After a fire damaged an apartment complex in Houston's Spring Branch neighborhood, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management will work with the U.S. Small Business Administration to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments. The fire happened last week and affected many residents. Officials said the assessments are an important step in seeking potential federal disaster assistance, according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
The governor praised first responders, saying, "Texas is grateful for the swift action of brave firefighters who battled the Spring Branch neighborhood apartment complex fire," and called for collaboration with federal officials to assist residents. State officials noted that this partnership is key to determining eligibility for federal aid to help rebuild homes and infrastructure. The Office of the Texas Governor reported that the Texas Division of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to submit damage assessments through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, which links survivors to assistance programs.
Residents of Spring Branch are asked to report fire-related losses through Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool once it is safe. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Small Business Administration are collecting the information to assess the damage and recovery needs. Governor Abbott said, "This joint effort will help determine whether Texas is eligible for federal disaster assistance needed for Texans in the Spring Branch neighborhood to recover and rebuild," as stated by the Office of the Texas Governor.
