Still in the throes of post-flooding recovery? Here are some tips to help you out
The storms which that drenched the region with the most water since Tropical Storm Allison, has destroyed hundreds of homes, caused millions of dollars in damage and left many affected families unsure of what to do next. Here’s a list of tips and places to go to help start the recovery process.
The storm, which drenched the region with the most water since Tropical Storm Allison, has destroyed hundreds of homes, caused millions of dollars in damage and left many affected families unsure of what to do next.
Here’s a list of tips and places to go to start the recovery process. Insurance
If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company or agent to file a claim. You will likely need to file a claim within 60 days of flooding, according to the Harris County Flood Control District. Documents
Document and photograph any damage. You will need this for insurance claims and also if federal emergency management funds become available. If you conduct any repairs, keep the receipts. When you’re doing repairs, make sure to check contractors’ qualifications and references, and get several different quotes. Get written estimates for repairs. You may need to obtain permits for certain repairs. Information from the city can be found at houstonemergency.org. Starting Monday, county residents can call 713-2743880 for permitting questions, and can also call the engineering department at 713 274-3900. Report damage
If you’re in the county but not in Houston, register damage at readyharris.org or by calling the flood control district at 713-684-4000. If you’re in the city, report your flood damage on houston311.org or call 311. Reporting helps the county and the city get an idea of where the damage is and the scope of the damage. Immediate shelter
If you’re in immediate need of shelter, contact the Harris County Housing and Community Resource Center at 877-428-8844 or visit www.hrc.hctx.net. They can help find apartments and negotiate with landlords. The American Red Cross has multiple shelters open across greater Houston, open 24 hours a day with food. For information, call the Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300. Other services
Dial 211 for help with a variety of social services, including for food and medical needs. The 24-hour line is operated by the United Way of Greater Houston and accommodates many languages. More information about city services can be found by calling 311. The Houston Food Bank has a helpline at 832-369-9390. The Salvation Army of the Greater Houston Area has been distributing food and water to affected residents, they can be contacted at: 713-752-0677. Mayor Sylvester Turner has also established the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund — to donate, visit houstonrecovers.org. FEMA
The federal government has issued a disaster declaration for Harris County and three other counties after last week’s heavy rains and floods, paving the way for residents to apply for thousands of dollars in federal assistance.
Now, residents whose homes had been destroyed or had significant damage can apply for up to a $33,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The amount of money received will depend in part on how much damage a person reports. Document and photograph damage and repairs for possible reimbursement. Check harrisrecovery.org. Health
Check for smells in your home; don’t enter if you smell gas.
Throw away things that have been touched by flood waters if they can’t be easily washed, cleaned and disinfected; waters can carry disease and germs. Throw away all food that’s touched floodwaters. Watch out for mold.
More information can be found here: epa.gov/ mold. Debris
The city is working on a plan for debris removal but is encouraging residents to pile debris outside their homes in different categories: vegetation, building materials, appliances, electronics and hazardous waste like cleaning liquids, paint, lawn chemicals or automotive oils. Residents living in the unincorporated county should contact the precinct they live in: Precinct 1: 713-991-6881, Precinct 2: 713-455-8104, Precinct 3: 281-463-6300, Precinct 4: 281-353-8424.