As of now, you are required to obtain a permit during the reconstruction phase after a disaster. This is all done in good faith in order to ensure the safety and sustainability of any reconstruction that may be needed.

 The Office of Emergency Management is currently working alongside the Building Inspection department to create an Emergency Ordinance that will move permitting to an offsite location, closer to the damaged areas and making the permits free of cost. All of this is because our priority as a department and City is to ensure the safety of all of our residents. 

More updates will come as the ordinance is written and taken to council. For questions, please contact the Office of Emergency Management.

Your safety is our priority, this includes helping you avoid scams.

We understand the urge for residents to want to quickly repair their homes after a disaster; however, we recommend you take your time in selecting your contractors or vendors; beware of solicitors.

Thieves can use the confusion after a storm to steal personal information like Social Security or bank account numbers. For example, scam artists may pretend to be from a government agency, nonprofit, or insurance company and ask for sensitive information or payments prior to beginning any construction. We recommend that residents verify the business, do not make a payment until services have been provided or provide any sensitive information. We also recommend to avoid companies that request payment exclusively in cash, always provide payment via card or check.

Stay connected with the city to ensure all local requirements are being followed to avoid scams or fraud. The City will be utilizing communication outlets such as social media, posters, and word of mouth to educate and warn residents. 

Click on the flyers below to review important details to avoid scams when rebuilding.

Avoid Scams Flyer (English)

Avoid Scams Flyer (Spanish)

Helpful numbers

Texas Department of Insurance
Fraud Unit: 512-676-6285
Consumer Help Line: 800-252-3439

Texas Attorney General 800-337-3928

Federal Emergency Management Agency 800-621-3362

Red Cross 800-733-2767

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association 800-788-8247

National Flood Insurance Program 800-638-6620

For ordinary trash collection, Carrollton has services provided through Republic. Service guidelines for brush and bulk waste remain the same. Details about these guidelines can be found by visiting, Trash & Recycling.

If Carrollton experiences a larger disaster, the City has a disaster contract in place which will be activated once services cannot be handled through normal operations. During a larger event, you can redirect to this page to receive the latest and accurate details about debris removal.

Returning home after a major disaster can be both dangerous and difficult. 

Your safety is our top priority; for this reason, we ask that you listen to local authorities such as the Office of Emergency Management, Carrollton Fire Rescue, and the Carrollton Police Department. Some things to remember as you decide when to return:

• If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a professional such as a Carrollton certified building inspector if they are available before entering.
• Be careful when entering a damaged building. Wear protective clothing on legs, arms, feet, and hands. Wear sturdy boots and rubber gloves when entering and while cleaning a flood-damaged home.
• Before you enter your home, check the house foundation, stairs, roof, and chimney for structural damage.
• Do not return to your home at night. Authorities will probably not allow it.
• If you have flood insurance, call your agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
• Check the gas supply. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing sound, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can, and call ATMOS Energy from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, a professional must turn it back on.
• Check electricity. Do not use an electrical system that has been flooded until an electrician has checked it out. If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker, and call an electrician for advice. In some cases, your municipality may have shut off electricity. If this happens to you, make certain you turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then you won’t be caught off guard if your power is suddenly restored.
  • Carrollton's Electric companies are OnCor or CoServ. Make sure to verify which one is your service provider before contacting them.
• Check sewage and water lines. If you suspect damaged sewage lines, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. Do not use water from a private supply until health authorities have tested it. Do not use water from a municipal supply unless health authorities have declared it safe for use.

During a major disaster, building officials will determine during the damage assessment if a structure is habitable.

Help for Individuals and Households

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.

For information regarding eligibility and the application, visit FEMA's Website.

Help for Small Businesses

You may receive a phone call to advise you of ways to apply for the Small Business Administration (SBA). If referred to the SBA, a loan application must be completed and returned in order to be considered for a loan, as well as for certain types of FEMA assistance.

Click here for more information regarding SBA Loans.

Additional FEMA Resources

For additional Disaster Support Programs, visit FEMA's Program Description Website.

The linked page includes names, brief descriptions, and links to the individual program requirements and applications. 

Note: Any FEMA assistance is contingent to the disaster being federally declared.