Below are a few resources that might be helpful to you, and your neighbors, during this time. As we learn more, we will share more! If you have anything additional that we can add to this page to help our bulldog families, please email us at jhefner@hitchcockisd.org. We hope this finds you safe and well and comforted knowing the community you have that surrounds you! We are Bulldog Strong!
Resources
- Disaster Clean Up & Debris
- Generator Safety
- City/County Resources & Forms
- Local Food & Assistance
- Safety & Security
- FEMA & Red Cross Information
- Helpful PDF's & Handouts
- Contact Information & Social Media Accounts To Follow
Disaster Clean Up & Debris
Who Can Help?
- 4B Disaster Network: The 4B area is the target region where we mobilize our network of churches and volunteers to reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ through serving people affected by disasters. The 4B area is from the Beltway to the Beach and Brazoria County to the Bay.
- If your home sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl and you would like to request assistance, please communicate your situation either via email to info@4bresponse.org or to our mobile phone at (409) 502-3040. This phone is NOT monitored 24 hours a day so email is a more immediate method for communication if it is available to you.
- Monitor the 4B DRN website ( www.4bresponse.org ) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
4Bresponse) for instructions regarding Volunteer response.
- Galveston County Long Term Recovery Group: Galveston County Long Term Recovery Group (GCLTRG) is a collaborative network that addresses the long-term needs of Galveston County following a disaster. GCLTRG is made up of representatives from non-profit, faith-based, and civic organizations and government and business partners working in our county. https://www.galvestoncountyrecovers.org/
- Anyone who is interested in applying for assistance or who needs more information should contact the United Way Galveston County Mainland at (409) 948-4211.
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Texans On Mission: https://www.texansonmission.org/request-for-assistance/: "At this time we are only able to take requests for trees or limbs that have fallen on a house or car or are blocking access to your home."
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Crisis Cleanup: https://crisiscleanup.org/survivor
COOLING AND PHONE CHARGING CENTER FOR CITY OF HITCHCOCK
The City will have a cooling and phone charging center setup Wednesday from 11:00 am- 5:00pm at the old City Hall building 7423 Hwy 6 in the City Council Chamber and the new City Hall building 8102 Hwy 6 in the City Council Chamber.
Storm-Related Repairs
If your electrical line is damaged that feeds your home and needs repairing, a licensed electrician must be contracted to pull a permit for the job. The permit fee will be waived for the next week. Please contact City Hall at 409-986-5591 if you need additional information.
Centerpoint Energy Outage Center
Texas New Mexico Outage Center
How to Clean Up Safely
- Wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, goggles and boots.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
- When cleaning heavy debris, work with a partner. Make sure that you have proper training before using equipment, such as chainsaws.
- Heart attacks are a leading cause of deaths after a hurricane. Be mindful of overworking.
Tips to Stay Healthy
- When in doubt, throw it out! Throw out food that got wet or warm. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance if you have refrigerated medicines that got warm.
Take Care of Yourself
- It’s normal to have a lot of feelings.
- Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
- You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746.
Debris Clean Up Info From the City of Hitchcock:
The debris will be removed starting Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The debris pickup will last approximately 2 weeks from the start date. There will be 2 passes through the city.
ALLOWED
1. Place items next to the public city streets and right of ways.
2. Vegetation, brush, and limbs are allowed.
3. Construction debris, building materials, drywall, lumber, siding, and fencing are allowed.
4. Separate all debris: trees and brush need to be separated from construction debris
NOT ALLOWED
1. Debris placed in the road blocking traffic is not allowed.
2. Placing debris in the ditch is not allowed.
3. The contractor is not allowed to go on private property. All debris must be placed by the public city streets and right of ways.
