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Hurricane and Disaster Resources

Hurricane season in Texas lasts from June 1 through November 30. Severe storms, tornadoes, fires and other disasters can strike at any time. Individuals with disabilities need to make special preparations before disasters strike.

TCDD has compiled the information below to help individuals prepare for or respond to disasters, with a focus on people with disabilities.

Hurricane Tracking Resources

• National Hurricane Center
  Tracking maps and advisories.
  
• Storm Pulse
  Tracking maps and information on the projected path and current status of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
• Hurricane Track 
  Video coverage, updates, commentary and tracking information.

Evacuation Information

• Texas Evacuation Routes and Information
  The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) website also has information about Twitter and Facebook notifications. For current road conditions, call toll free 1-800-452-9292.

Hurricane and Disaster Planning and Preparation

• Readiness and Safety Information
  Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), one of the state's main sources for hurricane and disaster information. Also available in Spanish.
• Transportation Assistance Registry
  Gulf Coast residents with special needs should pre-register for hurricane evacuation transportation assistance. Dial 2-1-1 to register in advance for a ride.
• Hurricane Preparedness for Your Mobile Device
  You Tube video on how to prepare your mobile device for a hurricane or other severe weather.
• Emergency Preparedness from disability.gov
• Employers' Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans (updated 9/11)
  Addresses employers' legal obligations to develop emergency evacuation plans and the inclusion of employees with disabilities in the planning process.
  News, resources and materials for individuals, caregivers, organizations, etc.
• Ready or Not? - texasprepares.org
  Interactive website for Texans and businesses that provides a step-by-step guide to building your plan. Includes planning for hurricanes, wildfires and spring storms.
• Texas.gov Emergency Portal
  Information about preparing for a storm, getting assistance for special needs, evacuating to safety, accessing government resources, dealing with emergencies, donations and avoiding scams and frauds.
• Hurricane Storm Center - Office of the Governor
  Explores steps to protect families and homes.
• Ready.gov or Listo.gov
  Addresses emergency preparedness for Americans, businesses and children.
• Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities (PDF- link opens in new window)
  Brochure developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs (PDF- link opens in new window)
  Guide prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with the American Red Cross.
• Disability Preparedness Resource Center
  Practical information on how people with disabilities can prepare for an emergency.
• American Red Cross
  Materials in other languages, as well as large print and text only, to help people with disabilities prepare for a disaster.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety
  Materials for preparedness and safety tips for many types of disasters and emergencies.
• Hurricane Resource Page - The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
  Information on different types of insurance you can purchase and hurricane resources.

Resources for Emergency Planners and Responders

• Texas Division of Emergency Management
  Works to ensure state and local governments respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters, including programs to lessen the impact of disasters.
• The Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network
  Encourages networking among emergency responders and all people with disabilities on emergency preparedness activities.
• Hurricane Evacuation and Mass Care Plan for Texas (PDF - link opens in new window)
  Includes information on Medical Special Needs (page 69) and General Disaster Resources (pages 158-165).
• Mobile TIPS for First Responders
  A mobile-based website for providing emergency assistance to people with disabilities.
• Disability Acronyms
• Tips for First Responders and Texas Resources for Services and Supports (PDF - link opens in new window)
  Guide to help emergency workers and volunteers in Texas learn how to identify, communicate with and assist individuals with disabilities during an emergency.
• Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) Toolkit
  The Texas Department of Public Safety designed this toolkit to assist in planning and resource allocation for emergency shelters whether government, Non Governmental Organization (NGO), faith- or private-based to meet the access and functional needs of children and adults. For planners and first responders.
• Guide for Local Governments on Accessibility in Emergencies
  Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities, by the U.S. Department of Justice.

