Texas Panhandle Wildfires: How You Can Help
The current wildfires in the Texas Panhandle have left a trail of destruction, impacting many lives – especially ranchers and their families. As the fires continue to spread, it’s important we come together as an industry to support those who have been impacted.??
Hundreds of people and organizations have offered to supply ranchers affected by the fires with food and supplies for their livestock, land to house animals, and monetary donations, among many others.??
As a company that is dedicated to helping ranchers, we know that now is no exception. During these challenging times, it is critical to provide support for ranchers and their families as they work to rebuild and recover from losses, which is why we have joined forces with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) to support their Disaster Relief Fund.
If You've Been Affected
If you are someone who has experienced loss from the Texas Panhandle Wildfires, it is important you properly document losses, which means taking lots of photos and keeping all receipts and records. If you’re looking to submit a claim, you’ll want to fill out the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) Damage Survey. This will help streamline the process and help officials determine if your claims meet federal requirements for assistance. Please note that you are still required to submit damage to your insurance, as this tool does not guarantee assistance will be provided.?
If you’d like more information on additional programs and requirements , contact the USDA Farm Service Agency .?
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can help those affected by the wildfires, whether you’re looking to send monetary donations or make physical donations. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has partnered with several companies and organizations to create special donation points where people can donate supplies such as hay, cow and wildlife feed, milk replacement, salt blocks for livestock, and fencing supplies. For a list of drop off points, and the most up to date list of needed donations, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension website. ??
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If you are unable to donate supplies but would still like to help, you can make direct monetary donations to multiple different organizations including relief funds, food banks, and fire departments throughout Texas. One way to donate is directly through the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund . This fund is designed to help provide financial assistance to ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma who are victims of natural disasters. If you would like to donate, you can do so here .??
If you would like to know about more places to donate, the Visit Amarillo website has a list of organizations and fire departments accepting donations as well as links you can follow to make the donations.? ?
If you are unable to make donations, you can also help by sharing resources and checking in with ranchers and their families that you know have been affected by the fires. Additionally, the Texas Panhandle Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is always looking for people to help. If you are interested in helping or would like more information, you can visit their website .
Additional Resources
During traumatic events, such as wildfires, it is normal for people to experience anxiety, depression, shock, and increased stress among many other emotions. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, it is important to take care of yourself and your mental health.??
The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) runs a Disaster Distress Helpline for those experiencing severe emotional distress related to disasters. This helpline runs 24/7 all year long and is 100% free and confidential. For more information, how to contact them, and services they offer, you can visit their website. Another resource ranchers and their families can utilize is the AgriStress Helpline , which also provides free and 100% confidential support no matter the time or day.?
As the Texas Panhandle Wildfires continue to spread, our hearts go out to all those affected and facing significant losses. We commend the numerous individuals and organizations that are coming together to help support, whether through donations, lending a hand, or sharing resources. Together, let’s continue to support each other and stand strong through these difficult times.??