds," Kamin said. "We're heading into hurricane season. What happens to our infrastructure, our grid with a category 3, a category 4?"