"These assessments will provide the accurate, on-the-ground information needed to secure crucial federal assistance for Texans who need it most."
– Governor Greg Abbott
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) join state and local partners to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in Southeast Texas communities impacted by recent severe storms and tornadoes. These assessments will help determine if Texas meets the threshold for federal disaster assistance. The federal teams are expected to arrive this week.
"Today, I requested the U.S. Small Business Administration join state and local officials to begin preliminary damage assessments so we can ensure Texans have the support they need," said Governor Abbott. "These assessments will provide the accurate, on-the-ground information needed to secure crucial federal assistance for Texans who need it most. Texans are urged to report damages to their homes or businesses through TDEM’s iSTAT survey. Together, we will ensure communities in Southeast Texas affected by these storms have what they need to rebuild and recover."
Officials continue to review disaster damage information self-reported by Texans through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. Affected Texans are urged to report storm damage using the iSTAT damage survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov when it is safe to return home. This information helps guide officials to areas where damage has occurred.
Ahead of the severe weather, Governor Abbott activated state emergency response resources and increased the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to support local officials and first responders with severe weather response operations.
