Weather Recovery & Assistance

Last updated 02/26/2021

Helpful Information


  • If you need help with rent, food or utilities and do not have a COVID-19 related income loss, please contact the Assistance Center at 972-422-1125 and leave a message stating that you are calling for the City of McKinney Homeless Prevention Program.
  • State of Texas Damage Assessment Data Survey: The State of Texas and the City of McKinney ask residents and business owners to report winter weather-related damage via an online survey. The information is only for assessment data, which may help determine if Texas can qualify for additional federal disaster relief funding. Every dollar counts, so please consider taking the time to assess your home and business's damage and then complete the survey- available in English and Spanish. 
  • Legal Aid of North Northwest Texas: Individuals and families affected by natural disasters and who have experienced damage to apartments, homes, cars, and personal property may be eligible for free legal assistance.


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Water Rate Adjustment

Water customers will receive a water rate adjustment on their water bill with all tiers rolled back to the Tier 1 Rate of $4 per 1,000 gallons, which offers more robust relief compared to leak credits for those experiencing major leaks. It also provides savings for customers above their usual usage due to dripping faucets during the storm.


Learn about adjustments to the annual Winter Quarter Average (WQA).


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Last updated 02/24/2021

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Disaster Assistance 

  • SNAP recipients can now use their benefits for hot foods and ready-to-eat foods, such as rotisserie chicken or grocery store deli foods, at retailers that accept SNAP anywhere in the state. HHSC received federal approval today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The waiver allows SNAP recipients to purchase these ready-made foods with their Lone Star Cards through the end of March. 
  • Additionally, Texas received federal approval Feb 19 to allow SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe weather. Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits. To find local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 211 and select option 1.
  • For more information about the current measures, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.


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Last updated 02/21/2021

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Residents and businesses who have damage from the severe winter weather that hit Texas Feb 14 - 18 need to apply to receive assistance from FEMA even if they feel they don't qualify because this potentially leads to additional federal assistance. If assistance is denied by FEMA, appeal the denial.

  • FEMA has partnered with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in a declared disaster area. You do not need to own a business to apply for a disaster loan. If you apply for FEMA assistance, you may receive a phone call to advise you of way to apply for the SBA Disaster Loan.
  • FEMA Assistance Application Website: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
  • FEMA Hotline: 1-800-621-3362 / TTY (800) 462-7585


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Home Repairs and Permit Information

Standalone and alteration permit fees for residents and small businesses will be waived for 60 days beginning March 3, 2021. Residents should review invoices from third-party contractors to ensure they are not charged permit acquisition fees during this period. 


Helpful tips

  1. Use local contractors
  2. Check references
  3. Get bids in writing
  4. Pull permits when needed

Repairs that require permits

Repairs inside the wall, ceiling and floor or foundation:

  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Structural components
  • Water Heaters

When repairs or replacements are required in emergencies, submit the permit application the next working business day.


Work that does not require permits


Finish Work

  • Painting
  • Papering
  • Tiling
  • Carpeting
  • Cabinets
  • Countertops
  • Other similar surface work


Electrical Work

  • Temporary decorative lighting connected by cord and plug.
  • Electrical outlet receptacle reinstallation / replacement.
  • Branch circuit overcurrent device replacement if required capacity and same location.
  • Minor repair work including the replacement of small electrical appliances such as lamps.


Gas

  • Minor part replacement that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe.


Mechanical (heating / cooling / ventilation)

  • Minor part replacement that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe.


Plumbing

  • Leak stopping in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe as long as correction does not require new materials.
  • Leak repair or stoppage removal when the repair does not alter placement or arrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.


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Water Damage Clean-up Process: Muck & Gut

After your home suffers water damage, clean up the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent mold. Here's what to do:

  1. Clear out any areas that soaked up water (carpet, drywall, insulation, wood floors, etc.).
  2. Thoroughly dry your home of any moisture.
  3. Conduct mold remediation.

Here is a video that explains the muck & gut process.


Why is it important to remove water-damaged portions of your home?

  1. Water-damaged drywall creates a very favorable environment for toxic mold growth and begins within 24 to 48 hours of getting wet; therefore the best course of action when drywall and other porous materials are infected by mold is usually removal and replacement.
  2. Even if intensive drying techniques are applied, drywall usually does not return to its original shape and can lose its core of solidity and crumble easily. You can identify wet drywall because the material will deform by sagging, bulging or collapsing.
  3. Leaving walls that got wet in the home may cause a variety of issues beyond toxic mold growth and health issues. 
    • Decaying and rotting wood
    • Discolored, crumbling, and peeling drywall, paint, and wallpaper
    • Bug infestations and ruined insulation
    • Unpleasant odors that will never leave

Need help removing water-damaged parts your home? 

If you need assistance removing water-damaged parts of your home, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 and local volunteers will be assigned to help with the cleanup.


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