Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey — Frequently Asked Questions

How much damage did Hurricane Harvey cause?

Hurricane Harvey (2017) caused $125 billion in total damages, with $30 billion in insured losses. Approximately 154,000+ homes were flooded. FEMA issued $4.5 billion in individual assistance grants to affected homeowners.

What are the key lessons from Hurricane Harvey for homeowners?

Key lessons from Hurricane Harvey: 80% of Houston Harvey victims were outside FEMA floodplains — flood risk maps underestimate actual risk; The Addicks and Barker Reservoirs were intentionally released, flooding thousands of homes NOT in their flood pool; FEMA's Individual Assistance average was only $9,127 — far below actual replacement costs; Homeowners without flood insurance received on average 60% less recovery funding than insured victims.

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from events like Hurricane Harvey?

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage from events like Hurricane Harvey. This type of damage — surface water flooding from hurricanes and storm surge — requires separate NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) or private flood insurance. FEMA disaster assistance (average $4.5 billion per event) provides limited supplemental help for uninsured losses, but is far below typical replacement costs.

How do I apply for FEMA assistance after a disaster like Hurricane Harvey?

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 within 60 days of the federal disaster declaration for your county. You will need your Social Security number, property address, insurance policy information, and a description of damages. FEMA will schedule a home inspection. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for initial determination. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal with additional documentation.