FEMA
The first agency on our list is the most well known and one of the most comprehensive. FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers a wide range of disaster assistance programs to help survivors with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, medical needs, and other disaster-related expenses. FEMA may also provide assistance related to flood damage, accessibility needs, and household pets.
FEMA regularly updates its website with disaster-specific information before, during, and after hurricanes. You can find the most current resources and apply for assistance at https://www.fema.gov.
FEMA’s website is often a good place to start when looking for federal disaster assistance.
DissasterAssistance.Gov
DisasterAssistance.gov is the official federal portal for disaster recovery assistance. Everyone is affected by disasters differently, and this site is designed to help you identify programs that match your specific needs. You can complete a short online questionnaire to find out what types of assistance you may qualify for, then follow the steps provided to apply.
This site connects you to grants, low-interest disaster loans, unemployment assistance, housing help, and other recovery programs, especially if your homeowners or renters insurance does not fully cover your losses. Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov to get started.
Small Business Association
If your small business was affected by a hurricane, you may be eligible for disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA disaster loans are available not only to small businesses, but also to homeowners, renters, and nonprofit organizations in federally declared disaster areas.
These low-interest loans can help cover physical damage, economic losses, and certain operating expenses not fully covered by insurance. Learn more and apply at https://www.sba.gov/disaster.
Google Crisis Resources
Google provides crisis-response tools that can be helpful in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane. These tools may include maps showing power outages, road closures, evacuation routes, shelter locations, and fuel availability, depending on the disaster.
You can access these resources through Google Crisis Response at https://crisisresponse.google, or by searching for the hurricane name directly in Google.
The Red Cross Safe and Well List
The American Red Cross offers a “Safe and Well” registry that allows people affected by a disaster to let family and friends know they are safe. You can register yourself or search for loved ones through the Red Cross website at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones.html.
In addition to this registry, the Red Cross also provides emergency shelter, meals, financial assistance, and recovery planning support following hurricanes.
Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
