Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state, and local officials to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in Southeast Texas. The region was recently affected by severe storms and tornadoes. The purpose of these assessments is to determine whether the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance, with federal teams scheduled to arrive within the 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.”
Authorities are continuing to review disaster damage information reported by residents through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. Those impacted are encouraged to report any storm-related damages using the iSTAT damage survey at https://damage.tdem.texas.gov once it is safe for them to return home. This data helps guide officials in identifying areas that have sustained damage.
Prior to the storms, Governor Abbott activated state emergency response resources and raised the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in order to assist local officials and first responders as they managed severe weather response efforts.
