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    Inclement Weather

    recovery resource quick links
    City departments have reopened relative to COVID-19 modifications that were established prior to last week's weather event.
     
    Texas Winter Storm recovery
    • FEMA Disaster Assistance
      FEMA APPLICATION ASSISTANCE TIPS
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      • The Fastest Way to Apply |  The best way to apply for assistance is online and the fastest and easiest way to send documents is also online. Create an online account HERE and upload the necessary documents.

      • Renter Assistance | If you're a renter, you may be eligible for assistance. Resources like federal grants may help you pay for temporary housing and U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans.

      • Determination Letters | If you received a letter from FEMA that says you’re ineligible for help or that there is “no decision,” read the letter carefully. FEMA may need additional information from you to continue processing your application. If you have insurance and are applying for federal assistance, you must file a claim with your insurance provider. If applicable, you will need to provide a copy of your insurance settlement approval or denial letter. Learn more here...

      • Relay Service Users | If you cannot register online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

      • Individual Assistance Programs | FEMA has several Individual Assistance programs designed to support disaster survivors. Learn more here...

    • Additional Assistance Resources
      United Way activated the Emergency Relief Fund as a resource for the community to donate to support individuals and families in Denton County suffering from the effects of the historic winter storm. Funds received will be distributed through grants to Denton County nonprofits and/or direct client assistance to help neighbors in need due to the freezing weather/power outages and identifying these primary focus areas:
      • Emergency assistance for displaced individuals (temporary housing & food costs)
      • Support for nonprofit partners for building damage and increased demands for services
      • Support for assistance for housing repairs & other property damage (this will be both through direct client assistance and supporting nonprofit partners’ client assistance for repairs)

      Texas Benefits via Texas Health and Human Services (Español)
      State benefit programs help people with little or no money who are in need.
      Benefits.gov (previously E-Government)
      Take the Benefit Finder, an online questionnaire that automatically compares your eligibility to over 1,000 benefit programs and shows you where to apply.
    • Report Your Damages
      REPORT YOUR DAMAGES
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      Office of the Governor Greg Abbott encourages Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. Reporting damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.
      • Click here to report your damage.
      • Para la encuesta en español, haga Cliq Aquí
      Individuals who have questions about the damage survey or the individual assistance process are wecome to email Melanie.Torres@mail.house.gov.
    • Food and Shelter
      Food and Shelter...
    • Utility and Billing Updates

      Denton Municipal Electric (DME) is a resident-owned electric utility that provides responsive, affordable electric services. News articles regarding potential massive electric bills for customers of some privately-owned electric companies have caused alarm with some of our customers. We want to reassure you that DME only recovers the costs to provide electricity and will not financially benefit from this crisis. If you have questions, call Customer Service at (940) 349-8700


      Utility Billing
      As a DME customer, you are only charged for actual electricity consumed at the existing fixed rates as approved by City Council. If you used more electricity than usual (consumed higher than average kWh), then your electric bill will be higher than a normal month due to that higher use. If you used less than your average kWh, your bill will be less than a normal month.

      Utility Shutoffs
      We are postponing planned nonpayment utility interruptions until Monday, March 15, 2021, to give you time to assess weather-related impacts without worrying about losing power. 

      Understanding Rates and the Approval Process 
      DME rates are fixed and determined by City Council. Non-DME customers impacted by extremely high spikes in their bills are billed through variable rate for electricity – making them vulnerable to sudden price swings from the wholesale energy market. This is not the case with DME.

      Rate changes must be approved by City Council after a thorough and transparent financial and rate review process. We will continue to assess impact of this winter storm, including the cost of purchasing electricity from the electric grid operator, ERCOT. Many discussions relating to relief and/or reform are occurring at the state and federal levels, and any decisions at those level may impact Denton. When this analysis is complete, we will then have a better understanding of the storm’s impact on DME finances. Again, any proposed rate changes would include public meetings and must be approved by City Council.
    Water and Showers Available, march 1-5
    The City of Denton is distributing bottled water for residents in need. Each vehicle will receive one case of water or three one-gallon jugs. Residents can also bring personal water bottles and containers to fill using the rec center’s hands-free bottle-filling water fountains. The City has also opened access to three rec centers for residents who need to shower and use restrooms. Towels and hygiene products are not provided. Strict COVID-19 protocols followed; masks required.
     
