Has your property been damaged? Texans are encouraged to report the effects of the winter weather crisis

If the recent Arctic explosion and power outages have damaged your home or business, the state of Texas wants to hear from you.

Government Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are asking Texans to complete a Self Reporting Damage Survey, according to a press release.

The voluntary survey does not replace the reporting of damage to an insurance agency and, according to the state, does not guarantee assistance for disaster relief. In fact, you should file a claim with your insurance company in a timely manner.

The survey, which is available in English and Spanish, was reportedly designed to help emergency officials gain an understanding of the extent of the damage done in Texas during the explosion of northern weather in February, which led to widespread power outages and broken pipes.

According to the state, this data is also needed to provide information to FEMA, as the need for federal disaster relief for individuals is assessed.

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“I urge Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey and provide important information about the winter weather on their home or property,” Abbott said. “The information obtained in this survey will help our state identify the full impact of this winter weather and better assist emergency management in serving Texans.”

The survey, which again does not replace the filing of an insurance claim, can be obtained by visiting: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm.

The state requires that only one form per address affected be submitted.

The form starts with asking if you are reporting damage to a home or business and then asks for basic personal information such as name, phone number and email address.

You are asked to determine your location on a map and then answer additional questions about whether you rent or own and whether you have insurance on the property.

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In the case of a home, Texans are asked if they can still live in the home, whether the property has been destroyed or needs major structural repairs.

The form also asks individuals to identify the type of damage and upload photos of the damage.

The link for the survey also leads Texans to a map of available heating stations across the state. Residents can find a place, along with other resources, by calling 2-1-1.