Utilizing federal resources during a natural or man-made disaster is crucial for ensuring a coordinated, effective response that saves lives, restores critical infrastructure, and provides essential support to affected communities. These resources—including funding, personnel, equipment, and expertise—augment local and state capabilities, helping to accelerate recovery and minimize long-term impacts.
Federal Government Resources
1. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
🔗 https://www.fema.gov
What it offers: Disaster response, emergency preparedness guides, financial assistance for disaster survivors, shelter information, and support for rebuilding after federally declared disasters.
2. Ready.gov (Department of Homeland Security)
🔗 https://www.ready.gov
What it offers: Step-by-step preparedness guides for different disasters, emergency plan templates, and public safety education. Excellent for creating family or community emergency plans.
3. DisasterAssistance.gov
🔗 https://www.disasterassistance.gov
What it offers: Centralized portal to apply for federal disaster aid (FEMA, SBA, HUD, etc.). Check eligibility, track applications, and find local assistance programs.
4. CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
🔗 https://emergency.cdc.gov
What it offers: Public health information on bioterrorism, infectious diseases, natural disasters, and emergency responses. Guidance on staying safe and healthy before, during, and after disasters.
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Emergency Preparedness
🔗 https://www.phe.gov
What it offers: Health-specific emergency preparedness info, medical and public health response, and mental health resources after disasters.
6. National Weather Service (NWS)
🔗 https://www.weather.gov
What it offers: Real-time weather alerts, forecasts, and storm tracking for all U.S. regions. Offers warnings for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and more.
7. National Hurricane Center (NHC)
🔗 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov
What it offers: Official hurricane tracking, forecasts, and preparedness information during hurricane season.
8. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Disaster Assistance
🔗 https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
What it offers: Low-interest loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace property damaged by disasters.
9. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Disaster Resources
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/info/disasterresources
What it offers: Housing relief programs, temporary shelter help, and long-term recovery options after federally declared disasters.
10. National Guard Bureau
🔗 https://www.nationalguard.com
What it offers: Deploys in support of state and federal emergency response operations—providing logistics, security, and relief services.
11. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Emergency Management
🔗 https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response
What it offers: Information on hazardous materials response, environmental cleanup, and safety during chemical, oil, or radiological emergencies.
12. U.S. Forest Service – Fire and Aviation Management
🔗 https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire
What it offers: Wildfire response coordination, fire forecasts, and evacuation resources related to forest fires.
🚨 Non-Government National Relief Organizations
13. American Red Cross
🔗 https://www.redcross.org
What it offers: Emergency shelter, food, water, disaster recovery, emotional support, health and safety services. Also provides blood donations and CPR/First Aid training. Active on the ground during disasters.
14. National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
🔗 https://www.nvoad.org
What it offers: Coordinates major disaster relief organizations to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and long-term recovery help.
15. 211 (United Way)
🔗 https://www.211.org
What it offers: Localized assistance via phone or web—housing help, food, crisis counseling, utility assistance, and referrals during emergencies.
16. Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
🔗 https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/help-disaster-survivors
What it offers: Food and water, shelter, cleanup kits, emotional and spiritual care during and after disasters.
🔎 Bonus: Search Tools
-
FEMA Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play
Get real-time alerts, emergency safety tips, and shelter locations. -
Find Open Shelters (Red Cross)
🔗 https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html