Recovery Resources
In the event of severe weather, Mesquite residents and business owners who experience damage or loss can use these resources and information.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) gives food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster.
Before operating D-SNAP in a disaster area, a state must receive an Individual Assistance declaration from the president. The state must then request and receive approval from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to operate a D-SNAP.
If approved for D-SNAP benefits, you will get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. You can use the card just like a debit card to buy allowable food at local FNS-authorized retail stores.
Learn more about D-SNAP here.
After a severe weather event or other disaster occurs, Mesquite may be included in a disaster declaration. A declaration allows the US government to offer low-interest loans to residents of the disaster area. Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Texas businesses and residents. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Interest rates can be as low as 3 percent for businesses and 2% for private nonprofit organizations.
To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Apply Online: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
Email: FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
Phone: 1-800-659-2955
Learn more
During severe storms, residents are encouraged to move any items for disposal to the curb in separate piles for appliances, other bulky items, and vegetative debris like tree limbs, and call Solid Waste at 972-216-6284 or request the collection through the myMesquite app. Storms can also have a significant impact on our streets and drainage system, so if you observe drainage issues, please help us by sending a picture and location through the myMesquite app.
Some damage may require a permit to make repairs. Call Building Inspection at 972-216-4112 or 4113 for information.
Additionally, the State of Texas is requesting property owners to use their damage assessment tool. This survey will help state and local emergency management officials identify and gain an understanding of damages from the recent storms. Reporting damages to Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance but will help the City advocate for federal assistance.
After a severe weather event or other disaster occurs, Mesquite may be included in a disaster declaration. During the first 30 days following a disaster declaration, residents can submit damages to their residence and business so that emergency management official have an understanding of damages that occur during the event. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals. Forms are available both for residential and commercial properties.
You can voluntarily complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey in iSTAT by going to damage.tdem.texas.gov or by scanning this QR code:
It can be particularly difficult to navigate insurance questions and claims after a disaster. If you have questions or complaints regarding your health, home, or car insurance, contact the Texas Department of Insurance at tdi.texas.gov. They have specialists who can help explain how to file an insurance claim, how to avoid contracting scams, and help protect your home.