Disaster Assistance Resources

Disasters can happen at any time so it is important to be prepared and understand basic proper responses to an emergency. There are several federal agencies that can assist and provide guidance during and after an emergency. Disaster Assistance.gov is a site dedicated to providing answers in the face of an emergency from 17 contributing U.S. Government agencies on fifty different disasters. Executive Order 13411 required that the government provide access to help and assistance in the wake of a disaster in an easy to find and understand format. DisasterAssistance.gov allows a person to apply for disaster assistance online and for various types of assistance by filling out a single form.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is a consolidation of numerous federal agencies that deal with various forms of disaster assistance. This consolidation occurred in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter’s Executive Order 12127. In 2003 it became part of the Department of Homeland Security. The FEMA website provides information on planning for a variety of disasters and how to protect your family and your property. FEMA also offers online applications for assistance and information for farms or businesses damaged during a disaster.

The American Red Cross provides local assistance in the event of a disaster. The Red Cross provides food, shelter, and clothing for those who have lost everything. The Red Cross also provides information and access to therapy and counseling services for people requiring this type of assistance. The Red Cross provides tips for people preparing for disasters including steps to stay safe when a disaster occurs while at work or school. Local chapters may be found on the Red Cross website.

USA.gov is a government run site providing access to various topics of interest in the federal government. This includes information about disaster assistance and how to prepare. This site also provides resources about determining whether or not it is safe to stay home or if evacuation is the safest solution.


Special lists of resources are available for people with disabilities and for Spanish speakers.

Written by Brooke Jennings, Law Librarian Fellow