As Tropical Storm Harvey continues to wreak havoc in Houston and other parts of Southeast Texas, many residents are dealing with evacuation protocol, property damage and health scares exacerbated by the extreme weather. Whether you are looking to volunteer, avoid closed roads or donate blood, here are the seven things you need to know this week, Aug. 28-Sept. 3.
1. Shelters open in Austin
The Capital Area Shelter Hub Plan opened two shelters on Aug. 26 to receive evacuees from Houston and other cities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The shelters are located at the Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Drive, Austin, and at LBJ High School, 7309 Lazy Creek Drive, Austin. Their combined capacity is about 1,000 evacuees, according to Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Juan Ortiz. Neither is open to Central Texas residents, but organizers will reevaluate should local evacuations begin.
2. American Red Cross seeks shelter volunteers
Those interested can apply to volunteer here. You can also donate directly to the organization’s Hurricane Harvey relief efforts here or to the Austin Disaster Relief Network, which helps survivors cover emergency costs and funds long-term repairs and rebuilding. The ADRN will also connect community members who sign up here with volunteer opportunities.
3. New insurance law takes effect Friday
Those seeking immediate relief need to file insurance claims by Friday if they hope to avoid consequences of House Bill 1774, which was passed in the regular Texas legislative session. The bill takes effect on September 1 and will limit the penalties insurance companies could face if they don't pay enough in claims. To avoid any implications of the impeding legislation, those filing claims should notify in writing their insurance providers of their claims prior to Friday.
