Winter Storm Information
President Biden has approved Texas Disaster Declaration
On February 19, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms beginning on February 11, 2021, and continuing. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Rockwall County.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures and hazard mitigation measures statewide.
If your property was damaged and you don't have insurance, apply for assistance now visit: www.disasterassistance.gov
Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
ERCOT reports that the normal conditions for energy demand. Visit their website for further monitoring.
Atmos Energy Thanks Customers For Energy Conservation Efforts During Historic Winter Storms
North Texas Water Municipal District (NTWMD)
NTMWD has lifted the extreme winter weather conservation measures.
Here is how you can stay informed:
- Many neighbors are experiencing water line breaks. Take action now and download My Water Advisor, an app that allows you to monitor your consumption and set alarms for a water leak alert. This can help give you a heads up if you have a leak in your home. Download the “My Water Advisor” app here.
- Sign up for our Nixle Emergency text message notifications by texting "RCOEM" to 888777 to get emergency information from Rockwall County Office of Emergency Management texted to your phone.
- Register for Notify Me messages to get important City information delivered to your email or your cell phone SMS messages.
- For City Staff email and phone extensions, please visit: www.CityofFate.com/Directory
Plumbing Permit Fees Waived
The City is waiving plumbing permit fees as a result of damages by the winter storm. Permits are required to ensure the safety of the work and its compliance with building and construction codes. For your protection, always hire a licensed contractor to make repairs to your home. All contractors working in the City are required to register prior to beginning work. This ensures that they are licensed. You can view all registered companies here. If you need assistance, please contact the Building Inspection Department for assistance.
- When Is A Permit Required
- Requirements for Common Permits
- Tips for Selecting a Contractor
- Contractor Registration Application
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance - Individual Assistance (IA)
The White House approved a Major Disaster Declaration in 77 Texas counties on February 19, 2021. Individuals who sustained losses due to the winter storms and do not have insurance can now apply for federal assistance. Learn more here. If your property was damaged and you don't have insurance, apply for assistance now visit: www.disasterassistance.gov
FEMA can provide assistance to individuals and families for items not covered by insurance for homeowners and renters.
- The first line of defense in any disaster is insurance, but if you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may apply for Individual Assistance, and check your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- You may also call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362), or download the FEMA App.
- Before you apply for assistance, below are the steps you need to take to start your recovery process:
- Step One: Take photos of your damaged home and belongings.
- Step Two: Make a list of damaged/lost items.
- Step Three: Save yourself time. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, continue to Step Four.
- Step Four: Apply with FEMA
- What does IA cover?
- Temporary Housing Assistance: Financial assistance to homeowners or renters to rent a temporary place to live if your home is unlivable because of the disaster, and you have no insurance coverage for temporary housing
- Lodging Expenses Reimbursement: Reimbursement of hotel expenses for homeowners or renters for short periods of time due to inaccessibility or utility outage, if not covered by insurance or any other program.
- Home Repair and Home Replacement: Financial assistance to homeowners to repair disaster-caused damage to their primary residence, when the damage is not covered by insurance, to make the home safe, sanitary, and fit to occupy, or to help replace their home destroyed in the disaster
- Other: Financial assistance is available for necessary expenses and serious needs directly caused by the disaster, including:
- Child-care expenses
- Medical and dental expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Damages to essential household, job-related or educational items
- Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier)
- Damage to an essential vehicle
- Moving and storage expenses caused by the disaster
- Before you apply for assistance, below are the steps you need to take to start your recovery process:
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters in Rockwall County. Types of loans available are:
Individuals and Families:
- Homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace real estate damage and up to $40,000 to replace personal property.
- Renters: up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses:
- Property Damage: up to $2,000,000 to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed (available to businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations).
- Economic Injury: only for small businesses and most private non-profit organizations suffering adverse financial impacts of the disaster (with or without property loss), up to $2,000,000 for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume.
