Extreme Winter Weather Resources

February 21, 2021
Newsletter

Dear Friend,

While temperatures are rising and many Texans may have had their power restored, I know we are just beginning a long road to recovery. Millions of Texans remain without water, homes and businesses are experiencing severe damage, and a number of Texans have been displaced from their homes.

There must be accountability for the multitude of failures that occurred over the last week, which is why I was glad to see Governor Abbott order an investigation into ERCOT. I will continue to seek accountability in the coming days, weeks and months to guarantee this never happens again, and will do everything I can in Congress to assure federal assistance gets into the hands of those who need it most. In the meantime, my top priority remains ensuring our communities have the resources they need as soon as possible. 

Below you will find an updated list of resources that may be helpful for you and your neighbors as we all begin the recovery process. If you have access to a working phone and need assistance accessing additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are here to help however we can.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)

RESOURCES

All North Texans experiencing any type of storm damage should report their damages to the Texas Department of Emergency Management by clicking HERE. 

Water Assistance Information

Some areas in North Texas are still under boil water notice and many more have plumbing issues that have left them without power. There are water distribution sites around North Texas, giving out water as it is coming in to DFW. You can find a list of current distribution sites HERE. 

Help with Food Assistance

The USDA has approved SNAP recipient’s ability to apply for food replacement benefits for food that was lost or destroyed. Call 211 to apply.

Small Business Administration Loans

If you have damage to your home or business that is not covered by insurance, you may qualify for low interest loans through the Small Business Administration. Go to https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ for more information and to apply online.

File a damage claim with your insurance

Most North Texans with storm damage will have to first file a claim with their homeowners’ insurance. For questions about filing a claim with your homeowners’ insurance, call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.

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. These tips will help make the process go smoother:

  • Make a list of damaged property. Take pictures or video of the damage. Don't throw anything away until your insurance company tells you to.
  • Take steps to protect your home from further damage. Turn off the water and cover broken windows and holes in your roof if possible. Save all receipts. Your policy may cover these costs.
  • Try to be there when the insurance company comes to inspect the damage. If you can’t stay in your home, leave a note with information on where you can be reached.
  • Keep a list of everyone you talk to at your insurance company. Be ready to answer questions about the damage.
  • Ask about living expenses. Most policies will cover some of the costs you have if you are unable to live in your home because of damage that is covered by your insurance. Keep your receipts for these costs.
  • Ask about an advance payment if you need help quickly.
  • If you need shelter or emergency food or water, contact the Red Cross at 800-733-2767.

Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage.

For company phone numbers, use THIS LINK or call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.

Tips to Avoid Fraud

  • Get more than one bid. That will help you decide which offers are too high or too good to be true.
  • Check references and phone numbers. Call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if a contractor has complaints.
  • Don't pay up front and don’t make your final payment until the job is finished. In a disaster, contractors from outside your area can’t ask for payment before they start work.
  • Avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible or promise a rebate for it. That’s illegal under state law and your insurance company may ask for proof that you paid it.
  • Never sign a contract with blank spaces.
  • Report possible price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

Individual Assistance from FEMA

Denton, Dallas and Tarrant Counties have all been approved for individual assistance. Read below for more information on how to apply for these benefits. 

  • Internet or Smartphone Application: Disaster survivors may apply for IHP Assistance or check their application status on-line at www.disasterassistance.gov. Disaster survivors may also access FEMA via smartphone by downloading the application from www.fema.gov or through their mobile provider’s application store.
  • FEMA Toll-Free Helpline: Disaster survivors may call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) to register for assistance or check their application status. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

FEMA assists individuals and households through the coordination and delivery of Individual Assistance programs, including: 

  • Individuals and Households Program: IHP Assistance provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.   IHP Assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster; it is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. IHP Assistance is not considered income or a resource when determining eligibility for welfare, income assistance, or income tested benefit programs that the federal government funds, such as Social Security benefits or disability income.  IHP Assistance is also exempt from garnishment or seizure, but this exception does not apply to FEMA recovering assistance received in error or fraud.
  • Food and supplies (Mass Care and Emergency Assistance): Mass Care is composed of seven services known as activities: sheltering; feeding; distribution of emergency supplies; support for individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs; reunification services for adults and children; support for household pets, service, and assistance animals; and mass evacuee support. 
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance: DUA provides unemployment benefits and re-employment assistance services to eligible survivors affected by a Presidentially-declared major disaster. These services are under the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the state, territorial, tribal, and local government emergency management officials of the affected area(s). DUA is only available to those eligible survivors who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance (UI).
  • Disaster Case Management: DCM is a time-limited process that promotes partnership between a case manager and a disaster survivor in order to assess and address a survivor’s verified disaster-caused unmet needs through a disaster recovery plan. This disaster recovery plan includes resources, decision-making priorities, providing guidance and tools to assist disaster survivors.
  • Disaster Legal Services: DLS provides legal aid to survivors affected by a Presidentially-declared major disaster through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the American Bar Association.  DLS is put into effect during Presidentially-declared disasters and is available to survivors who qualify as low-income.

Disaster Distress Helpline

This storm has taken a mental toll on all Texans. If you or someone you love is struggling please call the Disaster Distress Helpline. 

  • To assist people in the impacted area in coping with the stress of the winter storms, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration activated the Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support provides immediate 24/7, 365-days-a-year crisis counseling and support. Residents in affected areas may call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Spanish speakers should press 2.