Texas Flooding – How to Get and Give Help

This page continues to be updated as news unfolds. It was last revised at 9 a.m. CT Wednesday, July 23.

As days have turned into weeks following the devastating Central Texas floods, Texans continue to mourn, recover and donate.

State lawmakers are convening to examine the state's response to the flash flooding and assess overall disaster preparedness.

A handful of people remain unaccounted for in parts of the Texas Hill Country that were hardest hit by the July 4 floods, which have killed at least 135 people statewide.

In Kerr County, which bore the brunt of the disaster when floodwaters roared through summer camps, riverside homes, campgrounds and RV parks along the Guadalupe River, officials have dropped the number of missing people to just three, though the death toll there has not been updated. Several others are also missing in other parts of Central Texas in the wake of the floods.

Special legislative panels are taking testimony on the topics, including state disaster preparations and response capabilities, state flood planning and infrastructure, river authority operations in areas prone to flash floods, and first responder communications during disaster operations.

What's known is that the episode is one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history and one of the worst floods in recent U.S. history. And while many children and campers died, older persons are among the flood victims.

Many Texans and people across the country have strived to assist those affected by the flooding. Below is information to help.

Most importantly, if you’re in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately.

And if you want to help others, avoid getting in the way. Officials are urging people to be vigilant if coming to the disaster area and not to complicate recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The governor expanded a state disaster declaration on July 5 to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties. On July 6, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration, making federal assistance available to those in Kerr County. On July 19, the federal aid was expanded to include help for Hamilton and Travis counties. With these declarations, affected Texans can access resources from state and federal agencies:

• Individual assistance: FEMA offers individual disaster assistance including financial assistance, crisis counseling, case management, legal services and unemployment assistance.
  
• Small Business Administration: Affected individuals can apply for disaster loans to cover business operation expenses that could have been met had the disaster not happened, as well as losses not covered by insurance and FEMA for both business and personal use.
  
• Tax relief from the IRS: Affected taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas can receive filing deadline extensions.
  
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: People who lost their jobs, self-employment or who are no longer working as a result of a natural disaster can receive unemployment benefits, if they apply and are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

Texans who have suffered damage caused by the storms are encouraged to report it through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool operated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Qualifying Texans in eligible counties also can apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

The Texas Department of Insurance reminds flood victims to document damages and file insurance claims promptly. The TDI helpline is 800-252-3439.

AARP regularly reminds people to exercise caution when donating to charities to avoid scams. Know how to spot charity fraud, and here are some reminders when donating:

• Verify its legitimacy and check its track record to learn how it uses its funds. Resources like give.org, CharityNavigator.org, and CharityWatch.org can be helpful tools.
  
• Understand where your money goes. Ask and research what percentage of donations goes towards the charity’s mission versus administrative costs and fundraising expenses.

• Legitimate charities tend not to pressure you to give right away.
  
• Avoid charities that ask for donations in cash, gift cards, cryptocurrencies, or wire transfers, as these are often favored by scammers.

• Donate directly. Go to the charity’s official website or call themn directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts.
  
• Use a credit card or check. These payment methods tend to offer more protection than cash, gift cards, or wire transfers.
  
• Don’t share sensitive information. Only provide the necessary information for payment and avoid sharing your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account number.

• Dedicated helpline. If you suspect a scam or need guidance, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360. The call center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET every weekday.
  
• Fraud prevention resources: AARP provides resources like tip sheets, alerts, and videos to help you identify and avoid common scams. Visit www.aarp.org/fraud to learn more.
  

Here are a few organizations that Texas-based news organizations have identified as being helpful with the flooding disaster:

American Red Cross: The Red Cross has opened shelters and reunification centers in affected areas.

The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Kerrville is coordinating and accepting donations of nonperishable goods, personal hygiene items, diapers and other items. The Salvation Army of Texas has also deployed a mobile kitchen and teams to the area.

Kerr County Relief Fund: The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country started a Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. The fund purportedly will provide aid to vetted organizations in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort that are providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance.

World Central Kitchen, an organization that provides food to disaster areas, deployed to the area to bring food, water and support to emergency responders. They are accepting donations.

Austin Pets Alive! This Austin-based animal shelter is taking in animals from hard-hit Kerr and Williamson Counties.

Kerrville Pets Alive! This organization is providing animal search and rescue and boarding assistance and other help.

