Why Fort Bend County is Urging Residents to Complete Damage Assessments Following Hurricane Beryl
In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, Fort Bend County officials are joining forces in a concerted push to prompt residents to complete damage assessments. The impact is far-reaching, as it dictates both the level and eligibility of recovery and disaster assistance that the county can receive. Here, we've broken down the steps to getting aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the individual and public level.
How a Disaster is Declared
When disaster strikes, FEMA plays a crucial role in supporting states with their recovery efforts. According to FEMA, the process commences with the Governor of the affected state submitting a request to the President. This plea is based on the severity of the disaster and the necessity of supplemental federal assistance. There are two categories of disaster declarations: emergency declarations and major disaster declarations, both offering varying levels of federal aid.
Why Damage Assessments Matter
Damage assessments are an integral part of the disaster recovery process. They allow officials to determine the extent and impact of the disaster on communities and public facilities. The information they provide is essential for defining the level of federal aid required. According to FEMA, damage assessments help to illustrate that a disaster's effects are beyond the capacity of state and local governments, necessitating supplemental federal assistance.
How Damage Assessments Help Your Community
Fort Bend County officials are urging residents to participate in damage assessments as their insights can help expedite recovery initiatives. These assessments aid in identifying immediate resource needs and determining eligibility for different forms of federal disaster assistance. It is important to note that reporting damage through the assessment tool is voluntary, does not replace insurance claims, and does not guarantee disaster relief aid.
Filing for Help from FEMA
Victims of Hurricane Beryl in Fort Bend County can apply for FEMA disaster assistance via disasterassistance.gov or by dialing 800-621-3362. FEMA's Individual Assistance program provides financial support for various expenses incurred in the wake of a disaster. These costs can range from temporary housing and emergency house repairs to personal property losses, legal services, unemployment aid, and medical expenses.
Fort Bend County Inclusion in Disaster Declaration
In a press release issued by Governor Greg Abbott on July 13, 2024, it was confirmed that Fort Bend County has been added as one of 17 Texas counties now eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance program. This update follows the Major Disaster Declaration approval announced by Governor Greg Abbott on July 10, 2024 that included Fort Bend County for federal disaster assistance. According to that release, "the Major Disaster Declaration allows for reimbursement for up to 75 percent of costs associated with expenses for debris removal and emergency protective measures. The State of Texas may make additional requests as damage assessments are completed." As a result, residents who experienced storm damage are encouraged to complete the damage survey. Filling out this survey is crucial for ensuring that the county receives the necessary federal assistance to recover from this disaster.
Click image to report damage, or visit damage.tdem.texas.gov.
Completing damage assessments is a vital step for Fort Bend County residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. By actively participating in this process, residents not only help local authorities gauge the true extent of the disaster's impact but also contribute to the broader effort of securing much-needed federal aid. This collective action will play a significant role in the community's recovery, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
