At least 135 people have died due to recent flooding in Texas along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio.
Texas has a history of significant flood-related deaths, and the state leads the nation in flood deaths, but a natural disaster can happen to anyone.
If you have been a victim of a natural disaster, remember that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers various forms of assistance, including help with urgent needs such as food and water, temporary shelter, and assistance with home and vehicle repairs.
Once the president has declared an emergency, FEMA disaster assistance is available to all people, regardless of immigration status, for certain non-monetary assistance, such as shelter, food, and water.
However, for financial assistance programs like the People and Households Program, FEMA requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, legal residents, or eligible foreign nationals.
The process may seem challenging at first, but with the right information and an organized approach, you can navigate it successfully by following these five steps.
- Register as soon as possible: Once an emergency or major disaster is declared in your area, the first step is to register with FEMA. Online, the fastest and most efficient way is through DisasterAssistance.gov. By phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you are hearing or speech impaired, use the 711 Relay Service or TTY. You can also register through the FEMA mobile app. Download it to your smartphone to register and access resources. Have important information on hand, such as your Social Security number, contact information, insurance details (if you have one), a description of your losses, and the address of the damaged property.
- Before cleaning or repairing, document everything. Take photographs and videos of the damage to your property and belongings. Make a detailed list of lost or damaged items.
- Decide what support you need. FEMA offers assistance to repair or rebuild your home, or to find temporary housing. It also covers essential disaster-related expenses, such as medical, dental, funeral, transportation, or the replacement of essential household items.
- Stay in touch. After you register, FEMA will contact you. A home inspector may need to visit your property to assess the damage. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from FEMA or your insurance company.
- Appeal if you disagree with the decision: If your application is denied or you disagree with the amount of assistance offered, you have the right to appeal.
Requesting assistance from FEMA is an essential step in recovering from a natural disaster. While the process can be challenging, the assistance is designed to help you rebuild your life and your community. Stay informed, be proactive, and don’t hesitate to seek help from local disaster relief organizations if you need additional guidance.
