Reporting storm damages essential for Kerr County aid
Heavy rains and flooding on July 23 were quick to impact Kerr County, but the residual damages are taking longer to put right. Every homeowner, business owner and agricultural operator in the county who suffered losses or damages from that system has been asked to report it to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
“So far, we’ve only had 42 entries into the online iSTAT (Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool),” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. “Dub” Thomas. “If you had damages and have not already reported them, we ask you to please do so as soon as possible.”
Getting reports in is vital, he explained, since information entered into the system is used by TDEM and FEMA to determine if Kerr County has met its disaster threshold and is eligible for individual assistance, similar to what happened in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri.
“It doesn’t matter how minor your damage may have been or whether or not you need assistance. By entering your information, you may help someone else who does need the assistance to get it,” he added. “But it’s going to take a lot of entries for Kerr County to get approved.”
TDEM representatives will be in Kerr County this Friday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the West Kerr County Courthouse Annex, 510 College Street in Ingram.
They will be able to assist homeowners and business owners through the iSTAT process and help them enter their information. Those planning to visit are asked to bring photos of their damage, repair estimates, receipts (if damages have already been repaired) and any supporting documents.
For those who choose to enter their information themselves using TDEM’s online iSTAT survey tool, click on this link: https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/ Or, use this QR code: