September marks the 16th annual National Preparedness Month, a program sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The goal of National Preparedness Month is to educate and prepare the public for emergencies, including natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies, and terrorist attacks. Benefits.gov encourages fellow Americans to participate in activities across the nation to promote emergency preparedness.
Here are some tips to help you and your family prepare for a disaster:
- Make or buy an emergency kit that includes emergency water supplies, food supplies, and a recommended emergency supply kit.
- Prepare an emergency plans with friends and family in the event you are not together when disaster strikes. Discuss plans to contact and meet up with one another.
- Stay informed by checking all media sources to be up to date with emergency information regarding shelter and evacuation orders.
- Get involved by taking a first aid or emergency training course, participating in community service exercises, or volunteering to be a local first responder.
In addition to preparing for emergency situations, below are some available programs that may help in the event of a disaster:
Disaster Legal Services
The Disaster Legal Services Program provides legal assistance to low-income individuals who, prior to or as a result of a presidentially declared major disaster, are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their disaster-related need.
FEMA Housing Portal
The FEMA Housing Portal helps displaced individuals or families to search for available rental housing identified by federal agencies, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Agriculture, Veterans Administration, along with other private organizations. Visit FEMA’s Interim Housing Resources Page for additional resources or to search available rental units in your region.
Transitional Sheltering Assistance
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program (TSA) provides temporary housing assistance for evacuees who are not able to return home for an extended or indeterminate period of time following a disaster. Before applying, you must register with FEMA, pass identity verification, prove that your primary residence is in a geographic area that is designated for TSA, and indicate that you have been displaced from and are not currently living in your primary residence.
To expand your search for Emergency Assistance Programs, try using our Benefit Finder to find a program best suited for your situation. You can also browse the Disaster Relief category.
