Culberson: Here are Some Resources for Flood Victims

Congressman John Culberson Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON DC -- Many District 7 residents have lost their homes or suffered flood damage after over 17 inches of rain inundated Harris County and the City of Houston since Sunday. Thirteen of Harris Countys bayous are above their embankments. One thousand homes or more have flooded.  A flash flood watch continues to be in effect until Wednesday and according to NOAA the rainfall that has occurred over the last 48 hours is second only to Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. In some parts of west and northwest Harris County this is a five hundred year flood event. The water is slow to drain so avoid driving or walking through high water- just six inches of rushing water can knock an adult off their feet and cars can quickly be swept away by a moving current. Remember turn around dont drown. You can find high water locations and street closures around the city here. To see water levels near your home visit the Harris County Flood Warning System website. SHELTERS: For Houstonians who are displaced due to the flooding the Red Cross has opened several shelters across Harris County:

• Chinese Community Center 9800 Town Park Dr. Houston
• Willow Meadows Baptist Church 9800 Town Park Dr. Houston
• Jersey Village Baptist Church 16518 Jersey Drive Jersey Village
• MO Campbell Education Center 1865 Aldine Bender Rd. Houston

TAX INFORMATION: Governor Abbott has declared a state of emergency for Harris County and surrounding areas. This is the first step in getting taxpayers an extension on their filings. Once the flood waters recede the State will request a disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when that declaration is made the IRS will be able to provide additional relief for taxpayers. In the meantime taxpayers who owe taxes should file when they are reasonably able. For questions please contact the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS: The City of Houston will be holding a meeting to provide information to residents impacted by the Houston flooding. Wednesday April 20^th at 3:00 pm Harvest Time Church 17770 Imperial Valley Drive Houston TX  As always should you be in danger of rising water please call 9-1-1. Our first responders have bravely performed over 1200 water rescues and I thank them for their commitment to Houstonians safety. I have communicated with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to offer assistance in speeding up the release of any federal funds that the city or county may need to deal with this disaster. Please check the homepage of mywebsite for updated information as it becomes available or reach out to my Houston office at 713-682-8828. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: City of Houston  Houston residents should visit the City of Houston recovery website or dial 3-1-1 for assistance. American Red Cross  For shelter food clothing and other emergency assistance call the American Red Cross at (866) 526-8300. Harris County Flood Control District  For the latest information on the state of Harris Countys watersheds visit the website or to report house flooding call 713-684-4000. Harris County Recovery Network  For questions about general disaster recovery resources available to Harris County residents please call the Community Services Department team at (713) 696-1998 or visit their website.