For those who have been displaced by recent flooding in the Hill Country, Concho Valley, and other affected regions, the stress of evacuation and property loss can be overwhelming—especially if vital documents such as IDs, insurance papers, or medical records have been lost or damaged.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take immediately to begin recovery and regain access to the documents and support you need.
🏠 If You’re Displaced and Need Shelter or Emergency Help
- Find Emergency Shelter
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org for help locating nearby shelters, food assistance, and transportation.
- Check disaster.texas.gov and redcross.org for shelter availability.
- Notify Local Authorities
- Register with local emergency officials or shelter staff so you can receive updates and recovery services.
- Register with FEMA (if a federal disaster declaration is issued)
- Go to disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362
📑 Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents
Losing your documents doesn’t mean losing your access to assistance. Here’s how to start the recovery process:
✅ Texas Driver’s License or ID
- Visit: www.dps.texas.gov/
- If you’re displaced, you may be eligible for a free replacement under emergency conditions
- Call DPS Customer Service: (512) 424-2600
✅ Social Security Card
- Visit: ssa.gov/myaccount
- Request a replacement online (if you already have an SSA account)
- Or visit a local SSA office when it’s safe to do so
✅ Birth/Marriage Certificates
- Texas Vital Records: www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics
- Some counties may waive fees during declared disasters
✅ Insurance Documents
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible—most carriers allow digital access to claims and policy info
- If you’ve lost your agent’s contact info, visit your insurer’s website or call customer service directly
✅ Medical Records
- Call your provider’s office and request electronic access through their patient portal
- Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and H-E-B can retrieve your prescription history electronically if you’re in need of refills
📲 Document What You Can
If you can’t replace everything right away:
- Write down your known policy numbers, past addresses, medications, and important phone numbers
- Take photos of any remaining documents, even if partially damaged—they may help verify your identity or claims
🧾 Additional Assistance Resources
- 211 Texas – General help line for housing, food, and legal aid
- Legal Aid of Northwest Texas / Lone Star Legal Aid – Free help replacing documents or appealing denials
- American Red Cross Safe & Well Registry – Let friends and family know you’re safe at redcross.org/safeandwell
✅ Quick Checklist: If You’re Displaced
- Register for shelter and emergency updates
- Report your status to family and friends
- Begin replacing essential documents
- Take inventory of your belongings
- Apply for aid (state or FEMA) as soon as eligible
Disasters are disorienting—but help is available. The sooner you report your status, begin replacing documents, and access aid, the faster you’ll be on the path to recovery.
For the most current updates, visit disaster.texas.gov.






