A major change in federal disaster response could soon reshape how states prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys.

A troubling internal review from the Federal Emergency Management Agency reveals the organization is unprepared for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1, as leadership turmoil and staffing issues plague the agency.

An internal review has revealed that FEMA is "not ready" for the upcoming hurricane season, citing issues such as poor coordination with states and paused critical training.

If you don't already have flood insurance, you should consider it. We have seen the devastation flooding can cause. In this article, investigative reporter Amy Davis is answering your questions about private flood insurance versus FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.

Would you like a free backup generator for your home? Sounds like a great deal, right? Or is it really though?

Of the 118,000 FEMA applications made following the L.

Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and situational awareness.

The White House says the federal government has approved nearly $2 billion in assistance across six states to help people hit hard by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Thursday is the deadline to apply for the aid.

We did a story with a Good Samaritan who gave that couple $1,000.
Now, another Good Samaritan saw that story, and they wanted to repay the donor.

Vice President Kamala Harris will tour damage caused by Helene in Georgia and North Carolina, as the devastating and deadly storm has also roiled the political calendar just over a month from Election Day.

A New Caney couple that became homeless after the derecho is breathing a sigh of relief.

A New Caney family says they’ve been displaced for the past 4 months because of severe weather. During this time, they’ve been left in limbo by FEMA, which still hasn’t sent them money they were approved for.

Texans affected by Hurricane Beryl have until October 10 to apply for FEMA assistance.

"We expect that for Bolivar especially, there might be water coming over the top of [highway] 87," Judge Mark Henry said. "So if that’s going to be inconvenient or certainly life-threatening for you, you might want to relocate for a day or two."

FEMA is monitoring Tropical Storm Francine as it rapidly approaches southeast Texas and portions of Louisiana, bringing heavy rain, flooding and life-threatening storm surge.

Hurricane Beryl affected a large amount of Texans when it made landfall back in July.

Was your car damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Beryl? If so, you may be eligible for FEMA relief on expenses not covered by insurance.

A New Caney family thought that they were finally getting relief after their home was destroyed by Hurricane Beryl. Now, they’re realizing that their relief might not be sufficient.

A family tells KPRC 2 they were forced out of their hotel room when they were told their FEMA checks bounced, despite being told they could stay until September 8.

A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Harris County, to help residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl and any storms/flooding from April 26 through June 5.

The Disaster Fund has been depleted again, delaying aid for Hurricane Beryl victims. #FEMAFunding #HurricaneBeryl #DisasterRelief

A Spring Branch woman anxious for information on the whereabouts of her FEMA funding visited a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Spring Branch in hopes of getting answers.

"Thank you all for taking the time out for our family"

You can make your voice heard by reaching out to your local state representative with claims if you're still awaiting FEMA funds. #HurricaneBeryl #FEMA #HoustonStrong #DisasterRecovery

We’ve heard from many of you who are still waiting for your FEMA checks after Hurricane Beryl left behind damage in our area. FEMA first said it would take up to 10 days for someone to get their funds but many say they are still waiting.

Approved applicants say they still have not received their checks

FEMA will be opening a disaster recovery center in Texas City on Friday.

Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Beryl pummeled through Texas, many residents are now left in a financial limbo as they wait for their FEMA checks to come in. We sat down with Derrick Kinney, financial expert with GetTheRaiseYouWant.com, shares how you can stay up to date with your bills while you wait for emergency funds.

Did you find out that your neighbor received more money in FEMA reimbursements than you?

Its been nearly three weeks since Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston area, leaving millions without power and homes damaged.

After applying for FEMA assistance, await possible home inspection, submit required documents, verify occupancy and ownership, and consider SBA aid.

Whether you rent or own your home, there are several ways Texans can provide official information if you were affected by Beryl.

Support staff at Houston Humane Society are in desperate need of a new air conditioner to continue serving the community.

Maria Villanueva has been navigating the complicated process applying for aid from FEMA since Hurricane Beryl hit

Governor Greg Abbott announced FEMA has approved the state’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for 17 counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

The Texas Attorney General's Office is investigating a Houston-area business for potential price gouging after Jessica Williamson reported being charged $132 to cash a FEMA check at Senor 1% Check Cashing.

Houston residents face high fees and price gouging when cashing FEMA checks after Hurricane Beryl.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George, FBC Central Appraisal District announce tax disaster exemptions after Hurricane Beryl

Many business owners and residents have faced significant challenges due to Hurricane Beryl. To assist with recovery efforts, we reached out to FEMA, which directed us to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for support options.

When disaster strikes, the first place many people go is to a church.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Houston, many residents face challenges in repairing home damage and covering hurricane-related costs.

