SNOWMAGEDDON: Help & Resources
For millions of Texans, life has returned to normal, but the lives of millions more have been negatively impacted or devastated. Please bookmark this page to stay updated on the help and resources available to you. I've populated it with initial information from Congressman Van Taylor and will add to it as more information is available.
Contents
The following information is from Congressman Van Taylor
Recovering After the Storm Resources and Information to Move Forward
Since severe weather hit early this week, I have witnessed the incredible kindness of Texans in Collin County and across the state. Neighbors have taken in strangers, friends have driven great distances to deliver firewood and supplies, and restaurants have provided warm meals to those without. I’ve worked with city governments, county officials, and local community partners to help ensure Collin County communities and residents have the supplies and information needed to get through this storm. Temperatures may be rising, but this disaster is not over. In the coming weeks, federal assistance will be crucial as we begin to recover. I’m grateful to Governor Greg Abbott for requesting, and President Joe Biden for quickly approving the Emergency Declaration to deliver desperately needed resources to our state. As we begin to rebuild from this natural disaster, I wanted to make sure you had information to help navigate the first steps of recovery. Please review the details below and, as always, reach out to my office if you need assistance. Our community is strong, and we will rebuild together. Semper Fi,
Van Taylor Member of Congress
Recovery Resources for North Texans
First Steps
Before cleaning up, take photos of the damage to your home and belongings
Make a list of damaged and lost items and gather any original receipt you may have for those items
Working with your Insurance Company
Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage
Keep a record of everyone you spoke with at the insurance company
Ask about an advance payment if you need help quickly
Inquire about living expenses. Some policies will cover some of the costs if you are unable to live in your home because of covered damage
Make sure you keep receipts for any costs you pay out-of-pocket costs
Visit the Texas Department of Insurance for additional tips when filing your claim
More Help
If you are not insured, or if your insurance company denies your claim, you can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by visiting their website or calling (800) 621-3362.
Remember, FEMA cannot provide for losses covered by insurance, however, if you are not insured or your insurance denies your claim, FEMA may be able to provide:
Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance, or reimbursement for hotel costs
A temporary housing unit, if approved for the disaster, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household's primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage
Shelter and Emergency Food and Water
If you need shelter or emergency food or water, contact the Red Cross at 800-733-2767
Complete the Texas Division of Emergency Management Self Reporting Damage Survey to help state officials understand and assess the extent of damages sustained across Texas
Avoiding Scams
Get more than one bid to help decide which offers are too high or too good to be true
Check references and phone numbers and call the Better Business Bureau to see if a contractor has complaints
Don't pay up front and don’t make your final payment until the job is finished
Avoid contractors who offer to waive deductibles or promise a rebate for it, which is illegal under state law
Never sign a contract with blank spaces
Report possible price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General
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