Texas Flooding – How to Get and Give Help

The Texas Hill Country and other parts of Central Texas have been ravaged by devastating Fourth of July weekend floods, with a confirmed death toll of at least 82 people, including 68 in Kerr County, and dozens more still missing, according to the Associated Press and other news organizations.

As flash flooding continues to pester the region, rescue efforts by local, state and national emergency responders are in force and the full picture of the disaster is still emerging.

Heavy flooding swamped Kerr County along the Guadalupe River, which rushed its banks, drowning campers, including 28 children. And on Sunday night, authorities said floods have killed others in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties.

Rescue efforts are underway for the missing. Questions have arisen about how 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.

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.

Numerous local, state and national organizations are in action to provide help. AARP regularly reminds people to exercise caution when donating to charities to avoid scams.

Here are some reminders when donating:

Research the charity.

• Verify its legitimacy and checking 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.

Be wary of red flags.

• 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.

Protect yourself when donating.

• 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.

AARP Fraud Watch Network resources:

• Dedicated helpline. If you suspect a scam or need guidance, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
  
• 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.

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.

• 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.

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. Visit: https://states.aarp.org/texas/flooding-resources-information-assistance

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