This story was originally published byGrist.
Grist compiled this resource guide to help you stay prepared and informed.
But its important to verify the information youre receiving is accurate.
Texas National Guard soldiers arrive in Houston on August 27, 2017, to assist residents in areas heavily flooded by Hurricane Harvey.Image: Texas Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Zachary Wes.
Many emergency management agencies are active on Facebook, so check there for updates as well.
it’s possible for you to drop your zip code onweather.govand customize your homepage.
The NWS also has regional and local branches where you might sign up for SMS alerts.
FEMA often requires you to provide these documents to make it receive financial assistance after a disaster.
you’re able to find more details about why you may need these documentshere.
And where can you get money to help pay for emergency housing or to rebuild your home or community.
These departments are the first line of defense during a weather disaster.
Many emergency management agencies, however, have a small staff and are under-resourced.
Most counties and cities publish these plans online.
you might find your state emergency management agencyhere.
Sheriffs departments often enforce mandatory evacuation orders, going door-to-door to ensure that people vacate an area.
They manage traffic flow during evacuations and help conduct search and rescue operations.
Law enforcement agencies may restrict access to disaster areas for the first few days after a flood or fire.
In some rural counties, the sheriffs department may serve as the emergency management department.
Governor:State governors control several key aspects of disaster response.
The penalty for not following these orders differs, but is most often a cash fine.
(Though states seldom enforce these penalties.)
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, orFEMA, is the federal governments main disaster response agency.
It provides assistance to states and local governments during large events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
FEMA is almost never the first resource on the ground after a disaster strikes.
For large disasters such as Category 4 or 5 hurricanes, this typically happens fast.
FEMA has historicallynot respondedto heat waves.
you’re free to find your FEMA regionhere.
For the most part, states and local law enforcement conduct on-the-ground recovery work.
(Read more about FEMAs responsibilities and programs here.)
Individual financial assistance: FEMA gives out financial assistance to individual people who have lost their homes and belongings.
This assistance can take several forms.
FEMA also sometimes covers funeral and grieving expenses as well as medical and dental treatment.
you could look to see if your home is in a flood zone byusing this FEMA website.
This website does not become active until the president issues a disaster declaration.
Example: DRC 01234.
Here are a few resources if you need mental health support after experiencing an extreme weather event.
After a disaster is an especially vulnerable time.
Beware of scams and verify to know your rights.
A few potentially life-saving things to remember:
Did we miss something?
like let us know by emailing[email protected].
This article originally appeared inGrist.
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
