Whether you’re looking to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey or you are dealing with damage of your property from the storm, we’ve compiled a list of helpful links and information to get you through.

If You Have Property Damage From The Storm

• A new tort reform law will take effect on September 1, 2017 dubbed the “Hailstorm Bill” that will reduce the penalty rate insurance providers must pay for delaying or denying claims. Previously, insurers had to pay an 18% interest penalty for claims they unlawfully delay. On September 1, that rate drops to 10%. In order for homeowners, business owners, and vehicle owners to lock in the 18% rate, they need to send a written message or email to their insurer with reference to their claim. Telephone message will not count.
• The State Bar of Texas has set up a free legal hotline to direct victims to legal counsel that can assist them through any insurance issues, replacing lost legal documents, and consumer protection issues throughout the rebuilding process. Victims can call (800) 504-7030 any time of day for help. Also, the State Bar of Texas has compiled a list of resources for anyone affected by the storm.
• The Red Cross has set up a database for people to mark themselves as safe and well from the storm, which can be found here. If you are unable to reach your loved ones, this is a good way to let them know you are safe.
• If you reside in Harris County, you can check a map of flooded streets here. You can call 713-881-3100 for rescue efforts.
• If you are in need of an emergency evacuation, you can fill out this form here with details of your location, condition, and contact information for rescue efforts.
• If your property was destroyed by the floods or sustained any storm damage, you can register your damage with FEMA at 1-800-621-3362

To Find Information On Shelters And Other Resources

• If you reside in Harris county, you can call 713-426-9404 with questions about shelters
• Reach the United Way Help Line by dialing 211 to find out information about open shelters
• The Red Cross has a map of open shelters throughout Texas, along with their occupancy.
• Portlight Strategies is working with local and federal agencies to help the elderly and disabled affected by the hurricane. Those individuals can call (800) 626-4959 for information on rescue efforts and other resources.

If You Want To Help Those Affected By The Flooding

• The quickest way to help is to donate money to various efforts helping victims.
  • You can text HARVEY to 90999 to make a financial donation of $10.
  • Several organizations have set up donation pages including United Way, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Heart to Heart, Save the Children, the SPCA of Texas, and Portlight Strategies.
  • GoFundMe has a list of all campaigns assisting with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, which can be found here.

• There are several food banks asking for nonperishable food items to give to evacuees including the  Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, Food Bank of the Golden Crescent and Corpus Christi Food Bank. You can also donate to  Feeding Texas, which provides food to a network of food banks across the state.
• Hundreds of animals are being displaced because of the storm. The SPCA of Texas is taking donations of blankets, towels, cat and dog food, crates, toys, and treats along with monetary donations. They will be taking in hundreds of rescued animals and are in need of foster homes until the animals can return to their owners or be adopted out. You can apply to foster rescued animals here.
• You can donate blood for injured victims through Carter BloodCare or the  South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.
• You can also volunteer your time through a local shelter, food bank, or organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, who will be taking volunteers down to affected areas once the water recedes.
• If you are a medical personnel or wish to donate medical supplies, Remote Area Medical can be reached at volunteers@ramusa.org or 865-579-1530.