Hurricane Harvey Resources
Hurricane Harvey has challenged and tested our resolve over the past year. After days of flooding, evacuations, and road closures, our region is now on the long road to recovery. While this process will not be easy, Houstonians are strong and we will get through this together. Below is some helpful information as you navigate this crisis. If you need assistance at the federal level, my office stands ready to help. Please do not hesitate to call my office for help 281-494-2690.
Applying for Disaster Claims
FEMA Disaster Assistance Claims
Call (800) 621-3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov
Flood Insurance Claims
Click here to learn how to file a flood insurance claim under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
For more information about NFIP click here
Texas Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Click here for information on state Harvey unemployment assistance.
Small Business Administration
SBA offers low interest, long-term disaster loans to small businesses of all sizes, private non-profits, homeowners and renters to repair or replace uninsured or underinsured disaster damaged property.
Click here for information about the SBA disaster loan assistance program
To apply for low-interest federal disaster loans using the Electronic Loan Application click here or call (800) 659-2955
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Click here for information about HUD disaster recovery resources
For information about HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) and HOME programs click here
Cleaning Up and Rebuilding
Texas Workforce Commission
FEMA is working with the Texas Workforce Commission to hire Texas residents for Hurricane Harvey recovery jobs. Click here to register.
Veterans Affairs
Click here for the VA’s Hurricane Harvey Updates page
Center for Disease Control
For the CDC’s advice on what to do when you return home click here.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
For information about USDA disaster assistance for communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses click here
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Governor Abbott has suspended the waiting period for insurance companies to pay claims to vehicle owners affected by Harvey. He has also temporarily waived license and registration fees. For more information click here.
Electricity and Power Information
For electricity and power updates click here
Health Information
Public health and safety information for Hurricane Harvey can be found at https://www.phe.gov/emergency/events/harvey2017/Pages/default.aspx
You can also find resources at cms.gov/emergency.
HHS - The Disaster Distress Helpline, a toll-free call center, continues to be available at 1-800-985-5990, to aid people in coping with the behavioral health effects of the storm and help people in impacted areas connect with local behavioral health professionals.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Click here for information on flooding, mold, and treating your drinking water
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers guidelines for debris pickup
County Resources
Brazoria County
Brazoria County Emergency Management: (979) 864-1064
Brazoria County Sheriff: (979) 849-2441
Well Water Testing
The Brazoria County Water Lab is waiving the testing fee for Brazoria County residents. They will test water samples for coliform and ecoli bacteria. Click here for more information.
Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Emergency Management: (281) 342-6185
Fort Bend County Sheriff: (281) 341-4704
Click here for information on Fort Bend county shelters.
Well Water Testing
Click here for information about water sample drop-off locations
Harris County
Harris County Emergency Management
Houston Police: (202) 639-7000
Info about shelters inside Houston, call 311
Info about shelters outside Houston, call 211
Well Water Testing
Click here for information about water sample drop-off locations
To download the ReadyHarris App:
Apple/iOS:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/readyharris/id1038485677?mt=8
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quickseries.Harris
Protection From Rumors and Scams
To learn how you can protect yourself from scams in the aftermath of Harvey, please visit www.FTC.gov/weatheremergencies
Texas House Bill 1774 does not affect flood insurance claims under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was created by Congress under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. This means that it is a federal program and is subject to federal law and the new Texas law will have no effect on NFIP policyholders. Please visit the FEMA website to learn how to file your flood insurance claim.
For more information about these and other Harvey rumors click here.
Additional Information
For medical/functional emergency, call 211
For life threatening emergency, call 911
For a comprehensive list of resources visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/weather_aware_hurricane.htm
For information concerning communications networks, please visit www.fcc.gov/harvey