Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local partners for joint preliminary damage assessments in Southeast Texas. These communities were recently affected by severe storms and tornadoes, and the assessment will help determine if the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance. 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 are continuing to review self-reported disaster damage from residents using TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey, which is available at damage.tdem.texas.gov. Affected individuals are encouraged to use this tool when it is safe to do so, as the data helps guide officials toward areas where significant damage has occurred.
Prior to the storms, Governor Abbott had already activated state emergency response resources and raised the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in order to support local authorities and first responders during severe weather operations.
