Harvey Update

We are about two weeks plus into this odyssey named Harvey. I hope that you and your family and friends are doing well and taking care of each other.


Most everyone we talk to is stressed. Regardless of how much damage they have. This is a very unsettling situation. Please find a way to rest and recharge yourself so that you are not in constant crisis mode, burning the candle at both ends, so to speak. Give yourself and your family a break where you can. Perhaps the weekend that is coming up is a time to stop the emergency and recharge yourselves and your household.

We have had numerous inquiries about flood insurance, and have provided policies to some. If you are interested in that, please let us know. We don't want to come across as pushy or insensitive about this, but if there was ever a time to get it, this is it. Just a friendly suggestion.

If you have had flood damage, please be sure to do what you can to get the damaged material out (furniture, carpet, wood flooring, sheetrock, insulation, etc). Get it to the curb for pickup. It will need to be sorted into regular trash, vegetative trash (leaves, lawn clippings, branches), construction/demolition debris, appliances and white goods, electronics, household hazardous waste (paint, thinners, batteries etc). Dry out your house by opening it up, running fans, running the air conditioner. Also do what your can to fix any damage to the home, such as roof damage. Only do this if it is safe for you! Do all of this whether you have flood insurance or not.

Be sure to take plenty of pictures and keep receipts for any expenses you incur. The adjuster will tell you if it is reimbursable.

Be sure to register with FEMA for disaster assistance as soon as possible, if you are going to do it. Do not wait for paperwork, including a denial letter from your homeowners insurance company. You can add that to the case later. Get your name on the list now; no reason to wait.

 This is MOST important for everyone who has damage, whether insured or not. You must be sure to rebuild/reconstruct your house to building codes and standards. This includes homes that are not in a municipality that has building codes. Homes in the county are not subject to the same codes, but likely will be inspected at some point for compliance. If you do not comply with this, you may be denied a policy going forward, in the future, or when you sell. Or, when you sell, your buyer might not be able to get insurance, which could jeopardize the sale.

Enough business for one day. As you have seen and experienced, the Texas spirit is alive and well all over Corpus Christi, Greater Houston, and Southeast Texas! Pray for our friends in Florida, the Caribbean, and the East Coast. Your support will be especially valued. Take some time to rest and recoup, worship with fellow congregants and believers, and give your emotions and your brain a rest. The weather will be pleasant, even if your surroundings are not.

We will get through this together. All the best to you and your loved ones!

#houstonstrong

Bob and Beth Ruzicka, Amanda Barta, Brian Hastings