AARP, Equal Justice Works, Lone Star Legal Aid Unite for Disaster Awareness Webinar

Kim Gagne-White, 57, felt emotionally overwhelmed as record-low temperatures swept the region and brought dangerous living conditions. Like millions across Texas, Gagne-White and her family were directly affected by Winter Storm Uri over the President’s Day weekend.

On the eve of the storm, the family dealt with a gas leak in their home which brought a sense of worry. Not long after, a power outage struck and left them without electricity. Without reliable space heaters and a lack of gas, the temperature inside their home plummeted.

“We’re literally freezing,” Gagne-White said. “We are cooking outside in the grill, we’re walking around in North Face coats, blankets, you name it.”

As the conditions become too unbearable, the family decides to leave their home to stay with friends. While Gagne-White is packing up, she stumbles upon something startling.

“When I open up my laundry room door and walk to the garage, I hear gushing water,” Gagne-White said. “I look to go outside to the garage... I open the door and water is just running from the attic.”

The pipe burst caused significant water damage which urged Gagne-White to issue a claim to her insurance company. Gagne-White was thankful to be okay and gain help from her insurance company but felt terrible for those having to fight to get their homes covered. 

She is one of the many Texas homeowners recovering from damages brought by Winter Storm Uri. While her damages were covered by insurance, others were not as lucky. That's why on March 25, AARP in Houston joined Equal Justice Works and Lone Star Legal Aid to host the first-ever Disaster Resilience Awareness Webinar.

You can see the bilingual webinar here

The discussion highlighted disaster-related legal challenges and resources that will assist homeowners in preparing for future disasters. Also discussed were tips on how to legally protect property and assets before a disaster strikes.