FEMA discusses assistance for Texans with flood, storm damage

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Throughout the months of April and May, Texans have dealt with severe weather, and FEMA is looking to inform more storm survivors about the help that’s available.

Who can apply

Texans impacted by storms between April 26 and June 5, 2024, may be eligible for FEMA assistance. This could be damage from severe storms, winds, tornadoes or flooding.

Media Relations Specialist La-Tanga Hopes says FEMA is offering assistance to people who are homeowners or renters, and both insured and uninsured.

“There are people who have insurance and a lot of people will say, ‘Oh, I have insurance, FEMA cannot help me.’ Yes, we possibly can,” said Hopes. “Submit your application, bring in your insurance with you, because what may happen is you’ll find that your insurance may not necessarily cover all of your claim, and if that’s the case and you’ve already submitted your information, you can go, ‘Hello, I’d like to move forward with this application.’ That would be a perfect opportunity to do so.”

To date, $75 million in assistance has been approved to help thousands of residents.

Texans living in Austin, Bell, Montgomery, Trinity, Walker or Waller Counties are among those who can apply for assistance.

What kind of help can FEMA provide?

Hopes says FEMA can provide assistance with “anything that has to do with homeownership as far as repairing and replacement. From your roof to windows to essential personal items–we can help with any of those things.”

FEMA can also provide rental assistance, transportation assistance and medical assistance.

How to apply for assistance

FEMA has set up disaster recovery centers in hard-hit counties. Residents can apply in person.

These locations include:

Montgomery County: East Montgomery County Community Center, 16401 1st St., SplendoraTrinity County: Trinity Middle School, Boardroom, 101 W. Jefferson St., TrinityWaller County: Pine Island Baptist Church, 36573 Brumlow Road, HempsteadWalker County: Walker County Storm Shelter, 455 TX 75 N, Huntsville (across from the Veterans Museum)

All centers are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Texans can also apply online at disasterassistance.gov/, or download the FEMA app for mobile devices.

The deadline to apply is July 16.

Call the FEMA helpline with any questions at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Help is available in most languages.

Be alert to fraud

FEMA crews are working in communities to help people apply for disaster assistance. They carry photo identification and never ask for, or accept money. Thieves may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from disaster survivors. If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.