Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local partners to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in Southeast Texas following recent severe storms and tornadoes. The goal of these assessments is to determine whether the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance, with federal teams expected to arrive this week.

"Today, I requested the U.S. Small Business Administration join state and local officials to begin preliminary damage assessments so we can ensure Texans have the support they need," said Governor Abbott. "These assessments will provide the accurate, on-the-ground information needed to secure crucial federal assistance for Texans who need it most. Texans are urged to report damages to their homes or businesses through TDEM’s iSTAT survey. Together, we will ensure communities in Southeast Texas affected by these storms have what they need to rebuild and recover."

Officials are reviewing disaster damage data submitted by residents through TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. Residents affected by the storms are encouraged to report property damage using the iSTAT survey at https://damage.tdem.texas.gov when it is safe for them to return home. This information assists officials in identifying areas that require attention.

Governor Greg Abbott | Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Before the severe weather occurred, Governor Abbott had already activated state emergency response resources and increased readiness at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center. These actions were taken to support local authorities and first responders during storm response operations.