
Texans are grappling with the aftermath of a severe winter storm, and Governor Greg Abbott is calling on residents to document their weather-induced hardships. As temperatures plunged and snow blanketed large swaths of the state, the governor emphasized the importance of reporting property and agricultural damages through the Texas Division of Emergency Management's platform, according to an article published on the official Texas Government website.
The self-reported damage assessment tool, known as iSTAT, is designed to give state officials a clear picture of the impact, and is crucial to determining if Texas is eligible to receive federal assistance. Governor Abbott, in a statement obtained by the official Texas Government website, said, "The State of Texas continues to deploy all necessary resources to help Texans respond to and recover from ice, snow, and freezing temperatures this week." He further urged those affected "to report damages to their homes or businesses or any agricultural losses through the iSTAT damage survey."
Texans can fill out the iSTAT survey in both English and Spanish by visiting the damage assessment site and clicking on "January 20th Winter Weather." By providing details such as the extent of the damage and the type of help required, residents play a pivotal role in the recovery process. However, the Texas Government website clarifies that using the tool is voluntary and should not replace filing claims with insurance providers, nor does it guarantee any disaster relief assistance.
With the Texas State Operations Center on high alert at Level II (Escalated Response), state officials are not only aiding in the reporting process but are tirelessly working with utility regulators to quickly restore power amidst localized outages. The warning from the Governor Abbott, echoed on the Texas Government website, caution Texans to be wary of hazardous road conditions which might still be present after the overnight refreezing of snow. Residents are advised to stay put if possible and heed advice from local authorities.
On a broader scale, Texans in need can find various resources including information on licensed plumbers and warming center locations via the Texas Disaster Portal, aimed at aiding those in need to navigate through these trying times. As the state reckons with the inclement weather's fallout, the collaborative efforts of community reporting and state assistance underline a determined stride towards recovery and restoring normalcy.