Friends,

The tornado that struck our community Sunday night left a trail of devastation in its wake. While we are thankful that there are no reports of loss of life or serious injury, we are deeply saddened for our many neighbors who have sustained major damage to their home, their school, their place of business, or their house of worship. After an event like this, we must recommit ourselves to helping those affected as they begin to recover and rebuild.

Over the past two days, I've spoken with state and local officials, visited the local Emergency Operations Center, and walked through some of the affected neighborhoods. We all owe a debt of gratitude to our first responders who have worked tirelessly to provide immediate assistance and aid. Additionally, a tremendous amount of work is already being done by volunteer organizations, church communities, and groups of neighbors who have stepped forward to help those in need.

Listed below are resources, points of contact, and advice that my office has collected. We hope they may be a helpful reference for you or anyone you know who may be needing assistance in the days and weeks to come. We are also available to provide any guidance we can. You can email us at District114.Turner@House.Texas.Gov, or call us in the Austin office at (512) 463-0576 or the Dallas District Office at (214) 234-7625.

Please join me in offering up prayers for all of the families, schools, churches, and businesses that have been hit the hardest by this disaster. They will need our support in the rebuilding process ahead.

John

John Turner

State Representative, House District 114

John.Turner@House.Texas.Gov

512-463-0576

Schools & City Services

• For up-to-date school closure information, please check the homepages on websites for Dallas ISD and Richardson ISD at https://www.dallasisd.org/ and http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/.
• The City of Dallas is continuously updating pertinent information here: http://www.dallascitynews.net/october-20-storm-update. Frequently asked questions are answered here: http://www.dallascitynews.net/october-20-storm-update-faq.

Gas & Electricity

• If you detect a natural gas leak, please evacuate the area and call 911 and the 24/7 Atmos emergency line at 866-322-8667.
• To report a downed, non-sparking power line, report power outages, or ask questions about power outages, call ONCOR at (888) 313-4746. You can view an outage map here: https://stormcenter.oncor.com/external/default.html.
• Call 911 for life-threatening injuries or to report power lines which are sparking or blocking the entry/exit of a property.

Shelter

• The City of Dallas is continuing to work with The Red Cross to provide shelter, meals and comfort for families affected at Bachman Lake Recreation Center, 2750 Bachman Drive.

• Red Cross disaster responders can also help facilitate the replacement of items like prescription medication and eyeglasses.
• For residents needing relief or who are without power, city recreation centers and libraries will be open during normal business hours except for the following libraries and recreation centers: Preston Royal Branch Library; Walnut Hill Recreation Center; and Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center.
• While the Forest Green Branch is without power, they remain open.

Storage, Transportation, & Other Needs

• The Dallas Morning News has been collecting information about organizations assisting with storing personal items, transportation needs, and other forms of assistance. Please see this link for that information. https://bit.ly/2pHzmCq

Lost Documents

• Birth and death certificates: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

• Visit https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/default.shtm or call 888-963-7111

• Proof of Address/Residency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

• Visit http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-5.pdf or call 512-424-2000

• Real Estate and Property Records: Dallas County Clerk

• Visit https://www.dallascounty.org/services/records.php or call 214-653-7099

Insurance Claims

• The Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel has a step-by-step guide to the claims process. It can be found at the following link: www.opic.texas.gov/residential-property-insurance/claims/.
• The Texas Department of Insurance also offers a toll-free Consumer Help Line 1-800-252-3439 to assists callers with insurance questions and concerns. The help line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional recovery information available at http://ow.ly/AVVG50wQD2f.

Additional Tips

• Short-term tips include taking photos or videos of the damage, documenting any lost property, and contacting your insurance company as soon as possible.
• As you are able, cover broken windows, but don't make permanent repairs before a claims adjuster inspects the damage. Keep a record of any repairs and save your receipts.
• To avoid scams, please look out for the following:

• A scammer asks for a required down payment to get materials and make repairs. Once they receive the money, the scammer might leave with your money and never do the work.
• Be aware of a contractor demanding an immediate signature on a contract. Take your time deciding what repairs to do and who to do business with.

Donations

• If you wish to make a donation to those impacted by the storm, you may do so through the City of Dallas Emergency Assistance Fund. At this time, only monetary donations are needed.

Our Contact Information

Office of State Representative John Turner

Dallas Office: 10300 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 198 Dallas, TX 75231 | (214) 234-7625

Austin Office: P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 | (512) 463-0576

Email: District114.Turner@house.texas.gov