HOUSTON — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other county, state and federal officials came together Saturday to give updates on recovery efforts following deadly and destructive storms that hit the Houston area Thursday.
Hidalgo reminded individuals that the disaster declaration signed by President Biden Friday covers those impacted by Thursday's storms and the floods from two weeks ago.
Biden ordered federal aid to help the state, tribal and local recovery efforts "in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding beginning on April 26, 2024, and continuing."
Hidalgo said those impacted by these severe weather events need to apply for FEMA disaster relief or small business assistance. The process now is streamlined so affected people can do both at the same time.
Disaster assistance from FEMA is available for people living in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties.
CenterPoint is working to have restorations substantially complete by Wednesday. Hidalgo recommends that those who don't have power back by the end of the day Wednesday call an electrician to check on potential infrastructure damage.
Rather than wait till Wednesday, the judge said you could go outside and from the ground, look up at your weatherhead to see if there is damage.
Harris County is currently activated on level three increased readiness and will remain at that level the entire week as power restoration continues, according to Hidalgo.
Harris County government will be open Monday, but some buildings are not operational. Hidalgo said many departments are working hard to find their way around that and make notifications as necessary.
Anyone with a court date scheduled or needs a county service for Monday can click here for updates on what might be moved or temporarily delayed.
Because temperatures continue to rise, Hidalgo said law enforcement, the fire marshal and even personnel with the county's Office of Emergency Management have checked in on residents who are registered as being medically fragile.
The judge said just overnight, county officials checked in around 1,400 individuals, which helped them identify people who may have needed help getting to a shelter.
If you suspect someone is trying to take advantage of you or someone in need by price gouging, you can report that here. This system works with both the Texas Attorney General and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
FEMA Disaster Relief
FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Sandy Eslinger, said it's imperative that those impacted by storms apply for assistance.
There are a variety of different ways to register for assistance. One way is to apply online or through the FEMA mobile app. Eslinger said the app also allowed individuals to track their assistance request process.
Another way to request assistance is by calling 1-800-621-3362. The line is available daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Going through the process of applying will put you up for the various assistance programs available.
Eslinger said at the guidance of the county and the state, FEMA will be providing Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSAT). These crews will be out in impacted neighborhoods going door-to-door and helping residents apply.
FEMA will also be working with their partners at the Small Business Administration, the state and local communities to open up disaster recovery centers.
These centers will serve as a hub where people can go and apply for assistance, ask questions about their own application and learn about other assistance programs.
Hidalgo reminds everyone that there will be FEMA crews out inspecting damaged homes. This must be done before they can provide aid. An application must be received before inspectors are sent out.
Hidalgo said shortly after FEMA's arrival to the county, they've already completed numerous inspections and released financial support to people in need.
Because of the widespread damage, FEMA is unable to provide a timeline on when people will receive funds, but they are working as fast as they can, according to Hidalgo.
An authorized FEMA inspector will be wearing a FEMA shirt and badge. Hidalgo wants residents to keep that in mind to avoid getting scammed.
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations can qualify for low-interest government loans.
Small Business Administration rep Barbara Nitis said for home loans, they offer up to $500,000 to repair or replace physical damage, as well as as personal property. Personal property includes anything that's inside your home and your primary car.
Renters can qualify for the $100,000 that covers personal property.
For businesses, Nitis said they offer up to $2 million to cover real estate, machinery equipment and inventory that was affected. There's also an economic injury disaster loan available for economic losses impacted by the business being closed.
Up to $2 million is available for private nonprofit organizations as well.
These loan terms are up to 30 years and there is a 12-month deferment from the date of your first disbursement.
Nitis said reps will be available at FEMA's disaster recovery centers to help people apply. The SBA will also set up business recovery centers. Applications can be made here.
Eligible borrowers may also extend their loan to help mitigate their business or home against future disasters.
Harris County Fire Marshal's Office
Executive Assistant Chief Rodney Reed said as of the last couple of days, fire and EMS agencies have responded to a dramatic increase in the number of carbon monoxide alarms at residences, with 44 of them just on Saturday.
Reed reminds anyone with a generator to keep them at least five feet away from any open-air intakes or openings to your residence. Generators should not be refueled as they are running.
The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office doesn't encourage the use of personal generators at apartment complexes, but if you are using one, Reed said you need to be considerate of not only your own space, but the residents around you. He said to keep generators off patios and at a safe distance away from everyone.
Reed reminds everyone that burning debris poses a huge risk. Debris should be removed safely and properly.
Debris that has been collected by residents and put out may take at least 30 days to be picked up. You can call 311 to report debris.
Hidalgo reminded everyone that CrisisCleanup is available for anyone in need of services including muck and gut removal, debris removal, heavy item removal and tarping. Services are free, but not guaranteed. Residents can call 832-509-2977 for information.
Aside from carbon monoxide calls, Hidalgo said there's been an influx of calls regarding injuries due to attempted repairs, electric shocks and heat-related issues.