SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Agents with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be going around to some of the hardest hit neighborhoods this week in Hays County, but there is a lot of confusion over how the agency helps. Chrystal Vowell, of San Marcos, said everything she owned was ruined when water came rushing in her apartment during the middle of the night.
“People said it was coming up through the windows,” said Vowell, a mother of three who is now homeless and without a car. “It was at least 3-4 feet off the ground.”
She spent Tuesday at the Victim Resource Center in San Marcos, looking for any help she can get.
“My main thing is a car and a place to live…that’s the major loss,” she said.
She was able to get diapers for her 1-year-old daughter and a mop with some cleaning supplies to try and clean up her flooded-out apartment.
“It’s hard not having a place to live or go home to, but it’s something,” Vowell added.
She is hoping to get even more help from FEMA.
“I’m hoping to get help with resources, where to go next … get information.”
Starting Wednesday, FEMA will be out looking for those who need help most.
“We will send teams out knocking on doors,” said Robin Smith, with FEMA. “Look for signs; look for FEMA and people walking in neighborhoods.”
With no insurance, Vowell said she is counting on FEMA to help her get her life back together.
“Getting a vehicle, getting a place to live … anything to help me get back on my feet,” she said. “I’m a single mom with three kids.”
The sooner you register for help, the better, according to FEMA. For assistance and to register you can call 1-800-621-3362 or you can also visit the website.Avoiding scams
- Anyone with FEMA will be wearing a FEMA photo ID card
- FEMA never charges. If someone claiming to be with FEMA offers to take a tree out of your yard for $200, you will know they are not with FEMA.
- FEMA is not insurance. The organization’s mandated job is to make sure you’re safe, and in a sanitary environment.
