Both Harris and Montgomery county judges have issued disaster declarations due to record-setting heavy rain and flooding since late May. To help with storm relief, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering physical damage and economic injury loans to Harris County residents and economic injury loans to Montgomery County residents. Residents have until July 28 to apply for a physical damage loan, and the deadline for economic injury loans is Feb. 29, 2016, according to the SBA website at www.sba.gov. Flood safety

• Wildlife, such as alligators, snakes and rodents, are displaced during floods and may be present in flood waters.
• High water covering roadwayed rs may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds.
• Do not attempt to cross floodoads or streams on foot. It only takes six inches of water to knock an adult off his feet.
• Never allow children to play near ditches or storm drains following a flood.
• During stormy weather, do not camp or park vehicles along streams.
• Be cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

Flood plains In May, Texas experienced its rainiest month of any on record in 121 years with precipitation totals more than twice the long-term average. Texas also had its rainiest spring on record this year with 16.34 inches of precipitation, which is 8.95 inches above average and 1.59 inches above the previous record set in 1957. Close-up of Harris County flood plain map Close-up of Montgomery County flood plain map For more information on purchasing flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.