Homeowner Emergencies

Emergencies, whether personal or in the community, happen unexpectedly and are interruptions that we usually aren't prepared for. Disasters can devastate homes and leave families without water, food, electricity and public services for long periods of time. There are many types of emergencies and disasters that can be explained by clicking here where each one is addressed differently. Knowing how to prepare before, during and after an event will keep you and your housing in stable condition.

If you are a homeowner who has fallen behind on mortgage, utility payments, and related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Texas Homeowner Assistance website to apply for assistance.

 

Do you need help paying your water bill? Community Action Partners can help you in person November 16, 2023 in Forest Hill and November 30, 2023 in Fort Worth. For more details, please see the flyer for November 16th and the flyer for November 30th.

PREPARE

  • Sign up for emergency alerts with your city
  • Walk around your home to eliminate potential dangers
  • Secure and make copies of all important documents
  • Take photos and document all of your belongings in case of insurance claims
  • Learn how to manually open your garage door
  • Develop a plan on what to do, where to go and who to call for help
  • Create a "Go Bag" of important documents and supplies in case of quick evacuations

RESPOND

  • Listen to the radio or television for information from local officials and follow their instructions
  • NOAA radio Specific Area Message Encoding code for Tarrant County is 048439
  • Make sure it is safe to evacuate, otherwise shelter in your home
  • If sheltering in place, make sure resources are available (food, extra water, extra power, fire, wood, etc)
  • Seek assistance from City of County
  • Follow your emergency plan and have your Go Bag available
  • Make sure you are safe before assisting others

RECOVER

  • Submit an insurance claim if there is any loss or damage
  • Apply for assistance with FEMA
  • Every situation is different, contact us for resources for assistance
  • Call 211 or visit their website by clicking here for more resources
  • Rebuild your home with increased resiliency
  • Replace with energy efficient products and take advantage of rebates to lower costs
  • Keep records of all damage and receipts of repairs/replacement in case of potential reimbursement.

 

Make a Plan: Can you answer the following questions? Are trees and any other obstructions cleared from your home? Do you have copies of all your documents in a accessible place like the cloud? What is your shelter plan? What is your evacuation route? What is your family communication plan? There is a lot to think about, but visiting Ready.gov will help you plan and be prepared. Information is available in multiple languages by clicking here.

 

What's in your "Go Bag" or Emergency Kit?  Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last at least a few days. An emergency disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items that your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the FEMA Emergency Supply List, which you can download or print to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

For additional information on how to Build a Kit, go to ready.gov website.

 

Assessing the impact means looking at the aftermath and trying to restore your home back to normal or even more resilient. Seeking assistance is important and having proof of what is lost and what needs replacement is important to get refunds, make claims and take advantage of programs that is specific to your situation. If you still need assistance after inquiring with FEMA and your insurance company, please contact us so we can talk about your specific needs.