Austin Wildlife Rescue has received numerous injured birds, squirrels, deer, rabbits, and other wild animals – some injured in the flooding – and is accepting help.

AARP Foundation provides disaster relief and supports older persons and their families in many of these situations.

• FEMA Disaster: Scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. To learn more about these types of frauds and scams, visit this Federal Emergency Management Agency site.
  
• Tips from AARP on how to avoid scams following disasters, such as floods.
  

• Stay weather aware by following reliable local news sources and weather information sites.
  
• Follow evacuation orders from local authorities and take an emergency kit with you.
  
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just six inches of water can make a person fall, while one foot of water is enough to sweep up a vehicle during a flood.
  
• If flood waters rise around your vehicle, leave it and move to higher ground. If you are stuck in a flooded area, look for a higher space away from flood waters. Stay off bridges that go over fast-moving water. Check for flooded or closed roads at the state’s drivetexas.org website.
  
• Be careful in areas where flood waters have receded and watch out for debris or electrically charged standing water. Stay away from all bodies of water and electric lines near you.
  
• Shut off your home’s main circuit breakers to prevent appliance short circuits and the threat of electrocution.
  
• Have a plan for your pets and take them with you in case of an evacuation.
  
• Names and ages of many victims of the Texas floods have not yet been released, many were children. Still, it’s known that older adults can often become vulnerable to the impacts of flooding due to a combination of factors, including mobility, health and illness issues.
  

SBP is a national non-profit organization that partners with AARP. SBP focuses on helping communities respond, recover and prevent disasters. Some of the assistance they're offering includes these guides and videos:

Navigating FEMA: This guide explains how to navigate FEMA’s damage assessment process after a disaster. It covers how to apply for assistance, what to expect during the intake assessment, and how FEMA determines whether an onsite or remote inspection is needed. The guide also explains the process for appealing FEMA’s decisions and offers resources for additional support.

Post-Disaster Insurance Guide: After a natural disaster, many people depend on their homeowner's insurance to help them restore homes and lives to normal. The mission of SBP is to shrink the time between disaster and recovery.

Disaster Assistance Navigation: SBP's Disaster Assistance Program helps disaster survivors secure the maximum amount of FEMA funding for which they are eligible to meet their immediate and long-term recovery needs. This video playlist will navigate you to the right resources and information to recover after a disaster. Watch Video Here.

Protect Against Contractor Fraud: To protect against fraud and obtain quality service at a fair price, homeowners must perform their due diligence when seeking and working with contractors. If your house was damaged by a natural disaster and you seek a reputable contractor to help with repairs and restoration, use these tips and checklist.

Avoiding Contractor Fraud: Contractor fraud is all too often the "disaster after the disaster". Learn how to protect yourself and your family, and make smart decisions during a difficult time. SBP has practical tips for identifying and avoiding fraudulent contractors. Watch Video Here.

Muck and Gut Process: After a severe flood, prompt and proper mucking and gutting is essential. Learn how to effectively muck and gut your home. Watch Video Here.

• How to Speed Up a Home Insurance Claim After a Fire, Flood or Other Disaster. These tips from AARP could make it easier to file for damage to your property.
  
• After Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas last July with heavy rains, AARP compiled this list of government, nonprofit and other resources that provided support to those impacted by the severe weather.

Following a flood, mental health support is crucial for disaster survivors. Several resources are available to help individuals cope with the emotional toll of the disaster, including crisis hotlines, mental health professionals, and community-based support programs. Specifically, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Additionally, organizations like the American Red Cross provide mental health volunteers who offer support and guidance in disaster-affected areas.

The governor announced his agenda for a special legislative session that began July 21 and it entails items in light of the Hill Country flooding, including actions to:

• Improve flood warning systems;
• Strengthen flood emergency communications;
• Provide relief funding for those impacted by the flooding; and
• Evaluation of the state's rules for natural disaster preparedness and recovery.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows named nine state representatives who will serve on a joint Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee, formed in response to the floods. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named the nine state senators to the panel on Monday.

The House and Senate joint committee are meeting first in Austin and then, on July 31, in Kerrville to hear from Hill Country residents regarding their flood-related concerns. Patrick and Burrows have both stated that their committees will meet jointly to find solutions.

Mark Hollis can be reached at mhollis@aarp.org or 512.574.3739.