AUSTIN - On Jan 25th, Governor Greg Abbott encouraged all Texans affected by winter weather and recent severe storms to report property damage using the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) iSTAT damage survey, to as the damage assessment process begins.

"The State of Texas is working around the clock to ensure that people affected by winter weather and severe storms have the support they need to recover," Governor Abbott said. "I encourage all affected Texans to report damage information to iSTAT. This is a critical tool for our state and local officials to determine eligibility for federal assistance, identify damage in regions affected by severe weather and direct required resources to communities in need.

On Monday, Governor Abbott directed TDEM to coordinate in advance the preparation of state emergency response resources for the potential impacts of severe weather in Texas. TDEM continues to activate state resources to support local officials across the state in responding to winter weather conditions in North and West Texas and severe storm impacts throughout Southeast Texas. TDEM has deployed additional personnel to begin preliminary damage assessments in Deer Park, Pasadena, and Orange County.

With damage assessments underway, affected Texans are invited to report damage to homes and businesses during this severe weather event using the Texas Individual Assessment Survey (iSTAT) damage survey. The iSTAT survey can be completed in English and Spanish online at damage.tdem.texas.gov, by clicking on "Winter/Severe Weather January 23-25." The information provided by Texans in the iSTAT survey helps emergency management officials understand the damage that has occurred and helps officials determine if the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance. as well as to identify any immediate need for resources.

Video tutorials in English and Spanish are available here explaining how to fill out the iSTAT surveys.