Ivy Tech Libraries: When Disaster Strikes! Locating Government Resources to Help During a Crisis: Recover

Bayonne, N.J., Dec. 1, 2012 - At the Hudson County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) on it's first day of operation, FEMA Applicant Services Program Specialist Humra Ahmed speaks with a potential applicant. DRC's provide many disaster services at one location. George Armstrong/FEMA

After a Disaster

Clean Up Safely After a Disaster
Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during your cleanup after a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster. Follow our cleanup tips and monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.
Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters
Emotional distress can happen before and after a disaster. Coping strategies include preparation, self-care, and identifying support systems.
Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
During and after a disaster, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster. Connect with family, friends, and others in your community. Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help.
Disaster Assistance.gov
The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP) mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.
Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Disaster Distress Helpline (in Spanish)
La Línea de Ayuda para los Afectados por Catástrofes ofrece asesoramiento y apoyo gratis 24/7/365 a las personas afectadas emocionalmente luego de un desastre natural o provocado por el ser humano.
Disaster Loan Assistance
The Small Business Administration offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster.
FEMA Mobile App and Text Messages
Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
Get Assistance After a Disaster
There are different assistance programs for individual citizens versus public groups like government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Find the help you need to support your disaster recovery. From FEMA.
Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters
Includes information on insects, carbon monoxide poisoning, safe clean up, and more.
Individual Assistance
FEMA can help support your recovery from a major disaster.
Individuals and Households Program
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 under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.
Information for Specific Groups
Including older adults, new and expectant parents, people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, and more.
MORTGAGE INSURANCE FOR DISASTER VICTIMS SECTION 203(H)
The Section 203(h) program allows the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure mortgages made by qualified lenders to victims of a major disaster who have lost their homes and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home.
POST-DISASTER HEALTHY HOUSING RESOURCES
After the disaster, there are many things to consider. Is your home safe to enter? How do you save and clean up your possessions? How can I rebuild stronger and safer to protect myself and family from future disasters?

For Those Who Want to Help

FEMA Volunteer and Donate
After a disaster, people come together to help. To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. The below tried and true best practices will give you a starting point. You can also email the FEMA Donations Unit for answers to your specific questions or to make an in-kind donation.
Resources for Emergency Health Professionals
CDC offers a variety of resources for clinicians, communicators, laboratorians, emergency planners and responders, and disaster relief volunteers to prepare them to respond to a public health emergency.
SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App
In a disaster, it's essential that behavioral health responders have the resources they need—when and where they need them. The free SAMHSA Disaster App offers first responders immediate access for any type of traumatic event at every phase of response, including pre-deployment preparation, on-the-ground assistance and post-deployment resources.

FEMA Pro Tips: The Do's and Don'ts

FEMA’s Document Drop Off Centers Assist Michigan Disaster Survivors

USDA Disaster Nutrition Assistance Programs

Digital Resources in the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

Disaster Information Management Research Center
CGP System Number: 1021052

Food and Water Safety during Power Outages and Floods
CGP System Number: 1031331
Spanish CGP System Number: 1031342

Help after a Disaster: FEMA Individual Assistance Can Help You Recover
CGP System Number: 1039798
Spanish CGP System Number: 1039805

Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to … after Disasters
- Asbestos Cleanup
CGP System Number: 1031937
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1031939
- Mold Cleanup
CGP System Number: 1031925
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1031927
- Reducing Lead Hazards
CGP System Number: 1031942
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1031943
- Reducing Radon
CGP System Number: 1032015
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1032020

Keeping Food Safe during an Emergency
CGP System Number: 1032007
Spanish CGP System Number: 593265

Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide
CGP System Number: 662555

Rebuild Healthy Homes: Guide to Post-Disaster Restoration for a Safe and Healthy Home
CGP System Number: 1024023

Tips for Families of Returning Disaster Responders: Adjusting to Life at Home
CGP System Number: 1031533

Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope after a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
CGP System Number: 885904
Spanish CGP System Number: 1031499

Using Portable Generators Safely
CGP System Number: 822209