After a major storm, houses may be flooded or damaged and the recovery process can be tough physically and mentally. Below are new “Post Disaster” safety tips that you can download and share with your residents on Neighbors.
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Start Your Recovery Process
Sample message:
"FEMA aids individuals and families who have disaster caused damages to their homes as a result of a presidentially declared disaster. FEMA can help with other assistance needs, such as disaster-caused childcare needs, disaster medical expenses or necessary clean-up items.
FEMA does not provide assistance for small businesses impacted by a disaster. FEMA’s partner, the Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low interest loans for business damage. Also, we do not offer housing assistance for secondary homes, only for your primary residence."
Source: FEMA
Comience Su Proceso de Recuperación
Sample message:
"FEMA ayuda a las personas y familias que han sufrido por desastre en sus hogares como resultado de un desastre declarado por el presidente. FEMA puede ayudar con otras necesidades de asistencia, como las necesidades de cuidado de niños causadas por el desastre, los gastos médicos del desastre o los artículos de limpieza necesarios.
FEMA no brinda asistencia a las pequeñas empresas afectadas por un desastre. El socio de FEMA, la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance), ofrece préstamos a bajo interés por daños comerciales. Además, no ofrecemos asistencia de vivienda para viviendas secundarias, solo para su residencia principal."
Source: FEMA
Is Your Power Still Out?
Sample message:
"Turn off the power at the main breaker in your house if the device is still plugged in. Wait for an electrician to check the device before using it.
If you have to use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire. Always stay near lit candles and keep two fire extinguishers on hand."
Source: FEMA
Assistance After A Major Storm
Sample message:
"The following types of assistance may be provided by FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program:
-Temporary Housing Assistance: Financial assistance to homeowners or renters to rent a temporary place to live if your home is unlivable because of the disaster, and you have no insurance coverage for temporary housing. If there are no rental properties are available, as a last resort, a government housing unit may be provided in some areas.
-Lodging Expenses Reimbursement: Reimbursement of hotel expenses for homeowners or renters for short periods of time due to inaccessibility or utility outage, if not covered by insurance or any other program.
-Home Repair: Financial assistance to homeowners to repair disaster-caused damage to their primary residence, when the damage is not covered by insurance, to make the home safe, sanitary, and fit to occupy. This assistance may include funds for hazard mitigation measures, such as roof, furnace, water heater, or main electrical panel mitigation, to help reduce the amount of damage to the home in future disasters, if those items were damaged by the disaster.
-Home Replacement: Financial assistance to homeowners to help replace their home destroyed in the disaster, when the damage is not covered by insurance.
-Permanent Housing Construction: Direct or financial assistance for the construction or repair of a home. This type of help occurs only in certain unique cases where no other type of housing assistance is possible."
Source: FEMA
Don’t Use Generators In Your Home!
Sample message:
"-Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO). This can include equipment like generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death.
-Never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
-Use a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel.
-If you have a CO detector and it starts beeping, leave your home right away and call 911"
Source: FEMA
Is Your Home or Neighborhood Flooded?
Sample message:
"-Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
-Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
-If you have to be in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket—especially if the water is rising.
-Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in floodwater. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer. Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other contaminants that can make you sick."
Source: FEMA
Tips For Removing Debris
Sample message:
"Cleaning up your home can be a big job. Please follow these tips:
-Wear the right gear: hard hats, gloves, and eye protection.
-Use teams to move heavy/bulky objects.
-Pace yourself.
-Take precaution when using a chainsaw.
-Don’t touch down powerlines, this can cause serious injury or even death.
-Do not block the roadway with debris."
Source: FEMA