Last hurricane season was both devastating and catastrophic for many citizens across the United States. Millions of people were displaced, in need of emergency support, and seeking federal benefits. While we are still in the process of rebuilding and restoring what was lost, Benefits.gov wants to be sure you and your loved ones have the information you need to be prepared for the next hurricane season.
Identify your resources
There are many resources available to help you prepare for hurricane season. Free and easy to use websites, such as Ready.gov and DisasterAssistance.gov, provide tools and information on both preparation and post-storm assistance. DisasterAssiastance.gov provides information on federal and locally administered benefits for people who have been affected by a natural disaster. You can also apply and check the status of your application, directly from the site. Benefits.gov also has resources available, such as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program and the Casualties Disasters and Thefts Program, that you might be eligible for if you have been impacted by a hurricane.
Know your risks
According to Ready.gov, it’s important to know your level of risk for being affected by a hurricane. Depending on your geographic location, you can determine how significant your impact could be for this upcoming season. Pay attention to your local news and weather outlets providing insight on what’s expected this season. You can also sign up for your community’s warning system, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, which provides emergency alerts and updates.
Prepare your home
Another important thing to do when preparing for hurricane season is to prepare your home. According to Ready.gov, families should consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices. Additional recommendations include cutting down trees at risk of falling and cleaning your gutters to prevent leaks and water damage. For more information, visit the American Red Cross for resources on hurricane safety and protecting your home.
We hope these tips and resources will be helpful for you this hurricane season. For information on emergency aid and disaster benefits, please visit DisasterAssiatance.gov. To determine your eligibility for over 1,000 benefit resources, take the Benefit Finder questionnaire.