July 5 Flood Recovery Information, Tips, Resources

After recent floods in Travis County, some Austinites may have been personally impacted. Others may be volunteering to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts. Please read below for safety tips and precautions when participating in clean-up following a flood and other pertinent public health information.

Travis County has established a hub for flood recovery information and resources. > Travis County Severe Flooding Recovery Page

Be aware of scams! Work with your home insurance provider or landlord if you are renting to ensure repairs are coordinated through legit channels. If receive a phone call threatening to interrupt utility service, prevent repairs, demand immediate payment, or request credit card or bank account information, hang up and report the incident. 

SNAP Benefits Update

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties can request a SNAP benefit replacement for food lost or destroyed because of the July Independence Day floods.

SNAP recipients have until Monday, August 4, 2025, to request a benefit replacement. Requests for benefit replacement can be made by: 

  • Call 2-1-1 and choose option 7,
  • Submit Form H1855 by mail to Texas Health & Human Services, PO Box 149027, Austin, TX  78714 – 9027, or
  • Fax Form H1855 to 877-447-2839

SNAP recipients in Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble and Real counties can buy hot food items, such as prepared foods from a store’s deli, at retailers that accept SNAP until Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Here is the link to Form H1855: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/h1855.pdf

WIC Benefits Update

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) recipients can have their lost food and formula July benefits replaced.  Please call our Scheduling Center at 512-972-4942 or visit the closest WIC office.  To find a WIC office location:  WIC - Facility Locations 

Safety After a Flood

Safety measures during clean-up or debris removal:

  • Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working in debris.

Mold exposure and safe cleanup practices:

Food safety (e.g., food spoilage from power outages or flooding):

Mosquito-borne illnesses and standing water precautions:

Well water safety, for those in affected areas:

Tetanus and wound care reminders:

Disaster Recovery and Mental Health

The City encourages the public to consider their mental health and well-being during the recovery process after an emergency. Emotional toll following a disaster, not just the financials strains of damage and loss of your home, business, or personal property, can be devastating. It is normal to feel overwhelmed or anxious during disaster recovery, and we encourage the community to follow mental health guidance after an emergency or disaster:

  • Be aware of exhaustion.
  • Don’t try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Drink plenty of clean water.
  • Eat well.
  • More mental health guidance is available from FEMA.

City of Austin and Travis County partner Integral Care is engaged with Travis County Health and Human Services to support mental health needs of individuals as part of the response and recovery from the flood.

NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Support
  • The Austin Resilience Network (ARN) is comprised of city and community resources that equitably empower individuals to prepare for, endure, and bounce back stronger from community-wide shocks, stressors, and emergencies. The ARN is the next phase of Austin’s resilience efforts.
  • If you or someone you know needs assistance cleaning up damage following the flood, call 512-806-0800 to connect with the Austin Disaster Relief Network and request assistance through Crisis Cleanup.
  • Individuals may also call 2-1-1 to request assistance through the United Way of Central Texas, which can connect you with a variety of resources through its community partnerships.
  • If you or someone you know has been impacted by recent flooding, the American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas is providing support services. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to request emergency assistance. You may be eligible for:
    • Temporary shelter or housing
    • Emergency financial assistance
    • Mental health and emotional support
    • Health and medical services
    • Help locating loved ones who are missing or unreachable in flooded areas
    • Learn more about available services + recovery help at: rdcrss.org/3TrTuDq
  • Disaster relief organizations have deployed to help those affected. Here are some ways you can help:
Waterway Safety

Following a flood, debris from upriver can make waterways more dangerous. The City placed a ban on waterway use following the heavy rains in the Austin area. That ban has since expired, but caution should still be taken if you choose to be on or in the water. 

Please be cautious if cleaning up around riverbeds, creeks, and streams.

Waterways may have an increase in bacteria count following heavy rains and flooding. Take precautions. Swim and/or participate in other water activities at your own risk.

Debris Collection

Small branches, yard trimmings and leaves

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) customers should place small branches and yard trimmings into the green composting cart, lawn and leaf bags or a reusable container and set them out on the next scheduled collection day. Small branches (no longer than five feet and no thicker than three inches in diameter) that do not fit into the green cart with the lid closed should be stacked into manageable bundles no heavier than 30 pounds. ARR will collect the contents of your green cart and up to 15 extra items (lawn and leaf bags or stacks of small branches) placed beside the cart. Learn more about composting collection.

Large branches and tree limbs

 ARR customers can get updates about service changes by downloading the Austin Recycles app or by signing up for reminders at austintexas.gov/myschedule. 

If you live outside of Austin city limits, please consult your city or county authorities for proper debris collection and removal processes.

Repairs, Permits, and Code Compliance

Repairs & Permits 

The City’s Development Services Department will work with homeowners, business owners, and contractors to permit and inspect emergency repairs to ensure work was completed safely. That means that if your home or business is in need of emergency repairs for your safety, work can begin immediately. Types of repairs that will require permits include:

  • Ruptured or damaged water lines
  • Main electrical service
  • Structural damage

Visit the Permits for Emergency Repairs webpage for more information. 

Code Compliance

Common weather-related violations may include no hot water, burst pipes, and cracks in the ceiling or walls. Residents experiencing a possible code violation should first notify their landlord. 

For complaints related to tenant-occupied properties, inspectors are following up to ensure landlords get their properties up to code as quickly as possible. Visit the Report a Code Violation page to learn how to report a possible code violation. 

If you live outside of Austin city limits, please consult your city or county authorities for proper code compliance and permitting processes.

Homeowners and Tenant Resources

Homeowners Assistance

The Austin Housing and Planning Department’s home repair program can assist eligible homeowners who need repairs. Call 512-974-3100 or email the Austin Housing and Planning Department with questions about these services.  View Tips for Filing Insurance Claims (PDF) 

Tenant Resources 

Visit Resources for Renters to see if you qualify for tenant resources, including legal consultation, residential rental assistance, utility bill assistance, and more.  Learn how to report a possible code violation.  

View Cold Weather Information & Resources for Tenants (PDF)

Housing Assistance:

If you live outside of Austin city limits, please consult your city or county authorities for resources related to tenant resources for renters and homeowner assistance.

Disaster Declarations

No local disasters have been declared for the City of Austin; however, Travis County Judge Andy Brown has declared a disaster for Travis County, and Governor Greg Abbott has declared a statewide emergency that includes 21 counties.

To learn more about the state and federal disaster declaration process, including financial resources visit the Emergency Preparedness Resources page.