Texas Division of Emergency Management Provides Update On Texas' Ongoing Flood Response

Texas Division of Emergency Management Provides Update On Texas' Ongoing Flood Response

TDEM Urges Texans to Report Storm Damage

AUSTIN - The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) provided an update today on Texas' response to excessive rainfall and flooding in Central, East, and Southeast Texas. TDEM also urged Texans to report property damage by submitting an online damage assessment survey.

“As multiple regions of Texas experience severe flooding, we thank the responders working tirelessly around the clock to protect Texans throughout this weather event,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "As the sun begins to shine again, Texans are urged to heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of yourselves and your loved ones, as river flood threats continue through next week. I also encourage Texans to use the iSTAT survey to report any damage to their homes or businesses. Remember: turn around, don’t drown."

Over 800 state responders and over 300 boat assets continue to remain available from the following agencies to support the state’s flood response operations:

• Texas Division of Emergency Management: Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for assistance from local officials, field staff continue working alongside local officials to meet resource needs.
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): 130 responders and 30 boats are deployed to assist local responders with vehicle searches and evacuations.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery (DAR) Agents and AgriLife Extension County Agents are engaged supporting local officials as well as farmers and ranchers in impacted areas to ensure livestock and agricultural needs are being met. Farmers and ranchers with any needs are encouraged to contact local AgriLife Extension office.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Over 285 Game Wardens and over 275 watercraft remain available across the impacted areas to assist with rescue efforts led by local responders.
• Texas National Guard: 50 personnel, 15 high profile vehicles, and three helicopters are mobilized to support local response efforts.
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Over 350 Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, over 10 Tactical Marine Unit watercraft, and three aircraft are available to aid with any search and rescue needs.
• Texas Department of Transportation: High profile vehicles remain available. Personnel continue to monitor roadways and inspect bridges and culverts throughout affected communities. TxDOT continues to remind Texans to never drive through flooded roadways, and to visit DriveTexas.org for the latest road conditions.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Staff are monitoring dams as well as air/water/wastewater systems, and tracking over 30 boil water notices stemming from last week’s winter weather. Over 100 boil water notices issued during last week’s winter weather have been rescinded.

While the bulk of the forecasted rain has ended, runoff is expected to continue to create moderate-to-major flood stages across Texas rivers, which could impact Texas communities and property owners. To view the latest flood gage data visit TexasFlood.org.

Texans can report weather damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in English and Spanish online by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking on “January 21st - Ongoing Flooding Event.” The details provided to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in the iSTAT damage survey help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that have occurred and identify any immediate resource needs. Survey information also aids officials in determining whether the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance.

Reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency. It does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. English and Spanish tutorial videos explaining how to fill out iSTAT surveys are available at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

Texans are encouraged to remain prepared and informed, continue to monitor local weather reports, and follow instructions from local officials. Texans can access additional flood safety information by visiting TexasReady.gov.