Severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding have impacted Kerr County and surrounding communities, wreaking devastation on homeowners, families, and small businesses.

Below you’ll find key resources for recovery and relief efforts. Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials and can find flood resources online in the Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.

Stay Up To Date

The Texas Department of Emergency Management will share helpful resources and information online. Follow their social media platforms for updates and notifications!

Website: https://tdem.texas.gov/disasters/july-flooding-25-0026

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TxDEM

Twitter: @TDEM https://twitter.com/TDEM

Filing a Claim

The Texas Department of Insurance is offering help to Texas flood victims with insurance questions. Their Help Line is open this week, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM CT. Call 800-252-3439.

Consider the following tips when it comes time to file and resolve your claim:

After the storm passes, call your insurance company.

At a minimum, you’ll want to ask:

• What types of damage are covered?
• How long will it take to process my claim?
• Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs?

Make temporary repairs.

While it’s OK to take steps to protect your property from further damage, you should hold off on making extensive permanent repairs until the claims adjuster (a person professionally trained to assess the damage) has visited your business and assessed the damages.  Make sure you save receipts for what you spend on repairs.

Prepare for the adjuster’s visits.

The more information you have about your damaged property ––descriptions of as many items as possible, approximate date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair them––the faster your claim can be settled.

• To substantiate your loss, prepare an inventory of damaged or destroyed items and give a copy to the adjuster, along with copies of any receipts. Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster has visited. You should also consider photographing or videotaping the damage. If your property was destroyed, or you no longer have any records, work from memory.
• Identify structural damage to your business and any supporting structures. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster, such as cracks in the walls and missing roof tiles. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for these inspections.
• Get written bids from licensed contractors. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
• Keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also, keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you and record the names and phone numbers of everyone to whom you speak.

After your claim has been settled and the repair work is underway.

Take the time to re-evaluate your insurance coverage. Was your business adequately insured? Did you have replacement cost coverage for all of your assets? Talk to your insurance agent about possible changes.

Be Prepared

The Texas Department of Emergency Management has shared some tips about how to prepare yourself, your family, and your business. To read these tips, click here.

Additional Information:

• Governor Abbott Provides Update On State’s Ongoing Response To Severe Flooding In Texas
• Governor Abbott Announces Federal Disaster Declaration Approval For Hill Country Flooding
• Governor Abbott Provides Additional Update On Texas’ Response To Hill Country Flooding
• Governor Abbott Provides Update On Texas’ Response To Hill Country Flooding
• TDEM Increases Readiness Level of State Emergency Operations Center, Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources for Rain and Flood Threats
• TDEM Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of West, Central Texas Flood Threat