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Deadline to Submit NFIP Claims Fast Approaching!

The deadline for residents with flood insurance to submit a claim with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is just days away!  The deadline is one year from the date that the damage occurred.  Harvey first made landfall in Texas on Aug. 25, 2017, with heavy rainfall and flooding occurring for several days after it hit. For this reason, the date of loss varies for property owners.

NFIP usually requires policyholders to submit a Proof of Loss claim within 60 days from the date of their loss. Policyholders were given an extension up to a year because of the magnitude of Hurricane Harvey’s damage.

FEMA urges policyholders to submit their forms as soon as possible. Policyholders should contact their insurance agent or the NFIP Call Center at 800-427-4661 with questions about filing.

For more information, visit the following links:

https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/07/24/nfip-proof-loss-claim-deadline-just-weeks-away

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/9343

Emergency Preparedness Supplies Tax Free Weekend, April 28-30

In order to be prepared for the upcoming Hurricane Season, or for any disaster, the weekend of April 28-30, 2018 has been designated as an Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. The tax-free holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2018 and ends at midnight on Monday, April 30, 2018. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase and you do not need a tax exemption certificate.

The following emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption:

Less than $3,000

  • Portable generators

Less than $300

  • Emergency ladders
  • Hurricane shutters

Less than $75

  • Axes
  • Batteries, single or multipack
  • Can openers – nonelectric
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kits
  • Fuel containers
  • Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
  • Hatchets
  • Ice products – reusable and artificial
  • Light sources – portable self-powered (including battery operated)
  • Nonelectric coolers and ice chests for food storage
  • Portable self-powered radios, including two-way and weather band radios
  • Smoke detectors
  • Tarps and other plastic sheeting

The following supplies do not qualify for tax exemption:

  • Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
  • Camping stoves
  • Camping supplies
  • Chainsaws
  • Plywood
  • Extension ladders
  • Stepladders
  • Tents
  • Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
  • Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies

Additional Charges Affect Purchase Price

Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. Consider these charges when determining whether an emergency preparation supply can be purchased tax free during the holiday.

Click the link below to view the Tax Free Weekend flyer:

Emergency Prep Supplies – Tax Free Weekend 2018 (English and Spanish)

FEMA DRC in Katy to Close March 31, 2018

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will close the last Disaster Recovery Center in the Katy area at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018.

The center was previously relocated from Katy Mills Mall to the Clay Road Shopping Center at 19214 Clay Road, Katy. Hurricane Harvey victims still in need of FEMA assistance can access the center from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, until it will close permanently.

Beyond Saturday, the nearest open DRC to Fort Bend County is at Greenspoint Mall, 12300 North Freeway, Houston. Those in need of FEMA assistance can access that center 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday.

FEMA DRC at Katy Mills Mall has Relocated

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Katy Mills Mall has relocated a short distance away.  Starting Wednesday, February 21, 2018, the DRC is now located at the Clay Road Shopping Center (19214 Clay Road, Katy, TX 77449).  The DRC is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents with questions for FEMA are still be able to visit any open Disaster Recovery Center.  To find the closest DRC, use the FEMA DRC Locator: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator

Updated: New Saturday Hours for SBA Loan Closing Center at the United Way Fort Bend Center

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Closing Center at the United Way Fort Bend Center has new operating hours on Saturdays starting February 17, 2018.  The SBA Loan Closing Center will be open 9AM-3PM on Saturdays, and will continue to be open Monday-Friday from 9AM-6PM and closed on Sundays.

The SBA Loan Closing Center is at the following location:

United Way Fort Bend Center
12300 Parc Crest Dr.
Stafford, TX 77477

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays

Residents can meet with the SBA at the Loan Closing Center to complete the process of acquiring a SBA disaster loan.  For additional questions, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

SBA Operating a Loan Closing Center at the United Way Fort Bend Center

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will be transitioning to and operating a Loan Closing Center starting Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at a NEW location in Fort Bend County.  Residents can meet with the SBA at the Loan Closing Center to complete the process of acquiring a SBA disaster loan.  For additional questions, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

The SBA Loan Closing Center is at the following location:

United Way Fort Bend Center
12300 Parc Crest Dr.
Stafford, TX 77477

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The SBA is no longer operating out of the Fort Bend County Sienna Annex in Missouri City.  The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and SBA Business Recovery Center at the Fort Bend County Sienna Annex closed on February 3, 2018.