When Disaster Hits, We All Need Help

The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe and have a place to stay safe for the near future. Things can get chaotic, even after the dust settles, so there are some resources that can help you.

• If you need to get online to contact loved ones or track down resources, just call 2-1-1 and you’ll be able to access what you need.

• If you or anyone around you may be injured, you need to call 911. Sometimes those injuries can take time to manifest, so listen to your body and don’t hesitate!

• Need shelter now? Text the word ‘Shelter’ and your Zip code to the number 43362. See the example in the image below:

There may be many forms of disaster assistance available to you in times like this. Understanding what your options are can eliminate a lot of frustration when it’s time to start submitting applications. Financial support may be there for you if you follow these instructions:

• If your area has been declared a disaster, you can access specific programs and resources through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
  • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Call FEMA’s disaster assistance hotline at 1-800-621-3362
• Get some relief on your bills
  • Utilities: Call your provider and ask about late fee waivers and payment plans so you can catch your breath before you worry about that
  • Credit Cards and Loans: Ask about disaster forbearance – it’s a program that allows you to pause payments for a short time if you’re dealing with an emergency
  • Insurance: Document everything! Insurance companies can be greedy and frustrating, so you have to take pictures and videos of as much as you can. Keep every receipt, even if it seems weird or irrelevant to you. If your landlord promises to fix something, get it in writing. File your claim ASAP and make sure you’ve covered your bases. 
• Driving Lyft or Uber? Own a small business?
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a low-interest disaster loan program for folks who lose income as a result of the disaster they’re facing.

No matter what is going on in the world, the need to eat food, drink water, and keep your family clean and healthy will never change. The 2-1-1 hotline is not just for shelters; take a look at some resources you should be able to find there.

• Hot meal sites, food pantries, emergency SNAP benefits, and more 
• Where to access bottled water until services are restored
• Shelters and pop-up hubs offer a range of essential products, including hygiene supplies, diapers, and cleaning materials.

The immediate need for shelter doesn’t account for the ongoing needs of many working-class folks who are trying to pick up the pieces after a disaster. Insurance companies, irreplaceable items, and dangerous debris are all major hurdles when a family is ready to move forward. Here are some ideas about what you can do.

• Take Photos: Documenting everything both inside and outside before you touch anything on your property might help you combat any attempts to blame you for damage.
• Know Your Rights: Many landlords have been found guilty of price-gouging after disasters occur. There are legal resources available to many who can’t afford it, so call the 2-1-1 hotline to see if you’re being pushed out and whether Legal Aid is available in your area.
• Temporary Housing: FEMA might be able to help you access hotel programs and safe, transitional housing for your family until you get back on your feet.

Many people struggle to return to work after a disaster. You may have been injured, your workplace may be damaged, or your family needs you to be present and help them through this tough time. No matter the reason, you should not have to risk a financial disaster because a natural disaster hits you. Here’s what you can do:

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Whether you’re on staff or an independent contractor, even if you’re in the gig economy – ask your state unemployment office about DUA. Disaster Unemployment Assistance may help you keep the bills paid while you’re out of work.
• Document everything: It’s tough to keep records when there is so much chaos around you, but it’s important. Some states require your employer to offer back pay or other support after you’ve been in a disaster and had to miss work.
• Keep the kids in class: Ask your local school district if temporary placement is being arranged for students to attend class nearby.

• Know what to ask: Urgent care and community clinics often have waivers or discounts available to folks hit by a disaster. Ask up front, and they’ll be able to tell you!
• You’re never alone: Going through hardship feels lonely, but there are people who want to help you. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed emotionally, call 9-8-8 to speak to a counselor.
• Protect yourself: Cleaning up is hard, but getting sick is worse! There are chemicals, debris, and so many other things that could harm you on your property after a disaster. Shelters and FEMA pop-up stations often have gloves, masks, and other things that could help keep you safe.
• Transportation: Safe passage from one checkpoint to another can be critical in these situations. Safe routes should be updated by the Department of Transportation, but you should be able to get that information from 2-1-1 as well.

• FEMA does not have a policy of asking for payments to apply for assistance. If anyone asks you for payment to “speed things up”, don’t take the bait! Call the disaster assistance hotline yourself at 1-800-621-3362.
• Verify contractors, even when they seem legitimate. Ask for their license and insurance information before you give them any information to be sure they’re able to do the work.
• Donate wisely. People are in serious need after situations like these, but some bad actors want to take advantage of your kindness and steal your money! Give to organizations you know and trust, and reach out to your local government and charitable organizations to get verified lists of where it is safe to donate funds.

• People tend to come together in amazing ways when the community is hurting. Many times, folks in the communities hardest hit can move faster than big organizations. Reach out to your local library or social media pages tied to groups you know and see how you can support each other.
• Union halls and houses of worship, like churches and mosques, can be great resources for the community when disaster strikes. They don’t usually require membership to get the help you need, and they often have a community of folks who might help you feel less isolated as you get your bearings.