Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on the ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Beryl in Texas. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and state agency partners remain in constant contact with local officials throughout the response and recovery from Beryl to ensure all needs are met.
“Our hearts grieve for all Texans impacted by Hurricane Beryl, including our fellow Texans who tragically lost their lives or were injured,” said Governor Abbott. “I remain in regular contact with Acting Governor Dan Patrick and Chief Nim Kidd regarding the state’s ongoing response to Hurricane Beryl and recovery efforts in impacted parts of Texas. We also will continue to stay in contact with electrical providers about the necessity to quickly restore power. The safety of Texans remains our No. 1 priority, and I urge everyone across the state to continue to heed the guidance of local officials as severe weather threats persist in the coming days. We will remain engaged around the clock until every Texan recovers.”
Acting Governor Dan Patrick today spoke with President Joe Biden and requested a federal disaster declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The President granted the state’s request. The Major Disaster Declaration allows for reimbursement for up to 75 percent of costs associated with expenses for debris management and emergency protective measures. The State of Texas may make additional requests as damage assessments are completed.
Chief Nim Kidd met with Acting Governor Patrick and Houston Mayor John Whitmire at the City of Houston Emergency Center earlier today to receive a briefing on the city’s response and recovery efforts, including an update on Centerpoint Energy’s power restoration efforts. To assist with acute medical needs, Texas is deploying 25 additional ambulances and a 250 bed medical shelter to support Houston’s EMS and hospital capacity needs.
Texans who sustained damage to homes and businesses are encouraged to report property damage using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey.
iSTAT surveys can be filled out in English and Spanish by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking “July 7th - Ongoing Hurricane/Tropical Storm Beryl.”
Details provided through the iSTAT damage survey helps emergency management officials gain an understanding of the extent of damages that have occurred. The information provided from this process also helps identify immediate resource needs. Additionally, survey information aids officials in determining whether the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance.
Reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance company. It does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. English and Spanish tutorial videos explaining how to fill out iSTAT surveys are available at damage.tdem.texas.gov.