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February 24, 2021
Dear Friend,
I wanted to share some additional resources and reminders following last week's storm, as our region and our state begin to recover. I share the same frustrations as many of you about the lack of communication ahead of the storm and also have questions about the failure to prepare for a storm we knew was coming. ERCOT's announcement of the resignation of board members does not absolve them, or state leaders, from answering questions and providing the clarity on their failure that Texans deserve. There must be a full investigation into ERCOT’s and our state’s failure to prepare for the storm and failure to communicate with the public. I’ve started working to get answers and will keep pressing for clarity on what happened.
Now, following President's Biden's major disaster declaration, North Texans can apply for assistance to cover temporary lodging, home repairs, and uninsured or underinsured property losses.
If your home suffered property damage during the winter storm, you can apply for FEMA funds:
- If you have insurance, first file a claim. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments.
- You can apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by calling the FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
- Take the following steps:
You can also call 211 for assistance.
Help for Small Businesses
Small businesses that suffered losses due to the winter storm may be eligible for federal assistance. Visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website to learn more about who is eligible and how to apply.
Some Helpful Reminders:
- If you or someone you know needs food assistance during this time, there are a number of government and voluntary organizations offering free food distribution. Find out more here.
- COVID-19 vaccine distribution was delayed last week, but vaccine distribution has ramped up again. For more information on North Texas vaccine hubs, visit https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine-hubs.
- Dallas County water is safe to drink. Dallas Water Utilities wants to assure residents that the DWU water system remains safe, stable, and functioning. Dallas is not and was never under a boil water notice. DWU customers may call 3-1-1 for urgent water issues such as busted pipes.
- City of Garland officials assure residents that the water is safe to drink. For water emergencies in Garland, call 972 205-3210 or email [email protected].
- The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline due to the winter storm last week. Texans now have until June 15 to file their returns and pay their taxes. Visit the IRS website for information on disaster related tax relief.
- Texas homeowners may qualify for mortgage relief following the disaster declaration for our region. Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website for information on assistance.
- Be aware of illegal price gouging. It is illegal for businesses to raise the price of essential items like food, lodging, or medicine beyond the normal price during a disaster. If you believe a business is price gouging, you can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General.
- Beware of scammers, who often prey on victims of disaster. FEMA has information on its website on how to spot a scam. If something seems suspicious to you, you can learn more and file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General.
My office is here to be a resource for you. We can help to answer your questions and connect you with resources. Please do not hesitate to give us a call (972) 972-7949.
The past year has brought challenge after challenge to our region, but I was again inspired by what I saw last week. Folks across North Texas came together to help one another weather the storm and begin the recovery process. As always, I am proud to serve North Texas, where I was born and raised, and I know we will get through this like we always do, by coming together.
Sincerely,
Colin Allred
Member of Congress
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