DONATE NOW TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED IMPACTED BY HURRICANE HELENE.
The first thing to remember is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Whether the disaster is widespread or centralized, you are not the only one affected. Your neighbors, your town, your state can all be affected by the same disaster. Lean on each other and share information with each other. We all have access to different resources, share them. You will appreciate getting information and others will appreciate having information to resources that you have as well.
Where to look for resources
Social Media
In the age of technology and social media, looking for resources has never been easier. Facebook and Twitter are a wealth of information during and after a disaster. Search for key words with your town or county in them. For example if you are looking for flooding in Davenport IA, type flooding Davenport IA in your search. A long list of pages and groups as well as news articles will appear. Find exactly or as close to what you are looking at by searching social media.
Local Fire & Sheriff Departments
Search on social media and the internet for your local law enforcement and fire departments. They will usually keep the public up to date on information that is critical during a disaster.
Local & State Emergency Management
Search for your emergency management offices on the internet and social media. Most emergency management agencies will get critical information out in a timely manner when disaster strikes. This information could include shelters, evacuation routes, etc.
FEMA
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) will be a useful resource after the disaster impact. This process can be slow as it requires local. state and federal agencies to work together to get a Federal Disaster Declaration. Be proactive. As soon as you can file with FEMA, do it.