In the days immediately following the mid-February winter storm that left millions in Texas in a deep freeze, the word “disaster” was on almost everyone’s mind. But with spring on the way— and warmth, water, and power mostly restored—it’s possible to forget that each of us can play a simple part in getting help for all.
As of March 15, FEMA has approved only 126 Texas counties in the Major Disaster Declaration—the vast marjotiy east of I-35 and clustered around metro areas.
“Rural counties endured the same storm as big cities,” reported the Texas Tribune last week, “but many haven’t fallen under President Joe Biden's major disaster declaration. Officials say it's because those counties lack data on damages.”
County judges such as Kevin Brendle of Dickens County and Jim C. White of Kent County have urged residents who have suffered from the storm to selfreport the damage on the State of Texas Assessment Tool. It’s quick and easy—just 10 questions, and up to 5 photos.
Business owners as well as homeowners and renters can complete the voluntary survey. Although it’s not a substitute for reporting an insurance claim, and it does not guarantee disaster relief assistance, the more people who upload their information, the more the puzzle pieces fill in for FEMA decision maters.
A major disaster declaration can possibly open up a county for public assistance as well as qualify people for individual assistance.
For those who aren’t familiar with computers, many communities have offered help with the brief form.
Background information, as well as FAQs and the self-reporting tool link, may be found at www.fema.gov/disaster/4586 . For help or more information, call (844) 844-3089, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.
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