For additional assistance, SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center that is open Mondays – Fridays, 8 am to 8 pm EST. You can contact an SBA customer service representative via email at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or by phone at 800-659-2955. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage and will provide one-on-one assistance in completing applications for these loans. Apply online here
Protecting Your Pipes
- Cover your pipes with hose bib covers and place old towels in your meter boxes
- Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Drip faucets that are along an external wall, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside your homes.
Burst or Broken Pipes
- Many neighbors are experiencing water line breaks. Take action now and download My Water Advisor, an app that allows you to monitor your consumption and set alarms for a water leak alert. This can help give you a heads up if you have a leak in your home. Download the “My Water Advisor” app here.
- When the weather begins to warm up, it is possible that a water pipe inside your home could burst due to water expanding as it freezes. It is important to investigate now, what to do and where your shut-off valves are so that you can remain calm and take swift action. Working quickly, but methodically, is the best way to minimize any water damage from a plumbing leak and potential mold and mildew growth as a result of burst pipes.
Find The Water Shut-Off Valves
- Every home and business has a water shut-off valve, along with each appliance or fixture that uses water. If you don’t know where the shut-offs are located, take a few minutes to identify them in your home or business and make note of the locations. In Fate, water-shut-off valves are located near the water meters. View a short "how-to" video here.
Turn off The Electricity
- Water and electricity never mix, especially when there’s a busted pipe in the house. Turn off the electricity to the home or business at the breaker box to prevent electrocution, fires, and other hazards.
Whole House Water
- Turning off the water to an entire house or business is recommended in most situations. The whole house shut-off valve is usually on one side of the water meter. Most water meters are located outside the home near the front curb in a marked utility box. You will need an eight in (8) adjustable crescent wrench (or larger) or a water meter valve key. These tools are available at most home improvement stores. The meters turn off in the counterclockwise direction. View a short "how-to" video here.
Drain Remaining Water From Pipes & Fixtures
- Once the water and electricity are turned off, let any remaining water in the pipes and fixtures drain out. This is done by turning on hot and cold water taps and flushing all toilets. Removing the leftover water in the plumbing stops will stop the leak and allow a plumber to begin repairs
Inside your home investigate your appliances that use water.
- Clothes Washing Machine - Look behind the washing machine for the household water-supply lines — the shut-off valve should be located next to the washer hoses.
- Whole House Hot Water Heater - The hot water heater should have at least one shut-off valve, located on the cold-water inlet pipe. The majority of hot water heaters also have a shut-off valve for the hot water outlet pipe, usually denoted with a red-colored handle. When this valve is closed, there will be no hot water in the entire home. Remember to turn off your gas pilot light.
- Toilet - The shut-off for the toilet is usually found under the tank and has a ribbed oval handle.
- Sink - Similar to a toilet shut-off, the sink shut-off has two handles — one for cold water, the other for hot — beneath the sink bowl or inside the cabinet or vanity.
- Dishwasher - Check under the kitchen sink for the shut-off valve. This shut-off has a reducer coupling and valve to the dishwasher and the hot water line.
Waste Connections will begin regular service of residential trash and recycling carts on Monday, February 22. Do not put your extra trash in the recycling bins. Waste Connections will remove extra bags from the curb (within reason).
We all have energy on the mind right now. If you have concerns about your rates, look into Texas Power Switch. If you're in the Oncor power grid, not in a contract, or if your current contract is about to expire, you can lock in a low rate now to avoid any increases in the next few weeks and months. There is no cost to receive a quote or any obligation to accept an offer.
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals.
The voluntary survey, available in both English and Spanish, can be accessed by visiting: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm. Reporting damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.
"I urge Texans to fill out the Self Reporting Damage Survey and provide crucial information on the winter weather impacts to their home or property," said Governor Abbott. "The information gleaned from this survey will help our state identify the full impact of this winter weather and help emergency management better serve Texans."