Disaster Preparedness and Recovery
Disability Rights Texas works to help Texans with disabilities prepare for, and recover from, disasters and emergencies. Below you’ll find information about your rights, how to stay safe, who can help you, and more.
Connect locally: It’s also important to get to know your local emergency management department so you know who is going to help you if there is a disaster or emergency. To learn who to connect with, contact your mayor’s office or your county.
Featured Resources
How Do You Prepare for a Disaster?
This video covers what people with disabilities need to know to prepare for a disaster. Learn what to do before, during, and after a disaster. Continue reading How Do You Prepare for a Disaster?
Can My Landlord Evict Me Due to Damage from the Winter Storm?
If your landlord is evicting you so damage caused by the winter storm can be repaired, learn about your rights and options. Continue reading Can My Landlord Evict Me Due to Damage from the Winter Storm?
Read more about Can My Landlord Evict Me Due to Damage from the Winter Storm?.
Handouts
Texas Winter Storm Recovery Resources
If you are trying to recover from the Texas winter storm, this handout includes information and resources that can help. Continue reading Texas Winter Storm Recovery Resources
Accessibility and Safety During and After a Disaster or Emergency
If you are having problems such as inaccessible communications, a shelter that won’t allow your service animal or make other accommodations, or figuring out how to apply for FEMA services, this handout can help you navigate an emergency or disaster in your community. Continue reading Accessibility and Safety During and After a Disaster or Emergency
Read more about Accessibility and Safety During and After a Disaster or Emergency.
Housing Rights Information for People with Disabilities Impacted by Natural Disasters
This handout contains information about (A) your rights under the ADA when staying at a hotel or shelter, (B) your rights under the Federal Fair Housing Act and how it impacts where you live, and also (C) a sample letter asking for a reasonable accommodation to terminate your lease early. Continue reading Housing Rights Information for People with Disabilities Impacted by Natural Disasters
Videos
After A Disaster: ID Theft, Scams and Insurance
Anyone can be a target for identity theft and scams after a disaster. Learn what you can do before and after a disaster to protect yourself. Continue reading After A Disaster: ID Theft, Scams and Insurance
Disaster Housing Advice
In this video, get advice about how to access housing after a disaster. Learn about the programs available to help you and how to prepare. Continue reading Disaster Housing Advice
Disaster Services Provided by the American Red Cross
Learn about the disaster services provided by the American Red Cross and how their services can help people with disabilities recover from disasters. Continue reading Disaster Services Provided by the American Red Cross
External Links
- FEMA Appeal Generator Letter
Input your answers to questions and create a letter you can save and print out to submit to FEMA as an appeal and to other organizations.
- Personal Disaster Preparedness: I am blind (Video)
- Personal Disaster Preparedness: I am hard of hearing (Video)
- Personal Disaster Preparedness: I use a wheelchair (Video)
- FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
- Texas 2018 and 2019 Flood Assistance Program
- Disability Rights in Disasters (Disaster Assistance Manual) - TexasLawHelp.org
- Disaster Legal Aid Resource Center - National Disaster Legal Aid
- Disasters and Emergencies - Ready
- Recovery Program for People Impacted by the 2018 and 2019 floods in Texas
- Texas Ready
- American Red Cross
- Emergency Preparedness and Response - CDC
- Preparing, recovering, and rebuilding after disasters and emergencies - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Emergency Alerts - Ready
- State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) - Texas Division of Emergency Management
- Programs - Texas General Land Office
- FEMA Flood Insurance (Video)
- FEMA Hurricane Season and Flood Insurance (Video)
- FEMA Hurricane Preparedness (Video)
- FEMA Tornado Safety (Video)
- The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
- Disaster Housing Recovery - National Low Income Housing Coalition
- About the NCIL Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee - National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
- Emergency Management - Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities