In the wake of the recent tornadoes that touched down in Temple, many families and businesses continue to face challenges and uncertainties. As our community continues to recover and rebuild, there are a number of resources available to help address residents’ urgent needs.
The City of Temple has established the Temple Recovery Taskforce to connect residents with local organizations that provide free-of-charge services such as debris removal, home repair, and water damage repair. To request assistance from the city’s taskforce, call (512) 201-4814.
- Emergency Services: For immediate assistance, please dial 911. Emergency responders are on standby to assist with urgent needs.
- City Facilities / Cooling Facilities: All city facilities are now reopened and have resumed regular business hours. City facilities can be utilized as cooling facilities during normal business hours for those without power.
- Transportation: Residents needing transportation can call (254) 298-5682.
- Recovery Assistance: For support, Temple residents can call Crisis Cleanup at (512) 201-4814.
- Electrical Outages: Beware of downed power lines. If you find a downed power line, please call 911. Report outages to (888) 313-4747 or visit Oncor.com/Outages.
- Gas Emergencies and Leaks: Call 911 first, then contact Atmos Gas’ emergency line at 866-322-8667.
- Report Downed Trees: Call (254) 298-5682.
Find more information and safety tips at staysafetemple.com.
Support Organizations Providing Tornado Relief
The City of Temple and Bell County have partnered with United Way of Central Texas to start a tornado relief fund. Donations can be made online at www.uwct.org, or they can be mailed or dropped off in person at United Way of Central Texas, 4 N. 3rd Street, Temple, TX 76501.
The American Red Cross Central and South Texas region is mobilizing volunteers to help deliver emergency supplies, provide shelter, and conduct preliminary residential damage assessments. Those who are interested in supporting the Red Cross’ efforts can call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcross.org to donate or volunteer.
The Bell County Salvation Army is also mobilizing volunteers and helping to distribute food and other necessities to the community. Those interested in supporting their efforts can volunteer their time or provide needed items for their community pantry.
Report Damages to Help Emergency Management Officials Determine the Tornado’s Impact
The City of Temple is encouraging residents to report damages through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, or iSTAT, in hopes of receiving federal disaster assistance. Reportable losses include damage to homes, property and vehicles as well as spoiled food that was in the refrigerator during the widespread power outages.
This reporting system is only meant to help determine the scope of damages and community needs. It is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance provider, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.
Donate Blood Helps Bolster Community’s Disaster Preparedness
In addition to donating food, water, and time, residents can help out their community by donating blood. Anyone who’s able to donate blood can call Baylor Scott and White Blood Center at (254) 724-2431 to schedule an appointment.
May is both National Trauma Awareness Month and National Stop the Bleed Month, and Baylor Scott & White has been educating residents on tactics that could save lives in case of an emergency. They’re also hosting a blood drive to further raise awareness and bolster the community’s blood supply. Baylor Scott and White has the only Level 1 Trauma Center located between Dallas and Austin, and the only hospital-based blood donation facility in the region.
In addition to addressing critical immediate needs, having a robust blood donation program can make several positive impacts on a community—from reducing healthcare costs due to blood shortages and improving overall public health, to fostering community engagement and improving the city’s emergency preparedness. Businesses and local organizations can take part in raising awareness and giving back to the community by scheduling a mobile blood drive or hosting their own Stop the Bleed training event.