Finding shelter
When heavy storms hit, residents need to know where to go if forced to evacuate their home. To find the nearest shelter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends checking with either the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.
www.redcross.org
www.salvationarmyusa.org
Those without internet access can text the word SHELTER and the ZIP code — i.e. SHELTER 77449 — to 43362 (4FEMA). Standard text message rates apply.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
The centers are not shelters but provide information about FEMA programs and answer questions related to assistance claims.
www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers
- Katy Mills
5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy
1-800-621-3362
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. - Simonton Community Church
9703 FM 1489 Simonton Road, Simonton. 1-800-621-3362
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Closed Sundays - Sienna Annex
5855 Sienna Spring Hwy., Missouri City
1-800-621-3362
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. - Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet St., Houston 1-800-621-3362
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Recreate safety kits
Recreate safety kits
Tropical Storm Harvey may have moved on, but other future storms are possible. Preparing for the next event can reduce future stress when extreme weather occurs. FEMA recommends gathering:
- One gallon of water per person in the household for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
- A three-day supply of nonperishable food
- A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with tone alert
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Whistle
- Dust mask
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
- Manual can opener
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local paper maps in case internet access is unavailable
- Cellphone with chargers and a backup battery
- Any necessary prescription medications
Ensure that important documents, such as insurance policy information, passports, birth certificates, deeds and health insurance documents are in a waterproof container.
Staying healthy and volunteering medically
More information about vaccines
People with puncture wounds or cuts exposed to floodwaters could be at risk of contracting tetanus if they have not received the vaccine within the last 10 years. Vaccination schedules can be found at www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/schedule/
Students displaced by Tropical Storm Harvey may enroll in school provisionally for 30 days without proof of immunization. Schools with access to the ImmTrac2 program can verify students' immunization status.
Specialized resources
To find an operating dialysis clinic, contact the End Stage Renal Disease Network of Texas www.esrdnetwork.org or by calling 866-407-3773.
The Texas HIV Medication Program regularly updates information about replacing and delivering medications at www.dshs.texas.gov/hivstd/meds/disaster.shtm
Medical professionals looking to volunteer can register with the Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry at www.texasdisastervolunteerregistry.org, and can find opportunities through Christ Clinic Katy at
www.christclinickaty.org/volunteer
Cleanup and Recovery
Before beginning cleanup, take photos of the damage prior and save repair receipts. For safety reasons, remember to:
- Wear protective clothing, rubber or plastic gloves, and waterproof boots or shoes.
- Be aware of snakes, insects and other animals on the property or in the home.
- Examine the structure for damaged power or gas lines, or other utility issues that may present a safety hazard.
- Turn off main electricity, water and gas supplies until a professional has inspected the respective line.
- Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other structural damage.
- Throw out foods, beverages and medicines exposed to floodwaters or mud, including canned goods and containers with food.
Flooded homes may be contaminated with mold, which causes health concerns for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. To combat the problem:
- Open doors and windows to air out the house prior to working inside.
- Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected, including mattresses, carpeting and stuffed animals.
- Remove all drywall and insulation that has come in contact with floodwaters.
- Clean all hard surfaces thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.
Applying for federal aid after a disaster
Residents affected by a presidentially declared disaster may file for assistance from the federal government through FEMA. The agency partners with the Small Business Administration, state and local municipalities to provide aid to those affected by disasters.
The FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362 / TTY 800-462-7585) may be able to provide additional referrals for emergency assistance before a formal aid claim is filed.
To file a claim, follow these steps:
- Take photos of all relevant damage, if possible.
Gather the homeowners and flood insurance policy numbers, if available, and address of the home that was damaged, a reliable phone number, and the address where the claimant is staying or where they would like to receive related documents.
File a claim with a private insurance firm. Renters and homeowners insurance do not include flood coverage, but if the property is required to be flood insured, that policy information is necessary for flood-related FEMA and SBA claims.
File for FEMA aid at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. FEMA may also require an aid application be filed with the SBA, in which case claimants will be applying for a low-interest SBA loan.
Get an inspection from FEMA representatives. Claimants will receive a call from FEMA within 10 days of filing a claim for aid, and an adult resident of the damaged home must be present.
- If approved: Payment will be issued by direct deposit or check. The claimant will also receive a letter indicating how FEMA funds may be used, as well as what records must be kept for FEMA grants.
If denied: The claimant has the right to appeal in writing. The appeal must be postmarked within 60 days of the determination letter’s postmark.
Keep relevant records for three years.
Avoiding scams
Scams can be attempted in person, by phone or text, by mail or by email. Ask anyone offering government aid who claims to be from a government agency for ID. Public agencies do not charge for flood-related home inspections or assistance grants.
Before donating to an organization, verify a nonprofit’s legitimacy at www.give.org, or call the group’s phone number to confirm the person seeking donations is affiliated with the nonprofit.
For home or vehicle repairs, ask to see the vendor’s required permits or licenses, and research their business through the Better Business Bureau website. Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Beware of anyone requesting sensitive information who claims to be from FEMA or the state, as FEMA inspectors only verify damage and do not endorse businesses.
Check county and city emergency information resources
Up-to-date information can save lives and reduce stress associated with disasters. These government channels distribute information regularly during crises and during the recovery and cleanup processes. However, anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 911.
City of Katy:
www.cityofkaty.com
www.facebook.com/cityofkaty
twitter: @cityofkaty
Katy Office of Emergency Management:
www.facebook.com/cityofkatyoem
twitter: @CityofKatyOEM
City of Fulshear:
www.fulsheartexas.gov
www.facebook.com/CityofFulshear
Harris County Office of Emergency Management:
www.ReadyHarris.org
www.facebook.com/ReadyHarris/
twitter: @readyharris
www.youtube.com/user/hcohsem
Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management:
www.fbcoem.org
www.facebook.com/fbcoem
twitter: @fbcoem
www.youtube.com/fbcoem</a
Waller County Office of Emergency Management:
www.wcoem.org
www.facebook.com/wallercountysheriff
twitter: @wallercojudge
