We have curated resources that would help get your business and family ready for a disaster as well as helping keep your team safe during and afterwards. Download the Guides:

SBA Disaster Preparedness Checklist – Hurricane
READY.GOV – How to Prepare for a Hurricane
LOCAL RESOURCE – BeforeDuringAfter
US Chamber – Small Business Preparedness Guide
State of Texas Disaster Preparedness

LASTEST INFORMATION (Last Updated July 16):

FEMA Funding and Assistance

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Texas which will allow FEMA to distribute funds for those affected by Hurricane Beryl. Historically they will provide funds for Assistance for Housing and Other Needs (Including Hotel Accommodations) as well as Serious Needs Assistance which is one-time $750 per household. This is part of the new update to the Individual Assistance Program applied to the Presidentially declared disasters on or after March 22, 2024.

The application portal to apply for assistance: (Now Open):
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or Call the FEMA Help Line: 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity.

SBA Information

  • Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.
  • These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
  • Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
  • Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
  • In addition, applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
  • The deadline to apply for physical damage is September 10, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is April 14, 2024.
  • The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in in the Texas counties of: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker & Wharton;
    • For economic injury only in the contiguous Texas counties of: Angelina, Austin, Calhoun, Cherokee, Colorado, Grimes, Hardin, Houston, Lavaca, Madison, Newton, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria & Waller;

Business Recovery Centers Available

HARRIS COUNTY – Business Recovery Center
University of Houston – Downtown
Marilyn Davies College of Business
320 North Main St (Room B106, 1st Floor) – Houston, TX 77002
(Please Note: Parking is underneath the Marilyn Davies
College of Business in the Shea Street Building)
HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9:00am-6:00pm CT | Sat: 9:00am-4:00pm CT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Business Recovery Center
East Montgomery County Improvement District
21575 US Highway 59, Suite #201 – New Caney, TX 77357
HOURS: Mon-Sat: 8:00am-6:00pm CT

Texas Workforce Commission Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) due to Hurricane Beryl. Under the Presidential Disaster Declaration (DR-4798-TX) dated July 9, 2024, workers and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from Hurricane Beryl may be eligible for DUA benefits.

Individuals affected by the severe weather in the designated counties can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications for DUA benefits under this declaration must be submitted by September 9, 2024.

Submit your proof of employment using TWC’s online UI Submission Portal for the fastest review.

Greater Houston Disaster Alliance launches Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund 

This Fund will support individuals and families affected by the severe weather, winds, and aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The Fund will complement regional efforts by providing grants to local nonprofits to provide emergency financial assistance, home repair, and resource navigation services.

Channel 2 News – https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/07/15/greater-houston-disaster-alliance-launches-hurricane-beryl-recovery-fund-to-aid-victims/

View More about the Recovery Fund and how to give

Report Storm Damage on iSTAT

The Individual State of Texas Assistance Tool (iSTAT), enables individuals to report damages to private homes and businesses. It aids emergency management officials in evaluating the extent of damages and helping determine if Texas and its communities meet federal disaster assistance thresholds. 

Houston Chronicle – How to file insurance claims and get FEMA assistance

“You need to get your claim started as soon as possible,” Insurance Commissioner Cassie Brown said in a statement, adding that the state agency could help anyone who runs into trouble contacting or understanding their provider. The state helpline for residents can be reached at 800-252-3439.

Read the Article

Texas Department of Insurance tips on filing a claim:

  • Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
  • Keep a list of everyone you talk to. Be ready to describe the damage.
  • Make a list of damaged property. Take pictures or video. Don’t throw away damaged items until you talk to your insurance company or adjuster.
  • Try to protect your property from further damage. Cover broken windows and holes to keep out rain and prevent vandalism or theft.
  • Ask about additional living expenses if you can’t live in your home due to the damage or power outages. Your insurance may pay some of those expenses.
  • Save proof you paid the deductible on your claim. State law makes it illegal for contractors or roofers to offer to waive a deductible or to promise a rebate for the amount.
  • In addition to filing your insurance claim, be sure to tell the Texas Division of Emergency Management about the damage. This will help Texas to receive as many recovery funds as possible. Report damage at iSTAT Damage Surveys.

More Resources

Texas Small Business Resiliency – Before During After
Offering Basic Guides and Advanced Tools for Before, During and After Disasters

SBA Preparedness for Businesses of all Sizes
Offers 10 quick tips for all businesses to consider.

US Chamber – Small Business Resilience Hub
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has a number of business-led solutions to help small businesses prepare and recover from disasters, and build stronger, more resilient communities in the U.S. and around the world.

US Chamber – Disaster Quick Guides
Preparedness and recovery guidance for chambers and small businesses.

Ready.gov – Resources on Before, During and After
The Federal Government Resources on how to prepare in any disaster.

FEMA – Resources for preparing for a hurricane (Various Languages)

DRB Toolkit© (Disaster Resistant Business Toolkit)
A simple and fully customizable software tool to help all types of businesses build a disaster plan, train employees, run exercises, prioritize and prepare operations. It provides tools, templates, and videos for beginners and experienced planners.

Red Cross – Ready Rating Program
Ready Rating is a program that helps businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for disasters and other emergencies. All in one place, Ready Rating members have access to one-of-a-kind tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property.