Recovering After a Disaster
Recovering from a disaster can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Federal, state, and local organizations can help you find shelter, replace important documents, restore essential services, and access the support you need. Just take one step at a time.
First Steps to Recovery
Apply for disaster assistance:
For many federally declared disasters, your first step is to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Depending on the disaster and your eligibility, FEMA may help with:
- Temporary housing
- Home repairs
- Personal property replacement
- Disaster-related medical or dental expenses
- Other disaster-related needs
Find safe shelter and local support:
If you cannot safely stay in your home:
- Find an emergency shelter by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362.
- American Red Cross shelters are accessible, welcome service animals, and may help you replace medications, glasses, or mobility aids.
- FEMA may also help with hotel stays or rental housing.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to:
- Apply for disaster assistance
- Replace important documents
- Connect with federal, state, and local services
- Learn about additional recovery resources
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Independent Living Center (ILC) can help connect you with meal programs, transportation, caregiving support, and other community services while you recover.
Contact your insurance company or agent:
If your home or property was damaged, contact your insurance company as soon as it’s safe to do so. Request copies of your policy and your Declarations page. You may also want to take photos of the damage before beginning cleanup, if possible.
Continue Your Health Care
Even during an emergency, it's important to continue getting the health care and medications you need. If you have Medicare:
- You may be able to see other Medicare providers if your usual doctor or hospital is unavailable.
- You may be able to refill prescriptions or replace durable medical equipment.
- Learn more through Medicare's emergency resources.
If you have Medi-Cal:
- Temporary flexibility may allow you to access prescriptions, behavioral health care, and providers outside your usual service area.
- Visit the Department of Managed Health Care for current guidance.
Take Care of Your Emotional Well-Being
Recovering from a disaster can be stressful. It's normal to experience anxiety, grief, sadness, or loneliness during recovery. Reaching out for support can help.
Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day:
Protect Yourself from Scams
Unfortunately, disasters can create opportunities for scammers. Help protect yourself by:
- Sharing personal information only with trusted organizations.
- Being cautious of anyone asking for payment before providing disaster assistance.
- Reporting suspected fraud by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or calling 866-223-0814.
Resources to Help You Recover
Recovery takes time, and everyone's experience is different. Recovery is about more than rebuilding homes or replacing belongings — it's about restoring your health, reconnecting with your community, and getting the support you need to move forward, one step at a time.