The Freeze Is Over For Texans But The Recovery Is Just Beginning

Drinking water remains a scarce and precious resource for those whose pipes burst during the winter freeze. Plumbers and repair supplies are still needed throughout the state. FEMA has been called in to provide recovery support throughout the state.

Listen

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.

Trae Tha Truth discusses how he’s helping his community recover during the freeze and after with his non-profit, Angel By Nature.

Kurt Pickering, public information officer for FEMA, answers your supply distribution or damage repair questions

Richard Alderman, The People's Lawyer, answers your financial recovery questions.

Lawsuits: Who can you sue?
Scams: Common home repair and financial scams after a crisis
Billing: Dealing with price spikes and how to dispute post freeze charges
Shortages: Gas, plumbers, plumbing materials, and how to protect yourself against price gouging

Recovery assistance or would like to help, according to FEMA:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe winter weather by dialing 2-1-1.
- SNAP recipients need to apply for replacement food benefits for regular SNAP allotments and SNAP emergency allotments that were provided in response to COVID-19.
To assist people in the impacted area in coping with the stress of the winter storms, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration activated the Disaster Distress Helpline.
- This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis support line provides immediate crisis counseling and support. Residents in affected areas may call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Blood Drives
- American Association of Blood Banks: www.aabb.org; +1.301.907.6977.
- America's Blood Centers: americasblood.org; +1.202.393.5725
- American Red Cross: www.redcrossblood.org; +1.800.RED CROSS (+1.800.733.2767).

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues.

Audio from today’s show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.