Category: FEMA

It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week: Make sure you know where your “safe places” are during these severe weather threats

As spring weather season begins, we want to remind you of where the safest places are to ride out these stormy possibilities:

Lightning

safe place - lightning

Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, which sometimes results in death or permanent injury. You are safest indoors, or inside a hard-topped enclosed vehicle. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about lightning safety at weather.gov/safety/lightning.

Extreme Wind

safe place - high winds

During high winds, tree damage is expected, and loose objects can become airborne and dangerous. You are safest indoors, away from windows, in an interior room. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about wind safety at weather.gov/safety/wind.

Flooding

safe place - flooding

During a flood, water levels and flow speed can quickly change. You are safest by staying indoors, or seeking higher ground if shelter isn’t available. If you’re stuck outside when a flash flood occurs, do not attempt to cross flood waters by vehicle or on foot. Learn more about flood safety at weather.gov/safety/flood.

Tornadoes

safe place - tornadoes

Tornadoes can be extremely dangerous. Safe places include storm shelters and basements — but if not available, an interior room without windows can also be protective. If you receive a tornado warning, take shelter immediately! Learn more about tornado safety at: weather.gov/safety/tornado.

Assistance in the Wake of the Winter Storm

Disaster assistance may be available to Brazos County residents adversely affected by last week’s winter storm. Residents who suffered snow and ice damage can apply for federal funds at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Anyone with insurance is asked to first contact their insurance company and then FEMA, as insurance claim information is needed in determining eligibility for federal assistance. Those without insurance can go directly to DisasterAssistance.gov to begin the process of filing an application. (FEMA is unable to reimburse lost food due to power outages, but volunteer organizations may be able to help if food assistance is needed. Call 211 for more.) FEMA has also partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer low-interest disaster loans. More information is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4586.

After submitting an application, FEMA will notify each person either via tradition mail service or email.

To get a better picture of the damage in each county, the State of Texas is asking residents to take part in a survey, either by going to https://arcg.is/uOrOb or using the QR Code:

qr code assistance winter storm