Disaster Recovery
The 2021 Texas Winter Storm and other disasters can be challenging. To aid in the recovery effort, explore these resources for information and assistance.
President Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for Texas
The Town Administration has issued a memorandum of Town responses to the 2021 Winter Storm.
Town Activities to the 2021 Winter Storm
- Recovery Assistance Programs
- Residential Property Recovery
- Business Property Recovery
- Trash & Recycling
- Utilities
Texas Department of Emergency Management
Please consider completing the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s (TDEM) Damage Assessment Survey. Whether you experienced minimal damage or seeing extensive repairs needed, completing the survey gives the TDEM an accurate view of what the state needs in terms of recovery funding. A detailed TDEM damage report is vital to post-disaster recovery and funding requests. You can access the short survey here: https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/
If a computer with internet access is not available, you can call 1-844-844-3089 between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week to report damages.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Texans can apply for federal aid for damage not covered by insurance at DisasterAssistance.gov. To apply for FEMA assistance, please follow these steps:
- Photograph all damage and make a detailed list of items damaged or lost due to the storm.
- Contact your insurance agent and file a claim. If you do not have insurance, please proceed to the next step.
- Register with FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT, seven (7) days a week), and have the following information ready:
- A current phone number.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying.
- Your Social Security number.
- A list of damage and losses.
- Your insurance policy number or insurance agent and company name.
- Schedule a FEMA inspection. This process could take up to fourteen (14) days for a FEMA inspector to contact you.
- Read the FEMA determination letter that explains if you were approved for aid or not.
- Use the FEMA grant wisely.
- Save receipts and maintain good records as FEMA may audit expenditures.
- Stay in touch with FEMA throughout the process.
- Visit a FEMA hazard mitigation display, commonly found at home improvement stores.
US Small Business Administration
As a FEMA partner, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans are the primary source of federal long-term disaster recovery funds for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. They do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. You can apply for the SBA loan at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/
- Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
- Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 to replace or repair personal property — such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances — damaged or destroyed in a disaster.
- Secondary homes or vacation properties are not eligible for these loans. However, qualified rental properties may be eligible for assistance under the SBA business physical disaster loan program.
- These loans cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance or other sources. Proceeds from insurance coverage on home or property may be deducted from the eligible loan amount.
- Provide a completed, signed, and dated IRS Form 4506-T when you apply for your SBA loan. You can access a blank form from the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-t
Contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center
- Phone: 800-659-2955
- TTY: 800-877-8339
- Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
Unemployment Resources
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of the February winter storm. Under the Presidential Disaster Declaration dated February 19, 2021, workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from the February winter storm may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Applications for DUA must be submitted by March 26, 2021. TWC’s website contains more information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
See the full TWC Press Release.
Health Resources
Community mental health crisis lines are available 24/7 for anyone who needs mental health assistance.
- North Texas Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-866-260-8000
- COVID-19 Mental Health Help Line: 1-833-251-7544
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) North Texas: Information and registration for virtual support groups
If you have a neighbor that you feel needs a welfare check, please call the HP DPS non-emergency line at (214) 521-5000. If you see someone that is having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Texas Department of Emergency Management
Please consider completing the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s (TDEM) Damage Assessment Survey. Whether you experienced minimal damage or seeing extensive repairs needed, completing the survey gives the TDEM an accurate view of what the state needs in terms of recovery funding. A detailed TDEM damage report is vital to post-disaster recovery and funding requests. You can access the short survey here: https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/
If a computer with internet access is not available, you can call 1-844-844-3089 between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week to report damages.
Texas Department of Insurance
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) can provide contact information for your insurance company or help with questions about how to file a claim. Call the HelpLine from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time, Monday to Friday: 1-800-252-3439. You may also search for your insurance providers online using their search tool here: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/company-profiles-and-agents-for-service-of-process.html
Disaster Recovery Aid Programs
For more information on what programs are available to homeowners, renters, and business owners, please see the "Recovery Assistance Programs" tab above.
Avoid Home Improvement/Contractor Scams
TDI and the Office of the Texas Attorney General have information on their websites on how to avoid being scammed when you need your property repaired. We highly recommend you educate yourself on these scams so that you will not fall prey to them. Some important points to remember are:
- Never sign a contract that has blanks. Every field should be completed so that you know exactly what work will be done, and how much it will cost.
- Never give money upfront. It is against the law for out-of-town contractors to ask for a down payment.
- Make sure you are signing an estimate or a contract. Do not go by what the person giving it to you calls it. Some scams are called estimates when you are signing a legal contract.
- It is against the law for a contractor to offer to waive an insurance deductible or work it into the insurance amount.
