If disaster has damaged your neighborhood or home, your first priority should be safety. Follow these guidelines to protect you, your family and others.

First Steps
Check For Injuries	If anyone is injured or extremely distressed, seek immediate medical attention.
Check On Neighbors	Children, elderly or disabled neighbors who may have been alone during the disaster should be a priority.
Stay Out Of Your Home	If your home is severely damaged, stay out of it. Structural damage could cause ceilings or floors to collapse. Damaged wires or gas leaks could pose other risks.
Report Hazards	Notify authorities immediately if you observe the following. Downed power lines. Gas leaks. Washed-out roads. Water over a road. Damaged bridges or walls.
Stay Off Streets	Allow emergency workers to move quickly. Stay out of their way as they provide aid.
Listen For Instructions	Listen to news reports and emergency updates for instructions on what to do, where to go and how to obtain disaster relief services. Use a battery-powered radio or car radio if power is out.
Contact Your Insurer	Notify your insurance provider of damage to your property. Ask what steps you should follow to submit a claim.

Seek Assistance

Local news sources generally report where and how to obtain emergency help. You may also contact the following organizations.

American Red Cross (866) GET-INFO (438-4636) www.redcross.org	Provides for immediate needs, such as first aid, emergency housing, food and water. Offers mental health services. Provides clean-up kits when a disaster warrants it.
Salvation Army (800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769) www.salvationarmyusa.org	Provides food and water, emergency housing, cleanup and restoration services, clothing and other living supplies and spiritual and emotional care.
FEMA (800) 621-FEMA (3362) www.fema.gov	Can provide housing assistance if your home was severely damaged or destroyed. Also provides financial assistance, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment support, legal advice and other services in areas declared major disasters.
Volunteers of America (800) 899-0089 www.voa.org	May offer basic provisions such as water, food and clothing for those in need.
State And Local Offices Of Emergency Preparedness	A disaster recovery center may be established in or near your community where you can meet with federal, state, local and volunteer agency representatives.
Community Groups	Local churches, service organizations (such as the Rotary Club or Knights of Columbus) and large employers may offer help.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) www.fcc.gov/pshs/services/eas/	Warns the public about emergency situations through local television stations, satellite radio, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) or cable systems.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards (NOAA) www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr	Broadcasts continuous weather information, including National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.

Next: Returning Home

Updated Thursday, August 14, 2008

HELPFUL FORMS & LISTS

Damage Assessment Checklist