4. TRASHBAGS CANNOT BE USED AT ALL.
5. Household garbage is NOT allowed.
6. Household hazardous waste is not allowed.
7. Electronics are not allowed.
8. Refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, ac units, stoves, water heaters, microwaves, dishwashers, etc. are not allowed
9. Do not place debris in front of gas meters, risers, water meters, fire hydrants, and low hanging lines.
10. Do not lean debris up against electric poles.
11. Debris cannot be placed on bridges.
12. Do not block street signs, stop signs, or speed limit signs.
BURN NOTICES ARE REQUIRED
There is no fee for burn notices. Applicants must come to City Hall to complete paperwork for the burn notice. We will need contact information and the address to the property where the burn will take place. The Fire Marshal will do an inspection before you burn. Water hoses must be on site. Do not place the burn pile next to a structure or near a water or gas meter. The burn pile cannot exceed 5ft x 5ft. Please contact City Hall 409-986-5591 if you have questions or concerns.
Generator Safety
Generator Safety:
Generators can be a lifesaver during these times, but it's important to use them safely to protect your family and home. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind when operating a generator:
1. Proper Placement
- Outdoors Only: Always use generators outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents. This helps prevent deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from entering your home.
- Dry Surface: Place the generator on a dry, level surface under an open, canopy-like structure to protect it from moisture.
2. Carbon Monoxide Safety
- CO Detectors: Install battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors in your home. These detectors will alert you if CO levels become dangerously high.
- Ventilation: Ensure the generator has adequate ventilation. Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or any enclosed area.
3. Fuel Handling
- Correct Fuel: Use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer, and store it in an approved safety container.
- Cool Down: Allow the generator to cool down before refueling. Spilled fuel on hot engine parts can cause a fire.
- Storage: Store fuel away from living areas and heat sources.
4. Electrical Safety
- Extension Cords: Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are in good condition. Ensure they are rated for the total wattage of the connected appliances.
- Avoid Backfeeding: Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause electrocution risk to utility workers and damage electrical systems.
5. Maintenance and Operation
- Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements.
- Test Runs: Periodically run the generator for a few minutes to ensure it is in good working order.
- User Manual: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and maintenance.
6. Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place that includes generator use. Ensure all family members know how to operate it safely.
- Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit with essential items, including extra fuel, oil, and spare parts for the generator.
7. Safe Appliance Connection
- Direct Connection: Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty extension cord.
- Power Management: Do not overload the generator. Check the wattage rating and ensure it can handle the total load of the connected appliances.
By following these safety guidelines, you can ensure that your generator provides the necessary power during an outage without compromising your safety. Remember, safety first—protect your family and home by using generators responsibly.
Stay safe this storm season, and always prioritize proper generator use. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit Galveston County Office of Emergency Management.
City/County Resources & Forms
- Damage Assessment Forms: These forms are important to fill out at every level (city, county, state) because it helps calculate the total cost of damages from the storm. That number helps determine how much financial assistance FEMA can provide our area.
- Report ALL Damage to Galveston County OEM: https://www.gcoem.org/
- Fill out an Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey.
- If your home is located in a floodplain and was damaged by Hurricane Beryl, a damage assessment will need to be conducted by the City. Please contact the City Permit Specialist at 409-986-5591 before occupying the building or doing any repair work. City staff will be assessing the damages throughout the city. Notices may be delivered to your property if it is determined that there is damage. Please comply with the notice and contact the city as soon as possible. Thank you.
- Other helpful links:
- View the Galveston County Disaster Guide Here: https://www.gcoem.org/contact-us/library/disaster-guides
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Public Utility Commission of Texas: Storm Resources
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Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce Resource Page: https://hitchcockchamber.com/hurricane-recovery/
Local Food & Assistance
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Galveston County Food Bank: If you or someone you know is seeking food assistance, use the map below to find a location near you. Important: We encourage you to contact the agency prior to visiting to confirm their hours and services available. Please view the mobile calendar under the Map to view times and locations for mobile food distributions. https://www.galvestoncountyfoodbank.org/find-help/
- SNAP Benefits: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to provide replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed during the recent storms. This initiative aims to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by SNAP recipients across the state. Texans seeking assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits, can apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. For local resources such as food or shelter, individuals can dial 2-1-1 and select Option 1.
- Anyone who is interested in applying for assistance or who needs more information should contact the United Way Galveston County Mainland at (409) 948-4211.
