Fisher County officials are collaborating with property owners in the wake of a devastating supercell thunderstorm that struck the region last month, working with Texas Department of Emergency Management and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, officials are hoping to get uninsured and underinsured prop- erty owners necessary recovery assistance.
Last month’s storm caused extensive damage as it passed through Texas, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving behind a trail of destruction. As the recovery efforts continue, residents in the affected areas of Rotan and Roby are working with county authorities to assess their needs and receive assistance for damaged properties, particularly for those who lack insurance coverage.
Governor Greg Abbott responded to the crisis by adding Fisher County to his disaster proclamation, which was initially issued on Friday, June 16, 2023. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) deployed the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (ISTAT) to gather vital information about the heavily affected areas. This self-reporting storm damage tool aims to ensure targeted assistance reaches the areas most in need, streamlining response and aid efforts.
TDEM also highlights the possibility of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds becoming available once the state's Emergency Management funding threshold of $93 million, covering the 22 counties included in the declaration, is reached. This threshold may include additional counties if storms persist.
To facilitate cleanup operations, Rory Burroughs, a longtime resident of Rotan, established a local workforce group based in his office. The group coordinates the efforts of numerous volunteers and equipment operators to efficiently address the urgent needs in the community. Burroughs has created a comprehensive spreadsheet of volunteers and available equipment, identifying areas requiring assistance. However, with the list of needs continuing to grow, the demand for volunteers and equipment remains high.
Recently, county officials announced access to a secondary form through TDEM that could provide additional assistance to uninsured and underinsured property owners. Furthermore, Fisher County is working alongside the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), a coalition of reputable national organizations and state/territory VOADs dedicated to coordinating resources and assistance throughout the disaster cycle.
The VOAD's Disaster Response and Recovery Homeowner Assistance and Intake Form plays a vital role in helping citizens affected by storm damage to access the assistance they require. This form also contributes to TDEM's total recovery amount, potentially unlocking the opportunity for additional federal assistance. The form classifies the type of work needed, insurance coverage, the number of residents, special needs, structural damages, utilities status, and other essential details, ensuring aid is directed where it is most needed.
Although the recovery process is slow and aid cannot be guaranteed, officials understand the challenges residents face. Joy Dennis, the county judge's secretary, has been actively working as a liaison between the state and county to ensure comprehensive documentation through a single point of contact.
“We have never done this kind of thing before, but we are figuring out what we need to do as a county and we are cooperating with those officials that are working to help,” said Dennis. “If we know people that need help, we have the resources available, and while there is no guarantee, there is never a guarantee, this is first step to getting the assistance we need.”
TDEM recommends that property owners work closely with local officials to prepare the form, which will then be submitted through the county to the state. In this time of recovery, Fisher County remains resilient, with officials and community members coming together to provide support and assistance to those impacted by the destructive storm.
To access the forms, property owners can visit Rotan City Hall, the county judge's office in the Fisher County Courthouse, or Comprehensive Land Management on Rotan's main square. Any questions regarding the form, citizens are encouraged to contact the Fisher County Judge’s office at 325-776-2151. Dennis said she will be glad to help.