Disaster Declaration FAQs

What does a declaration do?
Most often, declarations are sought so that federal financial assistance can be obtained for both individuals and local and state jurisdictions in an impacted area to begin the recovery process of recovery. However, the issuance of a local or state Disaster Declaration allows public officials to exercise emergency powers to preserve life, property, and public health following a disaster as indicated in the Texas Government Code.

My home is damaged and FEMA says that the county hasn’t been declared yet.
To be able to apply for FEMA assistance a county must be named as part of the Major Disaster Declaration. Without that, individuals will not be able to apply for FEMA assistance.

Homeowners can help the county support our need for Individual Assistance to FEMA by filling out the Damage Report Survey or calling the disaster hotline at 936.523.3916. Keep in mind the survey and disaster hotline are only active for a short time immediately after a disaster response period.

Why is it taking so long to get a disaster declaration?
FEMA must find that the damaged sustained from the disaster is beyond the capability of the State and affected local governments to recover adequately and effectively. This finding, for Individual Assistance, many times is based on a survey on the number of structures considered to be damaged or destroyed.

Homeowners can help the county support our need for Individual Assistance to FEMA by filling out the Damage Report Survey or calling the disaster hotline at 936.523.3916. Keep in mind the survey and disaster hotline are only active for a short time immediately after a disaster response period.

The County received Public Assistance, where is my help?
There are several types of assistance available with a federal declaration and not all programs are activated for every disaster. Most recognized are the Individual Assistance (IA) programs and the Public Assistance (PA) programs. Public Assistance is designed to assist State, Tribal, and Local governments for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Individual Assistance is designated for individuals who have been impacted by a disaster. It is possible for a county to be declared a disaster and received IA and not PA, PA and not IA, or one of the other programs such as a Small Business Declaration (SBA).

There was a lot of flooding in the area and a lot of homes were damaged, why didn’t we get declared?
FEMA must find that the damaged sustained from the disaster is beyond the capability of the State and affected local governments to recover adequately and effectively. This finding, for Individual Assistance, many times is based on a survey on the number of structures considered to be damaged or destroyed. If there are not enough damaged or destroyed structures to meet the local/state threshold then a Federal Declaration will not be issued.

What help is available if FEMA doesn’t help?
Without a Major Federal Disaster Declaration, there is no outside assistance for individuals. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will work with local partners and non-profit organizations to address recovery needs for the community.

Recover