- Hitchcock Family Welfare: Encourages self sufficiency by providing Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance to individuals in Hitchcock Independent School District. (409) 986-5632
- MI Lewis services all of Galveston County. Their building was damaged in the storm, however, they are setting up at Shrine of the True Cross in Dickinson and they will be helping with non-perishable food, emergency rent/utility assistance, and hurricane cleaning supplies.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: https://www.milewisctr.org/emergency-assistance
- Emergency Food Assistance: https://www.milewisctr.org/food-assistance
- HIS Ministries in Santa Fe is fully operational. They have day packs available for those in need that include one day's worth of food for one individual. They also have a community shower that is open for anyone in the community who needs it. Ring the doorbell at the red pantry door for assistance. They are located at 4205 Jackson St, Santa Fe, TX 77510.
Safety & Security
We want to alert you about a recent increase in burglaries in our community. To ensure your safety and protect your property, please take the following precautions:
- Always lock doors and windows, even when you're home
- Secure your belongings and don’t keep valuables in your car or in plain sight
- Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity
- If you'll be away, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home
Your safety is our top priority. Together, we can help keep our neighborhood safe. If you see something, say something. Contact Hitchcock PD at 409.986.5559 for any concerns or to report suspicious behavior.
Stay safe, Hitchcock!
FEMA & Red Cross Information
- Fill out the "Let's Get Started" form on Disasterassistance.gov to apply for FEMA assistance.
- FEMA Hurricane Beryl information page: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4798
- The Red Cross: https://www.redcross.
org/get-help/disaster-relief- and-recovery-services.html
Helpful PDF's & Handouts
Websites With Helpful Information:
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Texas Department of Insurance: Help After the Storm
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Public Utility Commission of Texas: Storm Resources
- Cleaning Flood-damaged Homes ( En Español )
- Returning to Your Flood-Damaged Home
- Restoring Your Home After a Natural Disaster
- Addressing Mold After a Natural Disaster
- Avoiding Mold Hazards in Your Flooded Home
- Potential Environmental Health Hazards When Returning to Homes and Businesses
- Rehabbing Flooded Houses: A Guide for Builders and Contractors (PDF)
- Dry Out Before Rebuilding (PDF)
- Hiring a Reputable Contractor (PDF)
- Mold after a Flood or Severe Water Damage (PDF) ( En Español )
- Replacing Personal Documents After a Natural Disaster (PDF)
- Removing odors and smells from refrigerators and freezers after food has spoiled (PDF) (En Español )
- Selecting Mold Remediation Contractors (PDF) ( En Español )
- Cooking When the Power Goes Off (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Emergency Food and Water Supplies (PDF)
- Food Safety for Relief Volunteers (PDF)
- Foods & Supplies to Have on Hand When Power is Limited or Uncertain (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Handling Food or Drinks When Losing Power (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Identifying & Handling Spoiled Unsafe Food After a Disaster (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Water is Vital – Especially after a Disaster (PDF)
- Children and Disasters (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Games & Activities for use in Shelters and Evacuation Centers (PDF)
- Choosing and Using Insect Repellents (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Stress in Adults After Disasters: Warning Signs and Management (PDF) (En Español (PDF))
- Clearing Debris from Land Safely (PDF) ( En Español (PDF) )
- Using Portable Generators Safely (PDF)
- After a Disaster: Self-Care Tips for Dealing with Stress (PDF)
- Children as Victims of Hurricanes and other Natural Disasters (PDF)
- Disaster Preparedness from the Alzheimer’s Association
- Emergency Wound Care After a Disaster
- Hand Hygiene After a Disaster
- How to help children, youth and teens after a disaster
Contact Information & Social Media Accounts To Follow
Contact Information:
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City of Hitchcock: (409) 986-5591, https://www.cityofhitchcock.org/
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Galveston County: 281-309-5002, https://www.gcoem.org/
- Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce Resource Page: https://hitchcockchamber.com/hurricane-recovery/
Important Social Media Accounts to Follow for the Latest:
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Mayor Chris Armacost, Hitchcock Mayor: https://www.facebook.com/chris77563
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City of Hitchcock: https://www.facebook.com/people/City-of-Hitchcock/
- Galveston County: https://www.facebook.com/GalvestonCountytx/
- Galveston County OEM: https://www.gcoem.org/recovery/recovery-resources