Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local partners to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in Southeast Texas following recent severe storms and tornadoes. The purpose of these assessments is to determine whether the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance, with federal teams expected to arrive this week.
“Today, I requested the U.S. Small Business Administration join state and local officials to begin preliminary damage assessments so we can ensure Texans have the support they need,” said Governor Abbott. “These assessments will provide the accurate, on-the-ground information needed to secure crucial federal assistance for Texans who need it most. Texans are urged to report damages to their homes or businesses through TDEM’s iSTAT survey. Together, we will ensure communities in Southeast Texas affected by these storms have what they need to rebuild and recover.”
Officials are continuing to review disaster damage information that has been self-reported by residents through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. Residents impacted by the storms are encouraged to use the online iSTAT survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov when it is safe for them to return home. This reporting assists officials in identifying where storm-related damage has occurred.
Prior to the severe weather event, Governor Abbott activated emergency response resources at the state level and raised the readiness status of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center. These measures were taken in order to better support local officials and first responders during severe weather response operations.