    • North Lakes Rec Center, 2001 W. Windsor Dr. | 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
    • MLK Jr. Rec Center, 1300 Wilson St. | Noon-7 p.m.
    • Denton Natatorium, 2400 Long Rd. | 6-8 a.m. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Public Distribution Flyer (English)
    Public Distribution Flyer (Spanish)
     
    Water Donations
    We can accept pre-packaged water in sealed containers. In addition to thewater we currently have, the City has requested more from the State of Texas, which will be distributed once received. 

    Disclaimer:  Water is being provided to you by the City of Denton in a disaster recovery situation. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that containers being used for water collection and transport are clean, free of contaminants, and are proper water storage containers. The City of Denton will not inspect the containers and will not accept responsibility for illness or any other damages that occur from the provision, collection, transfer, or storage of water provided.
    Inclement Weather Policy
    • Inclement Weather Policy
      When weather conditions fall within the Inclement Weather definition, designated City facilities can be opened as warming/cooling stations per Policy 500.07.

      The designated City facilities are heated and/or air-conditioned with public access to restrooms, water fountains, and sitting areas during normal operations.

      USE OF CITY FACILITIES FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER 500.07
    • Inclement Weather Stations
      Various City facilities are designated as inclement weather stations and are heated and/or air-conditioned with public access to restrooms, water fountains, and sitting area.

      The City facilities designated for inclement weather stations are guided by the conditions set forth in the sections of this policy and include:
       
      • American Legion Hall (629 Lakey St.)
      • Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney St.)
      • Denton Senior Center (509 N. Bell Ave.)
      • Denia Recreation Center (1001 Parvin St.)
      • MLK Jr. Recreation Center (1300 Wilson St.)
      • North Lakes Recreation Center (2001 W. Windsor Dr.)
      • Emily Fowler Central Library (502 Oakland St.)
      •  North Branch Library (3020 N. Locust St.)
      •  South Branch Library (3228 Teasley Ln.)
      •  Central Fire Station (332 E. Hickory St.)
      • Fire Station #2 (110 Mockingbird Ln.)
      • Fire Station #4 (2110 E. Sherman Dr.) Page 2 of 6 POLICY/ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE/ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIVE (Continued) TITLE: USE OF CITY FACILITIES AND MEETING ROOMS REFERENCE NUMBER: 500.07 07/16/19
      • Fire Station #5 (2230 W. Windsor Dr.)Fire Station #6 (3232 Teasley Ln.)
      • Fire Station #7 (4201 Vintage Pkwy.)
    • Inclement Weather Criteria
      Inclement weather is when the temperature is expected to:
      • Fall below 32 degrees; or
      • Above 100 degrees fahrenheit; or
      • City emergency for weather conditions such as ice, severe flooding, etc.
      When the conditions for Inclement Weather are met, City staff will communicate to residents, public, and social service agencies that designated facilities are available as Inclement Weather Stations through its various communications channels such as website, social media, or media alerts.
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    These resources and their qualifications will vary during an emergency based on community needs.
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    SBA low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas businesses & residents. Learn more and apply here.
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    Our goal is to effectively notify Denton residents and businesses of time-sensitive information. In doing so, we deploy information varies channels and encourage you to add them to your preparedness plan.

    CodeRED® is a critical communication alert service that allows us to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, or text message, regarding time-sensitive emergency notifications.
    Click here to sign up.

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    Let's take time in March to bookmark the resources that are available to help us navigate events that have the potential to impact our safety and well being. TexasReady-and-FEMA-Ready.png
    Texas Ready and FEMA Ready resources and educational materials are free and help prepare families, schools, community groups, organizations, and businesses. Specific-Needs-Preparedness.png
    Specific Needs Preparedness resources are available to help caregivers prepare. First-Responder-Preparedness.png

    Storm Shelter Registry is used by first responders (police, fire, and EMS) in the event your home or neighborhood is affected by a tornado or other disaster.
    A shelter can be a safe room, basement, storm shelter, or other designated space used by residents or businesses.

    State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) allows residents to provide information on their specific situation to emergency management officials who will work together to provide appropriate life-sustaining help needed in a disaster. This information also helps emergency planners as they develop procedures for assisting residents during emergencies. Registering doesn't guarantee assistance, however, we urge you do so to prepare yourself and us as best we can. 
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