Greetings!

As we enter a new phase in the historic weather event that is Hurricane Harvey, I come to you with a message of hope and support. We will triumph against the unbelievable odds Harvey produced and forge ahead, working together with a common goal to rebuild our communities.

I know firsthand the heartache, hurt, and disbelief that many of you are feeling, as my family also experienced flooding in our home. We all need guidance on where to begin, how to cleanup, and tips for additional resources like local shelters and making donations.

I can reassure you the Precinct 4 Community Assistance Department is working extended hours answering questions and offering information on available resources.

I am so proud of our Road & Bridge crews and Parks Department staff who assisted our partner agencies with evacuating residents, utilizing our dump trucks and Senior Adult Program buses to quickly mobilize those in need.

Our outstanding Road & Bridge Department is also working night and day to ensure our thoroughfares are safe and passable. As cleanup efforts get underway, please remember these four Ps detailed later in this newsletter: Patience, Placement, Parking, and the Public Dumpster. Keeping streets clear of debris is essential for first responders in the event of an emergency.

Let us pray. Let us pull together. Precinct 4 is here for you!
Harris Co. Precinct 4 logo - R. Jack Cagle, Commissioner
 
Flood Recovery: Where to Begin
Filing Insurance

Evacuating to a safe location is top priority, but if you had property damage, you should contact your insurance provider to file a claim as soon as possible. 

Beginning Cleanup

The worst of Hurricane Harvey’s impacts are over for many Precinct 4 residents, but recovery is only just beginning. As the waters continue to recede, many have already started thinking about cleaning up.

Tips for Flooded Vehicles

Many area residents lost vehicles during the destruction of Hurricane Harvey. If giving up your car isn’t an option, or if the car suffered only minor damage, you can take steps to save your car.

Red Cross

The Red Cross is active across the area helping Hurricane Harvey victims recover, offering shelter, warm meals, and other resources. If you need shelter or would like to help, check out some of the resources listed below.

Financial Assistance

Don't have flood insurance? You may qualify for home repair grants, low-interest loans covering losses not paid for by insurance, rental payments for temporary housing, and other disaster-related expenses. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-FEMA (3362)to see if you qualify.

Precinct 4's Role in Debris Removal
You've pulled out your carpet, removed ruined drywall, and discarded water-logged appliances.

Now, where do you put your debris? As part of flood recovery efforts, Precinct 4's Road & Bridge crews will remove debris from affected areas within Precinct 4. While this may not occur for weeks, residents can take steps now to make debris removal faster in the future.

Helpful Information & Resources
Helpful Harris County Numbers

  • Precinct 4 Community Assistance Department: 281-353-8424

  • Harris County Sheriff's Office: 713-221-6000

  • Harris County Precinct 4 Constable: 281-376-3472

  • Harris County Evacuation Assistance Registration: 211

  • Harris County Towed Vehicles: 713-308-8580

  • Harris County Non-Emergency: 713-881-3100
Statewide Resources

  • The Texas Association of Business has established a hotline to provide resources to business owners affected by the storm at 512-637-7714.

  • Call the State Bar of Texas legal hotline at 800-504-7030 for answers to basic legal questions in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese.


  • If you lost your job because of the hurricane, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply here.

  • Texas State Park camping is free to hurricane evacuees. 

  • TxDOT Statewide Travel Information: 1-800-452-9292

  • Texas Emergency Assistance Hotline: 1-877-541-7905
National Assistance

  • FEMA Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-3362 / www.disasterassistance.gov

  • U.S. Coast Guard: 911

  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-866-908-9570

  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Other Helpful Resources

  • TxDOT Statewide Travel Information: 1-800-452-9292

  • Texas Emergency Assistance Hotline: 1-877-541-7905

  • CenterPoint Energy: 713-207-2222

  • City of Houston Non-Emergency: 311


  • Donations Hotline: 1-800-924-5985