By Cong. Pat Fallon
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week was a trying time for many Texans. We’ve heard the sometimes-deadly stories of families losing heat and power for extended periods. We’ve heard reports of hospitals worried about a lack of water and the potential this shortage had to overwhelm them more than even the Coronavirus.
But we’ve also heard amazing tales of Texans banding together to take care of our own. In the light of this disaster, many of us were brought together as we haven’t been in quite some time. This storm will likely go down in history as the most expensive disaster in Texas history, and as we all rebuild together, I’m hopeful we’ll continue to unite around our shared love of Texas.
I also want to let you know that Governor Abbott requested that the President include every one of Texas' 254 counties in the Major Disaster Declaration. The President only certified 108 counties. I believe this is a failure in leadership for the most expensive storm in Texas history. I've signed a letter urging President Biden to finish the job as soon as possible, but you can help too.
- Complete a report with the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and give them the critical data needed to secure additional support from Washington.
- You can also call (844) 844-3089 between 8 am and 8 pm.
Staying Connected to Our Local Officials
As the disaster was unfolding, we’ve maintained close contact with our state and local officials to track the storm’s progress, damage across the district, and resources available. From working with the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and attending their daily briefings, to coordinating with Governor Abbott and our county officials, we’ve made sure to communicate CD4’s needs as they happen.
I've personally been in contact with all 18 county judges, having spoken to most and invited everyone, to discuss the latest developments, get updates from the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), and answer any questions they’ve been having as we get through this struggle together.
FEMA Disaster Declaration
As of today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a major disaster in 108 of Texas’ 254 counties. Just this morning, I joined 26 of my colleagues in calling on President Biden and his administration to expand the declaration to every county in our state. Not only would this declaration make much-needed aid available to our citizens to help rebuild, but it would also send a strong message showing the administration’s commitment to ensuring Texans recover.
TIART Damage Survey
As the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) works to assess damage across the state and submit supplemental information to support a more widespread disaster declaration, TDEM is asking all residents to submit damage surveys through the Texas Individual Assistance Reporting Tool (TIART).
Results from the survey will identify damages across the state to assist emergency management officials to understand needs and plan recovery efforts from the recent winter weather. TDEM Is asking citizens to submit one survey per address.
Results from this survey are critical to getting additional counties included in the disaster declaration as it serves as the basis for damage assessment justifications to FEMA in support of our request for additional assistance.
Disaster Resource Webpage
My staff has assembled a list of resources for the district to help track the federal government’s response efforts, detail available resources from the agencies of Texas, provide information from your local county offices, and more.
Is there information you need that you’d like to see added? Just drop my team a message and we’ll get right on it.
