AARP Texas has launched a dedicated webpage, Texas Flooding – How to Get and Give Help, providing timely, practical resources for those impacted by the disaster and those looking to support recovery. The page features:

• Assistance resources for older adults and families
• Ways to contribute to local relief efforts
• Small business recovery tools
• Tips to avoid disaster-related fraud
• High-water safety guidance

Following catastrophic July Fourth weekend flooding, communities across the Texas Hill Country are facing devastating loss. At least 105 people have died, including 84 in Kerr County, and more than 160 remain missing, making this one of the deadliest U.S. floods in a century. Rising waters from the Guadalupe River swept away entire campsites, including 28 children. Fatalities have also been reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties.

To support recovery, Governor Greg Abbott expanded the state disaster declaration to six counties on July 5, and President Trump approved a federal major disaster declaration for Kerr County on July 6.

These declarations open access to critical aid:

• IRS Tax Relief: Extensions and tax assistance for disaster victims
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
• FEMA Individual Assistance for housing, health, legal, and recovery support
• SBA Disaster Loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners

Residents should report damages through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, and apply for federal help at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. For insurance questions or claims, contact the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.

How to Help Safely

Texans looking to help are urged to donate wisely. AARP recommends:

• Researching charities at give.org, CharityNavigator.org, or CharityWatch.org
• Avoiding high-pressure tactics and requests for cash, gift cards, or crypto
• Donating directly through official sites using secure methods like credit cards
• Never sharing Social Security or banking info unnecessarily

Report suspected fraud or seek guidance through the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 or visit aarp.org/fraud.

Organizations on the Ground

Numerous nonprofits are providing direct aid:

• American Red Cross: Shelters and family reunification
• The Salvation Army: Food, hygiene kits, mobile kitchens
• Kerr County Relief Fund: Local support via the Community Foundation
• World Central Kitchen: Meals and water delivery
• Austin Pets Alive! and Kerrville Pets Alive!: Animal rescue and shelter
• Austin Wildlife Rescue: Wildlife recovery and care
• AARP Foundation: Disaster support for older adults and families

Safety Reminders

Flood safety remains critical:

• Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines
• Evacuate with pets when ordered
• If trapped in rising water, seek higher ground immediately
• Turn off electricity at the main breaker if safe to do so

Older adults may face greater risks during emergencies due to mobility or health concerns. AARP remains committed to supporting them.

For more resources, visit: states.aarp.org/texas/flooding-resources-information-assistance