Have you suffered material damage? Texans are encouraged to report the fallout from the winter weather crisis

If the recent Arctic explosion and power outages resulted in damage to your home or business, the state of Texas would like to hear from you.

Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are asking Texans to complete a self-report damage investigation, according to a press release.

The voluntary survey is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance company and, according to the state, does not guarantee 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, is reportedly designed to help rescuers understand the extent of damage sustained across Texas during the February Arctic weather eruption, which led to widespread power outages and broken pipes.

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

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

The survey, which again does not replace an insurance claim, can be accessed at: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm.

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

The form starts with a question whether 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 will be asked to pinpoint your location on a map and then answer additional questions about whether you are renting or owning and whether you have insurance for the property.

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In the case of a house, Texans are asked if they can still live in the house or if 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 survey link also directs Texans to a map of available warming stations in the state. Residents can find a location along with other resources by calling 2-1-1.