Montgomery County

COVID-19 Testing Update for Montgomery County Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management     MONTGOMERY COUNTY – The Walmart testing site at Supercenter 3591 located at 18700 Highway 105 W. in Montgomery is moving from the parking lot testing to curbside take home tests.   These tests will be handed to the customers while they wait in their cars.   They can then drop the tests off to Fed Ex for delivery to the labs.  The process for getting these tests is the same as if they were scheduling an appointment through the site: www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com .   Timeline for Montgomery Walmart Location: Last day of Parking Lot testing 11/06/2020 Closed for testing 11/09/2020 -11/19/2020 First day at curbside will be Friday, 11/20/2020   New Curbside Testing:   7 Days per Week Mon-Sat: 9:00a -1:00p & 2:30p – 4:00p; Sun 10-1 & 2:30-4:00p 3 test per hour with a cap of 17 per day   Additionally, those who are wanting to be tested at the drive thru site in New Caney will also need to register at the following website: www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com   ###

Montgomery County Accepting 2020 FMA Homeowner Packets for Buyouts Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Montgomery County is in the process of accepting eligible property packets to be included in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. This program provides federal funding to purchase properties on a voluntary basis located in disaster prone areas, such as floodways and floodplains, that have been designated as a Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) or Repetitive Loss (RL) property by FEMA. Properties that are considered SRL/RL according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be eligible to receive buyout funding at 100% federal cost for SRL properties and 90% cost share for RL properties. Property value determination will be based on a pre-event market valuation inclusive of federal regulations.   To find out more information regarding the FMA program, homeowners may join one of the following webinar calls: Friday Nov. 6, Monday Nov. 9, Tuesday Nov. 10, Wednesday Nov. 11. 6:30-7:30pm CST   Meeting ID meet.google.com/rsm-qspd-ojd   Phone Numbers (US)+1 352-612-1077 PIN: ​674 167 732#   Properties that were listed as SRL/RL, according to NFIP, were mailed a property packet with the request to submit the packet along with a current NFIP policy declaration, NFIP Flood Loss History Report, and four (4) colored photos of each exterior side of the house by November 18, 2020. If a homeowner did not receive a mail packet, or believes they may be eligible after participating in the webinar, a property packet may be requested by calling Homeland Security and Emergency Management 936.523.3915 or emailing morgan.lumbley@mctx.org.   The FMA program is voluntary and a homeowner may, at any point, withdraw the property from consideration. Montgomery County is on an expedited schedule and requests immediate and prompt property packet submission if there is interest to participate in the program. There is no guarantee that eligible property packets will be included in the County FMA application if received after the Nov. 18 deadline. The property packet and all forms must be signed by both the owner and the co-owner.  Policyholders can contact their insurance agent or insurer for the most current information about their policy, general information about the NFIP, and advice on how to obtain a loss history report. The NFIP Call Center can also provide additional resources and be reached via phone 1-800-427-4661 or website http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program​.   Application and additional documents can be submitted by: Drop off or mail: 9472 Airport Rd Conroe TX 77303 Attn: Morgan Lumbley Email: mocorecovery@gmail.com Fax: 936.523.3910 Attn: Morgan Lumbley (faxing photos is not advised)     ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       October 2, 2020   NOTICE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD TO OPEN Proposed County Projects for the Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation Competition Funding Available through HUD   To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals   On August 30, 2019 HUD issued guidance for the use of more than $4.3 billion in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funding. This newly developed National Objective allows for projects, programs, planning, and partnerships to be carried out across the state of Texas to reduce or eliminate impacts and future risks from disasters.   The Texas General Land Office, as designated through the state CDBG-MIT Action Plan, has developed a competitive application program to allow cities, counties, Indian Tribes, Council of Governments, among various other eligible entities to apply for the mitigation funds.  Montgomery County seeks to apply for the eligible 2015, 2016, and Hurricane Harvey State Mitigation competition funding.   Montgomery County’s 2015, 2016, and Hurricane Harvey CDBG-MIT proposed county projects will be available for public review and comment from October 5, 2020 through October 19, 2020. The documents will be available online at www.mctx.org/recover or at the following locations during regular business hours:   Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 9472 Airport Rd. Conroe, TX 77303 Community Assistance Center 1022 McCall Ave. Conroe, TX 77301 Interfaith of The Woodlands 4242 Interfaith Way The Woodlands TX 77381 Mission Northeast 22098 TX-494 Loop New Caney, TX 77357 Additionally, two community meetings will be held to discuss the proposed county mitigation projects. Masks/face coverings will be required to be worn inside the facility and temperatures will be taken at the door upon entry.   EMC Community Development Center 16401 1st. Street Splendora, TX 77372 Friday, October 9, 2020 6:30pm-8:00pm Lone Star Convention Center- San Jacinto Room 9055 Airport Road Conroe, TX 77303 Monday, October 12, 2020 6:30pm-8:00pm     Montgomery County will make reasonable accommodations and services necessary for sensory-impaired and disabled citizens at the community meeting. Additionally, translation services may be offered upon request and availability. Persons requiring such accommodations/services should contact Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management by 3:00pm on Wednesday October 7, 2020. Call 936.523.3900 to request accommodations/services.   The public is encouraged to review the proposed county CDBG-Mitigation projects, and submit written comments to morgan.lumbley@mctx.org or to Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 9472 Airport Road Conroe, TX 77303 by 5:00pm Monday, October 19, 2020.   ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       September 23, 2020   FEMA Hurricane Harvey Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) is Expiring Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management   MONTGOMERY COUNTY- The Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management requests your participation in a FEMA campaign. On Thursday, September 24th @10:24 AM join FEMA, our office and countless others in Thursday Thunderclap. This media push will help to notify the residents covered on FEMA’s Hurricane Harvey Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) of the upcoming expiration date, and to unify our messaging on social media use the following tag #ensure2insure. Attached to this email are a few graphics to help with posting to social media during the Thursday Thunderclap. More information regarding about the Hurricane Harvey Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) that is expiring is included below.   In August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated the Southeast Texas area; leaving many with their homes in ruins. As a result, FEMA paid over $1.65 billion dollars in Individual and Household Program dollars this included: Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance within that was Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) for those who qualified.   FEMA issued a Hurricane Harvey Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) to almost 6,700 individuals who lived in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SHFA). These individuals did not have flood insurance, received assistance from FEMA’s Individual Assistance for Home Repair and Personal Property, and also demonstrated a financial need after the presidentially declared disaster. The Hurricane Harvey Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) satisfied the legal requirements to obtain and maintain flood insurance after receiving disaster assistance however, it is only good for three (3) years. After three years policy holders must purchase a standard flood insurance policy to maintain insurance on the flood damaged property. Failure to do so may make the policy holder ineligible for future disaster assistance due to flooding.   On October 24, 2020 the Hurricane Harvey GFIP will be expiring and policy holders will need to purchase a standard flood insurance policy. The standard flood insurance policy will need to be at least equal to the amount of disaster assistance received to maintain the requirement and obligation of receiving disaster assistance. Hurricane Harvey GFIP recipients will need to have a policy in place by November 24, 2020 to ensure there is no lapse in coverage and the 30-day waiting period does not apply. The guidelines for compliance with this program are as follows:     Owners vs. Renters: Owners: -Must purchase and maintain flood insurance as a condition of receiving the assistance -Insurance must remain on the property for as long as the flood damaged building exists -If the home is sold you must inform the homeowner of the requirement to maintain the insurance -In most cases, the existing flood insurance can transfer to a new owner with no lapse Renters: -You must purchase and maintain flood insurance for your personal property as a condition of receiving the assistance -Insurance must remain on…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2020 Tropical Storm Beta Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Tropical Storm Beta is set to make landfall today at 7PM in the Matagorda Bay area. Heavy rain and flash flooding may occur with this slow-moving tropical system. Greatest risk for flash flooding will be along the TX and LA coasts where a Flash Flood Watch has been issued. Amounts will be dependent on the eventual track of Beta and if any persistent thunderstorm bands set up. Coastal counties and areas around Matagorda Bay can expect the heaviest rain. The forecast rain amounts remain the most uncertain part of the forecast, but has decreased since yesterday. At this time Montgomery County is forecast to receive between 4-6 inches of rain in the next 36 hours. It is important that residents continue to monitor the weather over the next 36 hours.     ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       September 18, 2020   Tropical Depression 22 Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management   MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Tropical Depression 22 is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm then hurricane over next few days. This system and a ridge of high pressure to the north will lead to prolonged east to northeast winds over the northern Gulf which may pile a significant amount of water on the coastline. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect starting Saturday morning.   Also there is the potential for heavy rain and associated flooding along the Texas coast starting early next week although the rainfall forecast is highly uncertain at this time. This is a slow moving storm, and where it tracks will determine the impacts for Southeast Texas.     ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       September 17, 2020   Update on Tropical Development Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management   MONTGOMERY COUNTY – As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center has increased the probability that an intensifying disturbance in the Bay of Campeche will develop into a tropical system to 90% over the next 48 hours. With the latest discussion indicating that the system will likely become a tropical depression or tropical storm later today. An Air Force aircraft will be dispatched this afternoon to investigate the system further. At this time it is still too early to tell what impacts (if any) Southeast Texas will receive from this developing system. It is likely to meander near the Bay of Campeche over the next several days. We continue to monitor this system and will send an update if any strengthening of the system occurs.     ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       September 16, 2020   Update on Hurricane Season Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management   MONTGOMERY COUNTY – The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area for potential tropical cyclone development in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico in the coming days. There is a 50% chance of development within the next two days, and a 70% chance of development within the next five days.   It is too early to tell what, if any, impacts there will be to Southeast Texas at this time as the system will meander near the Bay of Campeche through potentially next week. There will be no scheduled updates for this system at this time, but additional emails will be sent out if the forecast changes or if the threat increases.     ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       August 27, 2020   Hurricane Laura Call Center Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management     Montgomery County Residents our Hurricane Laura Call Center is now CLOSED.   If you are in need of assistance please call our main line at 936-523-3900.     ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                       August 26, 2020   Hurricane Laura Call Center Status Update from the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management     Montgomery County Residents our Hurricane Laura Call Center is now OPEN.   Please remember during times of a disaster, only use 911 if it is a life-threatening emergency.     ###