- If you suspect a contractor that you are not familiar with is scamming or breaking state law, please report them to the Texas Attorney General's Office at 1-800-621-0508.
Texas Department of Insurance: "How to Avoid Contracting Scams"
Texas Attorney General: "How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams"
Imposter Scams
Both public and private entities have repeatedly warned of "Imposter scams," where the scammer pretends to be affiliated with a legitimate organization in order to steal money or property. On February 22, 2021, the FTC released this blog post, "Utility scams are snow joke." The author writes, “Scammers know severe weather may have shut off your electricity, heat, and water and might pose as your utility company. They [scammers] might call to say that they’re sorry your power went out and offer a reimbursement, but first they need your bank account information.” Please take a moment to read the informative blog post in full.
In addition, refer to this website, Utilities United Against Scams, and their comprehensive guide for common scams and schemes to commit theft. Further, if you are in doubt about the legitimacy of someone wanting access to your property for a utility repair, contact the utility company directly to verify any work being performed in your area. Utilities United Against Scams
U.S. Small Business Administration
Rental Property owners, private non-profits, and business owners may also apply for recovery loans for damages received during the Winter Storm. Please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans#section-header-17 for eligibility and to apply for the loan. The loan covers disaster losses not fully covered by insurance or other sources. If required to apply insurance proceeds to an outstanding mortgage on the damaged property, that amount can be included in your disaster loan application. Proceeds from insurance coverage on business property may be deducted from the eligible loan amount.
- Apply online for an SBA disaster assistance loan here. SBA’s inspectors will estimate the cost of damage once an application is completed and submitted.
- Complete, sign, and date IRS Form 4506-T with your application, giving permission for the IRS to provide SBA your tax return information. You can access a blank, fillable form from the IRS website here:https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-t
Contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center
- Phone: 800-659-2955
- TTY: 800-877-8339
- Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
For information on the Town's solid waste, bulk material, and recycling collections, please visit the Sanitation Services webpage.
Please do not put any architectural damage, construction or remodeling refuse out for pick up. This service should be included in your Home Improvement Contractor's services. If you are handling the removal od damage or the remodeling and repairs yourself, please contact Customer Service at (214) 521-4161 and ask for the Republic Services Waste Management contact person's number so that you may schedule a quote for construction material haul-off.
Water Service
The Town of Highland Park has set up a water filling station for any resident whose water has been shut off due to broken pipes, so that they may have enough for necessities. The filling station – a self-serve for your convenience - is located at the south side of Town Hall near the Euclid Avenue and St. Johns Drive intersection. Residents may collect up to ten (10) gallons.
Should you be in need of a water shut off or observe a water leak, please report your observations to Customer Service, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (214) 521-4131; or after regular business hours and during the weekends to the HPDPS non-emergency number, (214) 521-5000
At their March 2, 2021, Town Council Meeting, Council Members unanimously voted to allow a $10 credit on water utility bills for running water to prevent pipes from freezing and approved an exception to the leak adjustment policy to allow for freeze-related leaks that occurred in February. The credit will be included on the March water bill and does not apply to irrigation meters. Furthermore, it was agreed that the Town would not charge a permit fee or require inspections on minor repairs of water lines that broke during the winter storm due to freezing temperatures. For questions or more information please call Utility Customer Service, 214-521-4161, during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
To make a request for the Council approved exception to the leak adjustment policy allowing an adjustment for freeze-related leaks occurring in February 2021, please submit the following to bjones@hptx.org:
- A written request for consideration of a leak adjustment, including measures taken to prevent frozen pipes
- A copy of the repair bill, or a statement of the repairs made
Adjustments will be calculated and processed according to Town guidelines and will be credited towards the next utility bill.
Electricity Service
Please report any new power outage directly to Oncor by calling 888-313-4747, by texting OUT to 66267, using the MyOncor app, or online at www.oncor.com. If you observe a hazard associated with a power line or transformer, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Should you have any questions about your utility bill, wish to request a payment extension, or observe a discrepancy or need to dispute a bill, we encourage you to contact your utility provider directly. If you are set up with automatic payments, double-check the bill for accuracy.
Natural Gas
If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 9-1-1 and the Atmos Energy emergency number: 866-322-8667.
Should you have any questions about your natural gas account, wish to request a payment extension, or observe a discrepancy or need to dispute a bill, we encourage you to contact your utility provider directly.
Imposter Utility Scams
Be on the lookout for scammers – especially utility imposter scams - trying to take advantage of the severe winter weather event. Refer to this website - Utilities United Against Scams - and their comprehensive guide for common scams and schemes to commit theft. Further, if you are in doubt about the legitimacy of someone wanting access to your property for a utility repair, contact the utility company directly to confirm.