Fort Bend County has been added to the list of counties eligible for federal funding in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

The conference will address community concerns regarding FEMA assistance following Hurricane Beryl.

Acting Governor Dan Patrick announced Tuesday, one day after Hurricane Beryl ravaged through Southeast Texas, President Joe Biden has approved his request to declare federal emergency disaster declaration for the state of Texas.

Cy-Fair Fire Department's Justin Reed, Assistant Chief EMS, and Meredith Frasier, Paramedic, talk about how to stay safe in the Houston heat, and what foods you can eat to nourish  your body in the high temperatures.

“The intent of a buyout program is to move people out of harm's way."

The River Plantation neighborhood in Conroe is still recovering from severe flooding more than a month ago.

Texans who sustained losses or damages from storms and flooding which occurred between April 26 and June 5 have one more month to apply for FEMA assistance.

We did the shopping for you so you can compare costs.

'Do I have to pay for things upfront? How long will a reimbursement take?' 'Why did I get denied for FEMA benefits?' 'Does FEMA check immigration status?' KPRC 2 asked FEMA all these questions and more to get the answers you need following the recent storms in our area.

Disaster recovery and the resources available to those impacted by recent storms were the focus Wednesday night in Spring Branch.

If you or someone you know is in need of resources to recoup unexpected expenses from the recent storms in the Houston area, this post might have the information you're looking for. #FEMA #DisasterRecoveryRelief #HoustonStrong #CommunitySupport

Storms arrive as early as this afternoon

In response to severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and straight-line winds, FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Harris, Liberty, and Trinity counties.

If you don't already have flood insurance, you should consider it. We have seen the devastation flooding can cause. In this article, investigative reporter Amy Davis is answering your questions about private flood insurance versus FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.

The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has toured the Houston area to assess the damage from last week’s deadly storms.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo provided an update Sunday after Thursday’s deadly and damaging storms.

As communities in East Texas begin the process of rebuilding after a week of storms and flooding, FEMA is trying a new approach to make the process more efficient.

If our flood-ravaged areas get declared Federal Disaster Areas, then you can apply for funds. Until then, here are other options.

Learn about the different categories of flood water, steps to take after your home is flooded, and the importance of flood insurance.

Dozens of journalists representing diverse media outlets gathered at the Southwest News Group in Houston last month for a roundtable discussion hosted by Houston Ethnic Media.

This is something you may want to remember

FEMA flood insurance rates are going up. Should you try private flood insurance? What should renters know? Amy Davis answers your flooding insurance questions.

FEMA is calculating flood insurance in a new way and it means higher rates for everyone. Leash Yu from "Agency Yu" joins Amy to talk about what you can expect to pay, shopping private flood insurance and why you should avoid letting your policy lapse.

FEMA changes the way it calculates flood insurance rates. FEMA raised rates for many homes that have never flooded and lowered rates for homes that have.

September is National Preparedness Month.

Houston resident Judy Bluestein-Levin says five years ago, a door knock helped save her life

While exact details are not yet finalized, KPRC 2 has learned Catholic Charities and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will partner to provide respite services for migrants being bused from the border to Houston.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Saturday that he is sending help to those affected by the devastating tornadoes that tore through western Kentucky.

Many homeowners can expect to see a change in their flood insurance premiums very soon.

Brande Duke’s cellphone is her lifeline to what’s left of her home in New Orleans.

The city of Houston has been awarded a $5 million grant following the deadly Texas winter storm in February, Sen. John Cornyn announced Friday.

Scammers are targeting the relatives of people who died from covid-19. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the con artists are claiming to offer help with funeral expenses, reaching out to people by phone, email and text message.

A Houston woman has pleaded guilty to a fraud scheme that she orchestrated to get money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

After receiving requests for an extension from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Mayor Sylvester Turner and other officials, FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have agreed to extend the duration of the vaccination site at NRG.

Houstonians who had to bury their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for reimbursement of funeral costs from FEMA.

A Florida state agency says dam safety experts consider the risk of a possible second breach in a leaking wastewater reservoir to be “unsubstantiated.”.

The first bus carrying unaccompanied migrant children arrived at a facility in north Houston Friday evening, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee told KPRC 2.

Greg Abbott has joined Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in asking FEMA for an extension on the vaccination super-site at NRG. According to a news release by Abbott, he and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) asked FEMA for extensions for the NRG site as well as the federally supported vaccination sites in Arlington and Dallas. On top of asking for the extension on the already-existing sites in Texas, the TDEM submitted a request to establish a new site at the Alamodome in San Antonio, which FEMA denies, according to the release. AdAbbott’s announcement comes days after Hidalgo and Turner submitted their own letter asking for an extension of the NRG vaccination site through at least May. FEMA has yet to respond to the requests.

