Dear Friend,
August is in full swing. Hope you've been finding a way to beat the heat! As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey and are in the thick of the Atlantic hurricane season, it is important to keep up to date on how FEMA can provide guidance and assistance before, during, and after a hurricane.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the devastating wildfires in California. Texas is offering our help as our brave firefighters battle the intense blazes. And, on a global scale, we must be aware of human trafficking and work to end it. From the State House to the U.S. House, I am actively working with my colleagues to end human trafficking.
Sincerely,
Randy K. Weber
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| Myth vs Fact - Fema |
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, it's easy to be overwhelmed with information. Know these important myths vs facts to help along the way.
FEMA Assistance: Myths vs Facts
MYTH: I have to wait for the inspector before I can throw things out and start cleaning out the mud or making repairs.
FACT: No. Anything that absorbed water needs to be removed from the home as soon as possible. This includes wallboard and flooring materials where mold can grow. Be sure to take pictures of damage, keep all receipts and continue working on the home.
MYTH: I can’t register with FEMA until my insurance claim has been completed.
FACT: You can register with FEMA even if your claim is not completed.
MYTH: Survivors can’t register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.
FACT: Anyone who is affected by a disaster and lives in a county designated in a major disaster declaration may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured or underinsured loss or damage. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance, but some survivors may qualify for FEMA assistance for disaster-related costs not covered by insurance. To be sure, register with FEMA.
MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I can’t get it again this year.
FACT: If you have applied for federal disaster assistance in the past, you can still apply for this disaster. It is not a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
MYTH: I'm a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced as well as businesses that suffered damage.
Survivors can register for FEMA assistance through Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or may call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week.
Keep Informed
For more information on Harvey recovery, visit www.fema.gov/hurricane-harvey or visit www.dps.texas.gov/dem/
Read the latest FEMA newsletter regarding recovery: July Recovery Guide
Stay In Touch
For updates on application status and appeals, visit:
www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
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| HERE TO HELP |
It's been almost one year since Americans from all corners of our great country drove in with boats and volunteers, ready to go into neighborhoods and rescue complete strangers from the rising flood waters. I've said it before and I'll say it again, thank YOU to everyone who helped during those trying days, weeks, and months following Harvey. Everything you did, big and small, meant so much to those receiving the help.
Texas has a chance to give back. Wildfires are running rampant over 283,000 acres of California. Through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), 98 firefighters from 29 departments are on their way to California to assist in any way possible. California needs our help, and we are answering that call. In addition to our brave men and women, 25 Texas firetrucks are headed to California. Some of our very own from Galveston's Fire Department are on their way to help.
Tragically, ten lives have been lost, thousands of people have evacuated their homes, and more than 150 homes have been destroyed.
Please join me in praying for the safety of our firefighters, the containment and quick end to the fires, comfort for Californians who have evacuated their homes and lost their homes, and peace to those who have lost loved ones.
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| AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING |
Right now, there are an estimated 40 million people enslaved. The numbers are staggering: About 20 million are trapped in labor slavery, about 5 million are exploited in sex slavery, and about 15 million are enslaved in forced marriages. Women and girls account for 71 percent of the total; children are about 25 percent of the total. Estimates for profits taken through all forms of exploitation and slavery are sickening. They total roughly $150 billion a year. Profits from commercial sexual exploitation, alone, amount to $99 billion.
Human trafficking is a serious problem facing our world. We must raise awareness and bring an end to it.
If you are in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, report your suspicions to law enforcement by calling 911 or the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Resource Center line at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233-733. You may also visit their website at humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more. Trafficking victims, including undocumented individuals, are eligible for services and immigration assistance.
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