FEMA takes new approach to assess storm damages after East Texas floods

CONROE, Texas – As communities in East Texas begin the process of rebuilding after a week of storms and flooding, FEMA is trying a new approach to make the process more efficient.

Historically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has taken a door-to-door approach through flooded communities to assess personal property damage. However, their new approach will make this step virtual, allowing affected homeowners to report their damage online.

Those impacted are encouraged to report details of the damage of their property through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) which can be found here.

The organization will also be implementing other new-age technology in their process, such as flyovers to capture imagery of flooded areas.

“This more efficient approach will help ensure swift review of the information compiled and expedites the process to determine eligibility for disaster assistance,” FEMA Media Communications Officer Wes Rapaport said in an email sent to KPRC 2.


About the Authors

Michael is a Kingwood native who loves shooting hoops, visiting local breweries and overreacting to Houston sports. He joined the KPRC family in the spring of 2024. He earned his B.A. from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.

Reporter, proud Houstonian, U of H alumni, and lover of all the hometown sport teams.

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