Kerr County residents are encouraged to report flood damage

Kerr County residents who suffered damages and/or losses to their primary residence, their business or their agricultural property as a result of the July 4 rains and flood, are being encouraged to report those damages.  Kerr County issued a disaster declaration on July 4 and extended it in an emergency meeting on July 7.  Texas Governor Greg Abbott then later signed a federal declaration, as well.

“Just like when we have been hit by previous storms, including Winter Storm Uri, we are asking that anyone in the county who suffered damages and/or loss on their primary residence, business or ag property from the recent rains to report those damages using the online Texas Division of Emergency Management’s “iSTAT” portal (Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool),” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas.

“Please use the online tool, go to the ‘Active Incidents’ section to upload your information, extent of your damages, supporting pictures, etc. before you begin repairs,” Thomas added.  “If you have already made your repairs, you are still asked to report your damages and upload the receipts for the repairs.”

Only damages to primary residences, businesses and AG operations are sought, Thomas noted.  Harm done to outbuildings, such as sheds, is not eligible.

The link to the iSTAT online reporting tool is:  https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/.  There is a QR code listed on the online portal.

Information gathered from the online tool is used to help state and local emergency management officials across Texas identify and gain an understanding of the damages that have occurred during recent natural disaster activity.

“Please note that reporting damages in this manner is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damages to your individual insurance provider.  It also does not guarantee disaster relief assistance,” Thomas said.