If you and your home have been impacted by Hurricane Laura, here’s where to turn for help:
Power outage
Centerpoint: To report a power outage, Houston-area customers can contact Centerpoint Energy, which maintains the power lines in our area. Call 1-800-332-7143. The site includes a map of all reported power outages.
Entergy: In the Beaumont area, call 1-800-968-8243. Or check the outage map.
Emergency shelter
Shelters: To find an open shelter, visit redcross.org. Shelters are following COVID protocols and volunteers will be taking evacuees’ temperatures before entry. Houston locations include Forge for Families, 3435 Dixie; and Cesar Chavez High School, 8501 Howard. In Kountze, Cornerstone Baptist Church, 1600 S. Pine; redcross.org. Or call 211.
Reception centers: The state has reception centers for evacuees in San Antonio, Austin, Mesquite and Ennis. For information, check gov.texas.gov/hurricane.
Harris County: Harris County Housing and Community Resource Center helps residents with locating emergency shelter, rental properties and financial assistance. Call 713-696-1998.
Flooded roads
Check Drivetexas.org for flooded roads and conditions.
Government assistance
Disaster assistance: FEMA will be setting up disaster recovery centers in the storm area. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov to fill out a questionnaire to begin the process of applying for federal aid from FEMA.
Apply for federal aid for recovery of storm-caused damages and loss at fema.gov, or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. (TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.)
To register for recovery you will need:
Address of location where damage occurred.
Current mailing address.
Your Social Security number. If you don’t have one you still may be eligible for aid if there is someone in your household with one.
For businesses, you will need the Social Security number of the party responsible for the business.
Insurance information.
Financial information.
Your family’s gross total household income at the time of the disaster.
Contact information.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or direct deposit information (optional).
Banking information: bank name, type of account, routing and account number - if you are approved for assistance.
Description of damage.
Tax relief: IRS.gov offers information on tax relief available for those living in disaster areas. Go to IRS.gov or call 800-829-1040, available 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Legal
The State Bar of Texas’ Disaster Hotline is answered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and connects low-income people affected by a disaster with legal aid providers who can help with issues such as replacing lost documents, answering insurance questions, helping with landlord/tenant problems, and handling consumer protection concerns such as price-gouging and contractor scams during the rebuilding process. Callers can leave a message at any time at 800-504-7030.
The Houston Bar Association: Volunteer attorneys will assist affected residents with legal advice on landlord/tenant matters, insurance, FEMA assistance, property, lost documents and other storm-related issues. Call 713-759-1133 or 866-959-1133.
Food assistance
The Houston Food Bank offers a list of food pantries and other food assistance, Call 832-369-9390.
SNAP: For disaster food stamp benefits, call the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at 877-541-7905.
Property
The National Flood Insurance Program answers questions for policyholders about the claims process at 800-621-3362.
Car help: To find an abandoned car, go to findmytowedcar.com or call 832-394-4869.
The Texas Department of Insurance has advice on what to do if your home or auto was damaged, the insurance claims process and contractor fraud prevention. Call 800-252-3439 or go to tdi.texas.gov.
Nonprofits
United Way of Greater Houston offers a 24-hour helpline to assist disaster victims get the resources they need. unitedwayhouston.org/ Call 211.
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston provides help for those in need, focusing on homebound seniors, evacuee families and other vulnerable populations who need resources after the storm. Call 713-533-4900.
Assistance: The Salvation Army of Greater Houston’s Family Residence at 1603 McGowen is open to assist evacuees. The facility provides care for women and families needing temporary emergency shelter or transitional living. The organization can also help with spiritual and emotional needs, as wll as groceries. 713-650-6530. salvationarmyhouston.org/
Missing persons
To report or locate a missing child, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 866-908-9570.
To find family or friends or to register yourself as safe, go to safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/.
Returning home
Listen to local officials for information and special instructions.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
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August 27, 2020 at 06:00PM
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Here’s where to get help after Hurricane Laura - Houston Chronicle
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