FEMA centers open for Houston-area storm victims

HOUSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened disaster recovery centers in Houston and Coldspring on Friday, May 24.

Anyone living in the Houston area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and wind damage can come for help.

These severe weather events date back to April 26.

RELATED: How to Get a 2.66% Government Loan to Repair Storm Damage to Your Home | No interest for a full year

An important reality check from Texas Division of Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd:

“But I want to set the standard here,” Kidd said while visiting storm-ravaged areas in Conroe earlier this month. “Individual assistance from FEMA represents a maximum grant of $75,000. And if you go back to Hurricane Harvey, the the average payment was only $2,400 per household.”

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Harris County Location:

Community Center Founded | 110, rue Sabine | Houston, TX 77007

San Jacinto County Location:

Innovation Center | 250 Live oak | Cold Spring, Texas 77331

ONLINE APPLICATIONS @ DISASTERASSISTANCE.GOV

Who can apply

FEMA Aid for Houston Storm Victims: Who Can Apply and How

Weather casualties in the following counties:

• Calhoun

• Eastern country

• Guadalupe

• Hardin

• Harris

• Jasper

• Jones

• Lamar

• Freedom

• Montgomery

• Polk

• San Jacinto

• Trinity

• Walker

• Waller

What FEMA assistance can cover

• Hotel invoices in certain cases

2. If your hotel is not on the list, keep the receipts and ask FEMA to reimburse you after you check out.

• To rent out if your house or apartment has been damaged

• Moving and storage expenses

• Home repairs: FEMA can provide a limited amount to help make your home safe, sanitary, and functional.

• Replace personal belongings: FEMA can give you money to replace damaged or destroyed items, including essential vehicles, furniture, appliances, computer devices, clothing, specialized equipment and clothing required for a job, school textbooks and supplies.

• Medical and dental expenses (getting a doctor’s note)

• Funeral expenses

• Serious needs caused by the disaster (you will need all receipts)

• Childcare costs

• Generator, chainsaw, dehumidifier and items you purchased following the disaster

What FEMA assistance DOES NOT cover

Your insurance deductible and if you have insurance, you will need to repay FEMA after you receive your insurance money.

• Damage non-essential areas

• Landscaping

• Wasted food

• Damage to one secondary property

Does insurance cover spoiled food in the event of a power outage?

Common Reasons FEMA Denies Grants

• They cannot contact you to schedule an inspection

• Your home is safe to live in

• You don’t want to move while repairs are being made

• You have not provided documents, receipts or proof of identity or ownership