Source:  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Salvador Salinas announced today that $4 million in disaster assistance is available to help with recovery after the 2011 historic drought and wildfire conditions across much of the state. Funds are being made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides both financial and technical assistance to install measures that reduce post-fire damage and aid in the rehabilitation process.

Although EQIP sign-up is continuous, applications for this first funding period will be accepted in the County NRCS offices through April 13, 2012.

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Source:  AgriLife Today

Extreme weather conditions in 2011 caused havoc for Texas agricultural producers with property damage and forced early livestock liquidations, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist in Amarillo.

Such unplanned events often create more revenue than usual in a given year, generating income tax issues, said DeDe Jones, AgriLife Extension risk management specialist in Amarillo and co-author of a newly released publication.

The publication, “Texas Panhandle Producers Face Tax Implications from Drought-Related Losses,” will help producers walk through several scenarios as they sort through the many decisions they will face at tax time, Jones said.

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A copy of the publication, along with other drought resources, can be found at:

http://agecoext.tamu.edu/drought

Source:  The Texas Forest Service

“Like” the Texas Forest Service page on Facebook to connect to up-to-the-minute reports about wildfires, drought and more.

The Texas Forest Service on Facebook

“Like” Texas EDEN on Facebook for news and links to credible and reliable information related to disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery.

Texas Extension Disaster Education Network on Facebook

Source:  Office of the Governor

Infographic displaying statistics from the 2011 Texas Wildfires.

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Source:  FEMA.gov

Flood protection might be the last concern of Texas wildfire survivors these days. Yet Texans — even those who live in areas not rated at high risk of flooding — should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy now.

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Source:  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Large volumes of debris are generated following natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires and tornados. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has developed the following guide to assist in managing and disposing debris associated with the cleanup of areas affected by Texas wildfires.

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Additional Resources:

Managing Waste

Source: FEMA.gov, TexasBuilders.org

The following release contains important reminders for homeowners, affected by the Texas Wildfires, to use during the rebuilding process.

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In addition to the tips provided, new statutory requirements in Texas became effective Sept. 1, 2011. HB 1711 requires that in disaster areas, certain contracts must be in writing and contractors cannot require any payment upfront unless they have had a physical business address in the county where the natural disaster occurred or an adjacent county for at least one year. This requirement should help prevent fly-by-night contractors/builders from defrauding homeowners. More information about HB 1711 and hiring a contractor can be found on the Texas Association of Builders website.

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Source:  FEMA.gov

Texas wildfire survivors who receive federal disaster assistance will not pay additional taxes, lose their Social Security or disability benefits, or face a reduction in benefits from any other income-based program, says the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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Source:  ReadyHarris.com, Harris & Montgomery Counties

With our First Cold Front Coming through here are a Few Safety Tips

Residential chimneys and fireplaces are not prohibited by the ban currently in effect; however, officials urge caution in their use.

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Source:  FEMA.gov

Texans who survived the recent wildfires — or saw neighbors or family experience loss — can be experiencing post-disaster stress that is as real as the destruction itself. Because of this, free crisis counseling is available to Texans in the 23 counties designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration.

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