Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey hit southern Texas on August 25, 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane. With 130 mph winds, heavy rain and a massive storm surge it threatened millions of residents with almost certain property damage.
Over 30,000 people fled to temporary emergency shelters and it’s estimated that as many as 10,000 rescue missions were conducted by authorities, first responders and volunteers.
Hurricane Harvey ranks as the second most costly hurricane to hit the mainland since 1900, second only to the $160 billion in damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
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Recovery from Harvey continues as resources were quickly diverted to help with Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Resources for Survivors of Hurricane Harvey
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Join our Bear Hugger Adopt a Family Programâ„¢
One of the most powerful things we can do for people in the aftermath of disaster is let them know we care and they are not alone. That’s what this program is designed to do.
Our Bear Hugger Adopt a Family Program allows families to adopt other families in need after a disaster. Many times people want to donate to someone specific, someone they feel like they know, someone they can get specific items for.
Below you can register as a family in need or a family who can help. Please register below to be paired with your Bear Hugger family today.
What to do After a Disaster
Emergency Food and Water After a Disaster
If you need emergency food and water after a disaster, find an open emergency shelter or listen to local radio or TV for other disaster feeding sites. You can also check with local agencies for food assistance.
If you’re in your home, follow guidelines for food safety after a power outage or flood.
For specific food safety guidelines after a flood visit the USA.gov website and get specific action steps to keep you and your family safe.
Returning Home After a Disaster
We know you may be tempted, but whatever you do, do NOT attempt to return to your property until your local officials have given the all clear. Though it may feel like it takes forever to get permission to go back, know that local officials want to get you in there just as soon as they are sure that it is safe.
After disasters there are often downed power lines that are hidden under debris, unstable buildings that can fall at any moment, or other hazards you may not be aware of.
Once home, remember disposal is going to be a huge consideration. Keep an eye out for items that will need special forms of disposal. Follow your area’s guidelines for disposing of damaged property.
If your family heirlooms or treasures have been damaged, there are a number of resources for saving them online.
Disaster Relief Assistance
There are several places to look for disaster relief assistance. In addition to your local government you can check the following links:
- Find out if you qualify for disaster relief by using the address lookup on DisasterAssistance.gov.
- You can also access DisasterAssistance.gov through the FEMA Mobile App.
- Visit FEMA's Individual Disaster Assistance page or read its Help After a Disaster (PDF, Download Adobe Reader) publication.
- Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585)
- To get help in person, find a Disaster Recovery Center near you with the Disaster Recovery Center locator
Tax Relief After a Disaster
Find out if you qualify for disaster relief on your federal taxes.
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Complaints
If you have a complaint about disaster relief assistance, contact the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General’s Office at 1-800-323-8603.