Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

While recovering from a disaster, you may find yourself or your family struggling emotionally. These emotions are normal and part of the recovery process. It’s important to know when to seek emotional or spiritual help.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a 24/7, year-round, confidential, multi-lingual crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders, and anyone in the U.S. struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. You can call or text 800-985-5990 to connect with a trained mental health professional.

American Sign Language (ASL) users may also call 800-985-5990 through their videophone to connect with trained DDH counselors fluent in ASL or access the “ASL Now” option via the DDH website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a Disaster App. There, you can learn about resources that may be available to help you cope with the aftermath of a disaster.

Signs of emotional distress may include:

• Overwhelming sadness
• Frequent waves of fear, guilt, and anxiety
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Hypervigilant of weather and other potential disasters
• Anger affecting relationships with family and friends
• Nightmares or replaying the events of the disaster
• Difficulty readjusting to home or work life
• Difficulty talking about what happened or listening to others talk about it

If you recognize that you are struggling after a disaster, here are some activities you can try to help relieve the stress:

• Talk with others. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or faith-based leader to explore what meaning the event may have for you.
• Stretch and move your body to get rid of the buildup of extra stress hormones. Try simple moves like walking, or meditating if possible
• Take deep and calming breaths
• Listen to music. Create a relaxing playlist for yourself and listen to it often
• Self-care is important. Take time to ensure you are getting enough rest and stay well hydrated

For more ways to help cope, check out Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s fact sheet.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are temporary offices set up after a disaster to provide support to impacted areas and communities. These offices may assist with the application process, answer questions about your application, and help you submit information to FEMA. You may also visit other disaster support partners (Small Business Administration, the Red Cross, etc.) at a DRC.

DRCs offer information and assistance after a disaster. Services may vary by location, but commonly allow you to:

• Learn about disaster assistance programs
• Apply for disaster assistance
• Check the status of your FEMA application
• Get help understanding FEMA notices or letters
• Find housing and rental assistance information
• Get referrals to agencies that offer other varying types of assistance
• Meet with representatives from the Small Business Administration

Please visit the DRC Locator to help you find you find the hours, services, and locations of local DRCs.

To find the closest DRC, use the DRC Locator

Or text DRC and a ZIP Code to 43362. Example: DRC 01234 (standard text messaging rates apply).

DRCs are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistance and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. Example: Shelter 01234 (standard text messaging rates apply).

Shelters often have policies regarding pets. When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do their best to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably. However, depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.  

Animal shelters may be: cohabitated - shelters place animals and owners in the same space; or collocated - placing animals within local commuting distance of their owners or standalone.

 Service animals are always welcome in emergency shelters.