Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

When evacuating your home before or during a disaster, it’s important to prioritize your safety and bring essential items to ensure your well-being and survival. After an emergency you may need to survive on your own for several days. You should plan to take your emergency supply kit, which is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.  A basic emergency supply kit contains: 

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days) 
• Non-perishable food (at least a several days supply)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio 
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
•  Extra batteries 
• Whistle 
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)  
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties 
• Wrench or pliers 
• Manual can opener 
• Local maps 
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery 

While this is a great list of basics, remember that a truly effective emergency kit is tailored to your household. Take the time to consider your family’s individual needs and incorporate those into your emergency kit.  

To learn more about building an emergency kit, visit: Build A Kit | Ready.gov 

Choosing not to evacuate when ordered to do so can have severe consequences, including: 

• Injury or death. 

• Exposure to hazardous conditions. 

• Delayed rescue. 

Remember, evacuation orders are issued for your safety. By following these orders, you can significantly reduce your risk of harm and increase your chances of surviving a disaster. 

To learn more, visit Ready.gov: Evacuation. 

The best way to communicate with your loved ones after a disaster is to: 

• Use text messages instead of phone calls.  Phone systems are often overloaded or damaged following a disaster.  Text messages are more likely to get through during times of network congestion. 

• Use social media to stay in touch. Social media can be a great way to let your loved ones know that you are safe and to get updates on the situation. 

If you can make calls, do so only in emergencies to free up the cellular network for first responders. 

Losing contact with a loved one during a disaster can be incredibly distressing.  Here are some steps you can take to locate them: 

• Utilize social media: Post on social media platforms to inform your network and request assistance. 

• Contact local authorities: Reach out to local law enforcement agencies and emergency services.  

• Sign up with the Red Cross: The Red Cross often operates a Safe and Well website to help connect loved ones after disasters.  

• Check local shelters and hospitals: Visit shelters and hospitals to inquire about your loved one’s whereabouts. 

Remember to stay calm and patient. The process of locating a missing loved one can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. 

When disaster strikes, it’s crucial to rely on verified information to stay safe and make informed decisions.  Here are some reliable sources: 
 

Official Government Websites and Agencies 

• FEMA  

• State and Local Emergency Management Agencies 

• Local Governments 

Trusted News Outlets 

Look for well-established, credible news sources like major news networks, newspapers, and online news outlets. 

Social Media 

Follow the official social media of government agencies, emergency responders, and reputable news organizations. 

Tips 

• Cross-reference information and check multiple sources to confirm accuracy. 

• Verify the source and ensure the information comes from a credible source. 

To learn more, visit FEMA.gov to find the latest information about a disaster in your area.  

FEMA’s presence is initiated by an official request. Your state, tribal, or territorial government must formally request federal assistance before FEMA can deploy resources for disaster recovery. FEMA doesn’t automatically respond to every disaster. We operate at the invitation of the affected governing body.  

To be eligible for FEMA individual assistance, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Occupancy: You must have been living in the damaged property as your primary residence at the time of the disaster. 

• Ownership: You must own the damaged property or rent it. 

• Disaster Damage: Your home must have sustained disaster-caused damage that is not covered by insurance. 

• U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. 

Please note that specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the type of disaster and federal regulations.  

There are several ways to find out if you are eligible for assistance and apply: 

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, 7 AM to 10 PM (your time zone), seven days a week. Due to high call volume during a disaster, please expect longer wait times. We recommend calling in the morning or evening to minimize wait times.  

• During a disaster, the quickest way you can get answers about assistance eligibility is usually by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).  Not only is the wait time usually less, but DRCs also have one-on-one FEMA representatives in person. To find the closest DRC to you, you can use our DRC locator: FEMA.gov/DRC 

• Download the FEMA app for mobile devices. 

Emergency declarations can be issued at the local, state, territorial, tribal, and federal levels to activate resources and coordinate responses to disasters. 

State and local officials can issue emergency declarations to immediately mobilize local resources and implement emergency plans. This can occur before, during or immediately after the disaster occurs. If a disaster overwhelms state and local capacity, officials may request a presidential declaration. 

If approved, a presidential declaration triggers a federal response, providing additional resources and support. Federal agencies work with state and local governments to assess damage, determine needs, and allocate aid. This coordinated effort ensures a comprehensive response to large-scale disasters. Unlike an emergency declaration which can be issued before or immediately after a disaster, a presidential declaration can take a few days or even weeks to be issued. 

To learn more, visit How a Disaster Gets Declared.  

No, you can not apply for FEMA assistance after your governor makes an emergency declaration.  When a governor declares an emergency, it means that the state recognizes the severity of the situation and activates its own resources. This declaration is a prerequisite for states requesting federal assistance.  

A presidential declaration, which is based on the governor’s request and FEMA’s assessment of the damage, is issued when the disaster has surpassed the state’s capacity to handle.  Once a presidential major disaster declaration is made that includes your county, you can apply for FEMA assistance. 

In limited circumstances—based on the severity of the effects of an incident and whether debris on private property threatens public health and safety or the economic recovery of the community—FEMA may determine that debris removal from private property is eligible under the Public Assistance Program. In such cases, FEMA works with the state, local, tribal or territorial governments to designate specific areas where debris removal from private property, including private waterways, is eligible. The debris removal must be in the public interest, not merely benefiting an individual or a limited group of individuals.

If you need immediate assistance with debris removal from a disaster, check to see if a Crisis Cleanup Hotline has been set up in your area.