National, federal and local resources are available for impacted survivors.
SAN ANTONIO — A devastating sequence of events unfolded across the Texas Hill Country early Friday morning, culminating in a flash flood emergency that left unimaginable damage in its wake.
Kerr County authorities said dozens of people are dead, many remain unaccounted for and more than 800 people were rescued.
As the survivors try to piece back together their lives, we compiled a list of resources to help those specifically impacted by the deadly floods.
FEMA
President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, the Hill Country county hit hardest by the deadly flooding on July 4.
The declaration will ensure federal resources, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are made available to those affected.
FEMA along with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the U.S. Small Business Administration opened a “Disaster Recovery Center” at the First Baptist Church in Kerrville (625 Washington Street).
Staff members from each entity will be providing face-to-face help for survivors affected by the floods. No appointment is needed. If you need accommodations to communicate with representatives – like a sign language interpreter, you are urged to call 833-285-7448.
Officials said homeowners, renters and eligible non-residents in Kerr County could received FEMA assistance for losses not covered by their insurance. Assistance applying for disaster relief will also be provided.
FEMA says if you’ve sustained losses, you should first file claims with your insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.
Shelters
Several shelters have been set up to address the devastating flooding in Kerr County that has resulted in several confirmed deaths and hundreds of people evacuated from their homes.
Here is a list of shelters set up to respond to the Kerr and Kendall County flooding.
- First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville
- Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534, Kerrville
- Notre Dame Catholic Church, 929 Main Street, Kerrville
- Schreiner University, Event Center, 2100 Memorial Boulevard
- Comfort High School, 143 US-87, Comfort
- Winding Branch Ranch, 30640 Leroy Scheel Road, Bulverde
Food Banks
The San Antonio and San Angelo food banks are also offering support for those who need it, by calling 1-800-246-9121. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They are also hosting emergency flood relief food and resource distributions at select locations. To ensure efficient service and adequate supplies, preregistration is required.
You can find upcoming distributions by clicking the link.
Pets
Kerrville Pets Alive! is working with Austin Pets Alive!, offering several resources for pet owners impacted by the horrific Fourth of July floods.
WHAT KPA! HAS TO OFFER:
- Pet Rescue and Recovery
- Owner Reunification
- Basic and Emergent Pet Medical Care (Veterinarian on site)
- Pet and Pet Owner Transport
- Pet food, litter, crates and more
- Livestock and Wildlife Resources
- Pet Boarding
The all-volunteer nonprofit group has also created a database of lost and found pets which will allow pet owners to list pet information and upload photos. KPA! volunteers will work to locate these pets and reunite them with owners.
You can report lost, found or injured pets by clicking the link, calling 830-200-0539 or email kerrcountyfloodpets@gmail.com
KPA! will also fund the cremation of any pets who did not survive.
Free replacement items
The Kerrville Driver License Office is helping people affected by the flood who are in need of a replacement Texas Driver License or Identification Card. No appointment is necessary. Please be sure to inform their staff that you were affected by the flood.
I Care San Antonio is also offering free replacement glasses for Hill Country flood survivors. People who lost their eyewear in the disaster will be able to receive a free pair by presenting a valid identification card confirming their residence.
To report someone missing & reunification efforts
If you have a missing person, email kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov with the name and description of the missing person. You can also provide photos to aid in identification. The reunification center for those waiting on word about missing persons is at Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534.
The American Red Cross is assisting reunification efforts. If you’re looking for a missing loved one, call 800-733-2767. The Disaster Distress Helpline is also available at 1-800-985-5990 for anyone needing to speak with a mental health professional.