Chaves County Flooding
The deadline to apply for FEMA individual assistance is Jan. 2, 2025
Residents impacted by the flooding in Chaves County can now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance in the following ways:
- Online at disasterassistance.gov
- Through the FEMA app
- Visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Roswell Mall, 4501 N Main St., Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- or by calling 1-800-621-3362
- Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, closed for the holidays.
- Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 25, closed for the holiday.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for individuals whose employment was impacted by the severe storm and flooding in Chaves County that took place on October 19-20, 2024. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2024. Applications filed after the deadline may be denied unless the individual provides good cause for filing after that date; therefore, claimants should file as soon as possible.
Individuals who lost work or employment due to the designated disaster must file DUA applications by established deadlines. DUA is available to those who:
- Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment; and
- Do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, or Extended Benefits (EB) from any state; and
- Were unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster; or
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster; or
- Cannot physically access the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state, or local government in immediate response to the disaster; or
- Can establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their principal source of income; or
- Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster; or
- Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death related to the disaster/fire.
DUA applications may be filed by calling the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center at 1-877-664-6984, Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm until the deadline of December 31, 2024.
Information about DUA is available at https://www.dws.state.nm.us/DUA.
Recording of the December 11 Recovery Town Hall
Cleaning up after a flood
Safe and timely cleanup is necessary for health and safety after a flood. Here are some important tips on how to do so safely and document any damage:
Prioritize safety.
Wear protective gear such as long pants, sturdy shoes, goggles, gloves and masks when handling debris. Contact your local emergency manager if you have storm-related debris that poses a threat to public health or safety. Stay off damaged structures to prevent any injuries and watch out for snakes or animals. As you clear debris, look carefully for any visible cables and wait for professionals to handle them.
Take pictures
Documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and any federal assistance that may become available. Take pictures of the damage BEFORE you clean and repair.
Contact your insurance company early to file a claim.
Before starting the cleanup, document all damaged items with photographs, videos and keep all receipts for the work performed for insurance claims and other assistance programs.
Seek professional help.
You can request assistance from volunteer organizations or companies who can help with cutting fallen trees, drywall, flooring and appliance removal, tarping roofs and mold mitigation.
Be cautious around power lines.
Never touch, cut, remove or place debris on downed power lines. As power is restored, this could cause damage, serious injury, or death. If you need to use a chainsaw during debris removal, take extra precautions to avoid contact with power lines and ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
Follow the five basic steps for flood-damaged structures: air out, move out, tear out, clean out and dry out. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling items contaminated by floodwater or sewage.
Be aware of hazardous materials and toxic substances.
Call your local fire department to inspect or remove chemicals, propane tanks and other hazardous materials. If you get your drinking water from a private well and your area has experienced flooding, make sure the water is safe before drinking. Seal hazardous debris in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming airborne and never burn debris as it can be toxic.
Know how to separate debris and where to place it.
Never block the roadway with debris. Place debris away from trees, poles or structures, including fire hydrants and meters. You can separate debris into five categories when disposing along the curb:
- Electronics (such as televisions, computers, phones)
- Large appliances (such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves or dishwashers. Be sure to seal or secure the doors so they are not accessible)
- Vegetative debris (such as tree branches, leaves or plants)
- Construction debris (such as drywall, lumber, carpet or furniture)
- Household garbage, discarded food, paper or packaging
Latest News & Executive Orders
To view the latest news releases and executive orders please visit the Chaves County Fire newsroom.
General Resources
HELP NM – provides financial assistance to those who lack a fixed or inadequate residence and currently reside in a shelter, transitional housing or hotel.
NM Crisis and Access Line – Professional counselors and peer support.
NM Children Youth and Families Department – provides an array of prevention, intervention, rehabilitative and after-care services to New Mexico children and their families