FEMA approves Collin, Denton counties for federal aid

Homeowners and renters in four North Texas counties, including Collin and Denton, are eligible for federal aid after severe storms and tornadoes swept through the weekend.

What's going on?

of Federal Emergency Management Agency added circles to it Presidential disaster declaration for Texas, according to a May 27 news release.

• Collin County
• Cooke County
• Denton County
• Montague County

Texas officials requested that the four counties be added to the declaration after four tornadoes touched down in the area on May 25. More counties may be added to the state's claim as additional damage assessments are completed in the coming days, according to a May 28 news release. from the office of Governor Greg Abbott.

“FEMA's approval of four North Texas counties for a Presidential Disaster Declaration is an important step forward in helping our communities recover from the recent storms,” ​​Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our state, local and federal partners to ensure that all necessary resources, funding and assistance are available to support Texans.”

Something to know

Qualified applicants within those counties may apply FEMA's individual assistance programwhich provides funding to help with:

• Temporary housing
• Emergency home repairs
• Uninsured and underinsured personal property losses
• Disaster Legal Services
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• Medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster

Homeowners and renters can apply for relief in the following ways:

• Go online to www.disasterassistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA app on mobile devices.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

In case you missed it

National Weather Service officials estimate four tornadoes touched down in North Texas on May 25, according to a preliminary report. An EF3 tornado with winds estimated to reach 165 mph struck several homes along Prairie Meadow Lane north of Celina. Several houses along the road were damagedbut no deaths were reported.

Collin County Judge Chris Hill has issued a disaster declaration for the county on May 26 in response to damages.