During an emergency meeting this afternoon, the Buda City Council approved a resolution to extend the Mayor's Local Disaster Declaration originally put in place on February 14. The issuance of a local or state Disaster Declaration allows public officials to exercise emergency powers to preserve life, property, and public health following a disaster as indicated in the Texas Government Code Ch. 418.
Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey (https://tdem.texas.gov/warming-center/) to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals.
The voluntary survey, available in both English and Spanish, can be accessed by visiting: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm. Reporting damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.
For further information or assistance, call the FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. This number is also for users of 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS). TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585. Helpline services are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. If you are having technical issues, call FEMA's Internet Help Desk at 1-800-745-0243. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
