Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request that officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) join state and local teams in conducting joint preliminary damage assessments in Southeast Texas. The region was recently affected by severe storms and tornadoes, and these assessments will help determine if the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance. Federal teams are expected to arrive within the 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 continue reviewing disaster damage information reported by residents through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. Those affected are encouraged to use the iSTAT survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov once it is safe to return home, as this data helps direct officials to areas with significant damage.
Prior to the storms, Governor Abbott had activated state emergency response resources and increased readiness at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center in order to support local authorities and first responders during severe weather operations.