How to Recover from a Hurricane or Other Disaster

Phone Numbers

• 9-1-1
  For life-threatening situations, call 9-1-1 to contact the local emergency response officials.
• 2-1-1, the Texas Information and Referral Network
  Provides around-the-clock statewide information, mainly on health and human services, and is a major source of information after a disaster. Individuals who are using a cell phone or who cannot connect to 2-1-1 can call toll-free to 1-877-541-7905 or see the 2-1-1 website.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) If your area is declared a federal disaster area, you can register for assistance online, by smart phone or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
• SNAP/Food Stamps - HHSC Office of the Ombudsman, Texas Works Hotline
  Toll-free: 1-800-252-9330
  TTY Hotline: 1-888-425-6889
  e-mail HHSC
• The Texas Department of Insurance Disaster Help Line
  Toll-free: 1-800-852-5246
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
  For Lost Bank Records, ATM Cards, to reach your bank and more
  Toll-free: 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342) (open all hours)
• The U.S. Postal Service
  To reconnect evacuees with their mail.
  Toll-free: Call 1-800-275-8777
  Change your address online.
• Hurricane Telephone Hot Lines
  Hot line numbers for health and safety, survivor assistance, federal employees, military and veterans.

Online Resources

• Map of Texas Counties Declared Wildfire Disaster Areas (PDF) (link opens in new window)
  As of Oct. 7, homeowners, renters and business owners in 23 counties whose homes or businesses were damaged or destroyed by recent wildfires could register for federal and state disaster assistance. They are Anderson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Cass, Colorado, Fayette, Gregg, Grimes, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Leon, Marion, Montgomery, Navarro, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Upshur, Walker, Waller and Williamson counties.
• Answers to Questions about Federal Disaster Aid in American Sign Language
  This video, which is also narrated in English with open captions, includes individual assistance, registration, Small Business Association loans and contact information.
• 2011 Texas Wildfire Disaster Assistance/Resources
  The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides frequent updates on disaster resources including eligibility, avoiding fraud/scams, and more.
• Federal Aid Programs for Texas Wildfire/Disaster Recovery
  Key federal disaster aid programs possible under major disaster declaration issued for Texas in September 2011.
• Tax Relief for Texas Wildfire Victims
  Information on wildfire-related tax breaks from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts plus other information and resources for Texans affected by disastrous fires.
• Use Caution During Wildfire Recovery
  The Texas Department of State Health Services warns of potential risks in recovering from a wildfire.
• Mental Health Resources in Response to Hurricane Katrina
  The information compiled by the Texas Dept. of State Health Services includes general mental health links and resources, information for evacuees, information for teachers, information for first responders and volunteers, suicide prevention information and stress and substance abuse information.
• Dealing with the Effect of Trauma: A Self-Help Guide (PDF) (link opens in new window)
  Information, ideas, and strategies people across the country found helpful in relieving and preventing troubling feelings and symptoms.
• Resources for Helping Children Deal with Disasters
  Information from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.
• Reaching Out to Children and Youth Following Disasters
  Resources compiled by the Maternal & Child Health Library at Georgetown University.
• Crisis Chat
  Provides online support by talking about problems and stress. It has information on mental health problems and services. Integral Care covers Travis County; other centers provide national coverage.
• The Texas Guide to Supports and Services for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families Affected by Disasters (PDF - link opens in new window)
  Contains lists of groups and agencies that help support people with disabilities during an emergency/disaster.
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Updates - Department of Family and Protective Services
  Information for day care operators, foster parents, child placing agencies, residential treatment centers and other DFPS clients and providers.
• American Red Cross - Find your local chapter
  Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 67,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters. This link will help you find your local chapter for assistance.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  Resources for evacuees, including persons with special needs.
• U.S. Department of Labor's Storm and Hurricane Recovery Assistance
  The U.S. Department of Labor assists in recovery efforts in the communities affected by severe storms and floods.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  Apply for assistance following a hurricane or other large-scale crisis that the President declares to be a major disaster.
• Recovering from a Disaster
  Information from FEMA about returning home after a disaster, seeking disaster assistance, coping with disaster and helping others.
• Safe and Well
  This information from the American Red Cross is designed to help reconnect families affected by disasters.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  Emergency information for consumers, communications industries, and state and local governments in the areas affected by hurricanes.
• Better Business Bureau
  In addition to legitimate relief and charity efforts, there are many fraudulent websites, E-mails and opportunists. This Better Business Bureau website for Charities and Donors allows you to check out businesses and charities. Consumers who feel they may have been victimized can file a complaint with the BBB to try to recover their money and to warn others about the individual or company.
• Avoiding scams and fraud
  Tips on avoiding fraudulent charitable contribution schemes.