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Winter Storm Recovery Resources

Winter Storm Recovery Resources

The recent snow and freezing temperatures across Texas made life difficult for many people. Find help with the resources listed below for water outages and services, water distribution locations, energy and power issues, emergency repair services, transportation services; trash, composting, and recycling services; cold weather shelters, FEMA, HUD help, and help from local nonprofits.

The Public Utilities Commission has ordered that your utilities (electricity, gas, etc.) may not be disconnected at this time. This only applies to customers of Oncor, AEP, Centerpoint, and TNMP.
Austin Energy is currently reporting 99.99% service restored. For the most up-to-date information, go to:

If your area is serviced by a utility provider other than Austin Energy, please reach out to that utility.

Electric

Natural Gas Providers

 

  • Storm repair help from the City of Austin

The City of Austin has a website to support local residents and business owners whose properties were damaged in the recent winter storm. Visit austintexas.gov/atxrepairs to find information about plumbers, electricians, and other contractors; code compliance and service requests; the City’s emergency permitting process; homeowner’s funding assistance; and federal and local assistance programs.

 

  • Emergency repairs on your home or business

For information on emergency repair for your home or business and permitting, please visit Austin’s Emergency Repairs site or call 512.974.1500. This dedicated hotline line will be open during business hours beginning Monday, February 22, 2021. Residents can begin work repairing homes as soon as they are able, and should contact the Development Services Department within one business day to acquire a permit if needed.

 

  • Volunteer teams are helping people clean out their homes and remove debris.

Please contact:

 

  • Water Outages and Services

The citywide boil water notice has been lifted for customers of Austin water.

If pipes at your home or business have burst, stop water waste by turning off your water at the property-owners cut-off valve. If you are unable to locate your property-owners cut-off valve or if it won’t work, then call Austin Water at 512-972-1000 for assistance with turning off your water. Austin Water remains available to take calls regarding customer service questions, but lines may be busy due to high demand. The online form is the easiest way to get us information.

 

  • Water Distribution Locations

Visit Austin’s website for information on where to pick up water.

  • All sites will provide free water on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
  • We are asking that water allocations at these sites be reserved for those who have not been able to purchase or boil water.
  • Please have your trunk open or your doors unlocked so volunteers can place water in your vehicle promptly.
  • If you are on foot, we recommend that you bring a cart or carrier large enough to hold one case of water.

 

  • Shuttles to Water Distribution Sites

CapMetro will provide shuttle service to the water distribution sites at the Onion Creek Soccer Complex, ACC Pinnacle, Roy G. Guerrero Park and Walnut Creek Park. Customers can access the shuttles at the bus stops nearest to each water distribution site:

  • A temporary bus stop on William Cannon for access to the Onion Creek Soccer Complex (served by Route 333)
  • Oak Hill Plaza for access to ACC Pinnacle (served by Routes 315 and 333)
  • ACC Riverside Transit Center for access to Roy G. Guerrero Park (served by Routes 217, 271, 310, 311, 350)
  • N Lamar/Walnut Creek bus stop for access to Walnut Creek Park (served by Route 1)

Shuttles will be onsite at each of these locations until water runs out.

 

  • State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) Update

The State of Texas has a call center to assist those who have limited or no internet access, with completing the State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). Texans can call 844-844-3089 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM seven days a week to submit their disaster damage information.

 

  • Transportation Services

All CapMetro routes will operate with their regular schedules on Monday, February 22.

Free fares will be extended through Sunday, February 28 in an effort to provide everyone access to the people, places and resources they need at this critical time.

 

  • Trash, Composting, and Recycling Services

After suspending curbside pickup due to severe weather and unsafe road conditions, Austin Resource Recovery will resume service on Monday, February 22. For the latest updates on when services will resume, please visit the Austin Resource Recovery website or download the Recycle ATX app to receive notifications about your curbside collection schedule.

 

  • Federal Emergency Management Aid (FEMA)

FEMA has announced that federal emergency aid is available to Texans impacted by the winter storm as of February 11, 2021. The deadline for anyone to apply for assistance for recovery from this disaster is April 20, 2021. To apply for both home and business disaster assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at (800) 621-3362. On the front page of the FEMA website, click “Apply Online” to get started.

 

  • HUD (housing assistance)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday announced it was providing federal disaster assistance to homeowners and homebuyers in areas affected by the severe winter storms. Texas counties under President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration will be able to get foreclosure relief and other assistance from HUD:

Counseling agencies: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies have counselors available to help those impacted by the storms.

Foreclosure relief: HUD’s automatic 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration-insured home mortgages began for the designated Texas counties on the date of the declaration. Borrowers who cannot make mortgage payments are urged to call their loan servicer.

Mortgage insurance: HUD is able to provide FHA insurance to disaster victims whose homes were destroyed or damaged to the point that reconstruction or replacement is necessary. For those facing rebuilding or buying another come, the program allows eligible borrowers to get 100% financing, including closing costs.

Insurance for both mortgages and home rehabilitation: One of HUD’s loan programs allows those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. Homeowners who have damaged homes will be able to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home.

Making info on housing providers available: HUD will share details with FEMA and the state on housing providers that may have available units in impacted areas.

 

  • Help from People’s Medical-Legal Program (MLP)

Patients at People’s may request legal assistance from the Medical-Legal Program. The MLP can help with:

  • Eviction
  • Utilities disconnection if provider is Oncor, American Electric Power (AEP), Centerpoint, or TNMP
  • Denial of Unemployment benefits
  • SNAP denial
  • FEMA denial

 

  • New Deadline for Tax Filings

The IRS has extended the tax filing deadline through June 15, 2021. More information can be found here.