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo are requesting an extension of the FEMA supersite at NRG Park. The COVID-19 vaccination clinic, which opened on Feb. 24, was scheduled to remain at NRG Park for eight weeks. Now, Turner and Hidalgo are asking for the site to remain open through at least May 31. “On Monday, the eligibility is going to extend to everyone in Houston, Harris County, and across the state of Texas. That mass vaccination site is needed even more so now, so the request is to extend that vaccination site, pretty much indefinitely,” Turner said during a news briefing Wednesday.

It marked the first annual contraction for the country’s economy since 1998, when it was in the midst of a crippling financial crisis. In comparison, the federal government previously said 38% of people would receive two doses by the end of June. Still, that’s 700,000 doses on hand, when the state is getting 200,000 doses this week, rising to 223,000 next week. AdBharat Biotech has already signed an agreement with Brazil to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by September. ___COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s mask mandate will continue until a “critical mass” has been reached of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine, a spokesperson for Ohio Gov.

HOUSTON – President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Houston Friday as Texas recovers from the winter storm. Biden is expected to survey damage and recovery efforts following the deadly winter storm. White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki said this is not a partisan issue for the president. Then they will make stops at the Houston Food Bank, Harris County Emergency Operations Center before taking a tour at the FEMA super-site. “…And then, on top of that, we will be visiting one of the vaccine super sites they have located in Houston.”According to the White House, Biden will deliver remarks after touring the vaccination site.

HOUSTON – The FEMA supersite at NRG Park became fully operational Wednesday. The site plans to administer 126,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine over a three-week period. “The vaccination site here at NRG Park is the largest operation we are running in Texas,” said FEMA spokeswoman Carmen Castro. FEMA said many of the technical issues experienced Wednesday were fixed ahead of Thursday’s opening. However, this, whatever is broken here at NRG, needs to be repaired.”According to the woman, workers told her others have experienced similar issues.

HOUSTON – A small number of people were allowed inside NRG Park’s new mass vaccination site for its soft-opening Tuesday. The mega-site is set to open to those on the city of Houston and Harris County’s waitlists. Once the site is open, the goal is to have 126,000 people that meet eligibility requirements get vaccinated. City and county leaders say the focus will be on the elderly, vulnerable and high-risk zip codes. Sunnyside falls within the 70051 zip code, which is among a list of 35 zip codes with the highest risk for COVID-19.

Is FEMA help available for renters too? When you are applying for FEMA help you need to have your social security number, annual household income, contact information, insurance information (if you have it), and bank account information. Christine Tremonte said she is still waiting for FEMA assistance money after filing for assistance after Hurricane Harvey. Christine’s tale should not discourage you from applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA money for this freeze is more for immediate needs.

If your home was damaged by the storm, you shouldn’t wait until you get assistance money to begin the recovery and repair process, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

HOUSTON – More than 14 million Texans still do not have safe drinking water in their homes after a powerful winter storm burst pipes and knocked out power across the state this week. Toby Baker, executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said the number of the state’s 7,000 public water systems affected by the winter storm has increased from Friday to 1,445, but the population affected by those water systems has dropped slightly to 14.3 million. He said about 156,000 homes have no water service at all, which is down from 352,000 reported Friday. Kidd said the state has also ordered 250,000 meals-ready-to-eat to be distributed with another 5 million meals on the way. Kidd said Texans can also help the state complete its damage assessment faster by completing an online form to report damage that their property has sustained.

All rights reserved)President Joe Biden arrives at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport to visit a Pfizer manufacturing site, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Portage, Mich. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Texas after extreme winter weather caused power outages and water disruptions for millions in the state. Abbott requested the Major Disaster Declaration on Thursday, requesting individual assistance and public assistance in each of the state’s 254 counties. Abbot requested the Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide individual assistance, public assistance, and hazard mitigation for individuals and communities impacted by the severe winter weather. The Biden administration approved the request for individual assistance in 77 counties and for public assistance in all 254 counties. “I thank President Biden for his assistance as we respond to impacts of winter weather across our state,” said Abbott in statement.

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday prioritized the restoration of water and power to thousands of Texas homes still left dry and cold after this week’s winter storm. “This past week has been an enormous challenge, maybe unlike any challenge that you’ve ever dealt with before,” Abbott said. “It has been far too burdensome for the lives of all those affected.”Abbott said about 165,000 homes are still without power, mostly in Central Texas. Abbott said he has also requested an emergency declaration from the federal Department of Agriculture to help farmers impacted by the storm.

HOUSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency said on social media Thursday that a false phone number is being used to scam people seeking help amid the winter weather disaster in Texas. FEMA said the best information will come from local officials and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. KPRC 2 has looked into this number and learned the number is to the IT department of FEMA, and helps people reset log in information. Screenshot of an image circulating on social media on Feb. 18, 2021. No links for payment or claim information related to this Texas disaster has been updated.

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a briefing about the upcoming presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, at FEMA headquarters, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has confidence in FBI Director Chris Wray and plans to keep him in the job, the White House press secretary said Thursday. FBI directors are given 10-year terms, meaning leadership of the bureau is generally unaffected by changes in presidential administrations. But Biden's spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, was notably noncommittal when asked at her first briefing Wednesday whether Biden had confidence in Wray. "I have not spoken with him about specifically FBI Director Wray in recent days," Psaki said.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)WASHINGTON – The FBI is tracking an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter,” including calls for armed protests leading up to next week's presidential inauguration, Director Chris Wray said Thursday. Wray said the FBI was receiving a “significant” amount of information that it was pushing out to other law enforcement agencies ahead of the inauguration. States nationwide have already been stepping up security in preparation for possible armed protests and violence this weekend, particularly at statehouses amid legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies. An FBI bulletin earlier this week warned of potential armed protests in all 50 states. The vice president visited with guard troops keeping watch outside the Capitol, telling them he’s familiar with the National Guard because he used to be a governor.

HOUSTON – More than three years have passed since Hurricane Harvey, but some people are still recovering from the storm’s devastating impact. The Fort Bend County Habitat for Humanity has opened its Harvey Repair Program. The program was made to help repair homes damaged by the storm by using funds from FEMA and insurance. The Harvey Repair Program is now open. The Fort Bend County Habitat for Humanity asks residents in need to fill out its Disaster Home Repair application and return it with the required supporting documentation to mike@fortbendhabitat.org.

DICKINSON, Texas – A Texas Ranger arrived at Dickinson City Hall on Monday with a subpoena for records. City Administrator Chris Heard met with him briefly but said he can’t talk about what they discussed. Friction between Heard and Hunter led to Hunter recently being place on paid leave after only two months on the job. “She brought up some concerns and we will just work through any issues that have arisen,” Heard said. A spokesman for the District Attorney’s office said he can neither confirm nor deny an investigation is underway.

HOUSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency ended the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, which provided an additional $300 a week to qualified unemployment recipients impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a press release. FEMA previously approved TWC funding requests for the benefits weeks between Aug. 1 to Sept. 5. Recipients will continue to receive normal weekly benefit amounts for any benefit weeks for which they are eligible. The Lost Wages Assistance Program was a temporary provision established after the expiration of the $600 Federal Pandemic Assistance Program, a part of the CARES Act. For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits and questions about the unemployment process, visit TWC’s COVID-19 FAQ page.

HOUSTON – Hundreds of thousands of Texans are now receiving $300 a week in addition to their unemployment benefits from the state. These are federal FEMA funds used in the Lost Wages Assistance program passed by President Trump after the $600 weekly boost from the feds expired at the end of July. Q: Who qualifies for the Lost Wages Assistance program and the weekly $300 benefit? A: If you are already receiving unemployment benefits, you do NOT need to do anything to receive the extra $300 dollars from the Lost Wages Assistance program. To start or stop federal tax withholding for unemployment benefit payments:• Choose your withholding option when you apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefits Services.

HOUSTON – Local leaders and lawmakers are pleading with the federal government to extend support for COVID-19 testing sites in Texas as cases continue to grow at a rapid rate. Seven COVID-19 testing centers across Texas, including four in the Houston-area, are set to lose federal funding on June 30, after the Trump administration decided not to extend the program that established them. He noted that Harris County has the third-largest population in the country and has seen a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the past weeks. He said there is an increasing demand for testing sites in the county and that testing facilities have routinely reached capacity by midday. He also warned that losing federal support for testing sites could lead to catastrophic by “blunting the progression” of COVID-19.

A FEMA official told CNN that FEMA reviewed the company, which is not a manufacturer, and believed it would be able to fulfill the contract. But when Panthera requested another delivery extension of 96 hours on May 11, FEMA denied the extension and canceled the contract. "In this case, FEMA awarded a $55 million contract to a company for 10 million masks that it did not deliver by the initial May 1 deadline or extended deadline of May 11. The health and safety of our first responders depends on obtaining a sufficient quantity of these essential N95 masks and other personal protective equipment." Since the coronavirus pandemic started, there’s been a global shortage of supplies — including N95 masks, gloves, surgical masks and disposable gowns — that would protect front-line and essential workers from the virus.