Disaster Preparedness Resources for Community Providers

Disaster Recovery Resources

The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies is the only U.S. disability-led organization with a focused mission of equity for people with disabilities throughout all planning, programs, services and procedures before, during and after disasters and emergencies via:

• Disability-led disaster response and community resilience

• Community engagement, organizing and leadership development

• Unwavering support for local disability organizations

Disability & Disaster Hotline

FEMA Disaster Assistance

FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides three major categories of disaster assistance, some of which may be available pursuant to an emergency declaration and/or a major disaster declaration:

• Public Assistance provides grants and direct assistance to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, for emergency work (e.g., debris removal and emergency protective measures), and permanent work (for rebuilding and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities).
• Individual Assistance supports disaster survivors, including through grants of financial assistance and direct assistance to affected individuals and households for housing and financial assistance for other needs, and crisis counseling (both may be authorized pursuant to either an emergency or major disaster declaration), as well as case management services, legal services, and disaster unemployment assistance (may only be authorized pursuant to a major disaster declaration).
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds mitigation and resiliency projects and programs, typically across the entire state or territory (can only be authorized pursuant to a major disaster declaration).

The forms of assistance authorized by a declaration may vary by the designated areas, per the declaration (subject to amendment).

The quickest way to apply is online at disasterassistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800.621.3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

Low-Interest Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800.659.2955.

Additional Resources

• FEMA Recovery and Resilience Resource Library
• American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Programs
• Transitional Shelter Assistance Fact Sheet
• Transitional Sheltering Assistance Talking Points
• FEMA Emergency Lodging Assistance User Guide
• Protocols for Requesting Church World Service (CWS) Disaster Kits & Blankets
• Survivor Resources Flyer
• Help After a Disaster FEMA Brochure
• Collecting and Protecting Disaster Survivor’s Information

Disaster Planning Resources

For general tips on how people with disabilities can prepare for a disaster, visit:

• Make a Plan: Individuals with Disabilities (ReadyGov)
• Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
• Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities (U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
• LTSS Emergency Food Plan Preparedness and Relief (My25)
• Offer of Civil Rights Compliance Assistance from DOJ and DHS to State and Local Emergency Management Agencies (ADA.gov)
• Ensuring Language Access and Effective Communications During Response and Recovery: A Checklist for Emergency Responders (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
• Capacity-Building Toolkit for Including Aging and Disability Networks in Emergency Planning (National Association of City & County Health Officials)
• Emergency Preparedness for PWD Before a Disaster (American Association of People with Disabilities)