To get ready for hurricane season, it’s important to know what resources are available to you and where to find them. Benefits.gov is here to help you find emergency and disaster relief in the event of a disaster.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security hosts Ready.gov to share information to help you prepare for disasters. For hurricanes, they recommend the following steps to prepare your home for a hurricane and stay safe during the storm:
- Know your risk – hurricanes are not just a threat for beach towns and islands. Hurricanes can carry heavy storms and even cause tornadoes far inland from the storm.
- De-clutter drains and gutters and bring in outside furniture.
- Make an emergency plan and go over it with your family.
- Prepare to evacuate by knowing your evacuation routes, and where the nearest emergency shelter is.
- Keep your cellphone charged and consider using surge protectors for any electronics you may leave behind if you must leave your home.
- Gather enough supplies for your family in case you can’t re-supply for days or weeks after the hurricane.
- Cut down or trim trees close to your home and clear your yard of large branches that could be carried by the wind.
It’s also important to know how to get information about storms heading your way. Download the FEMA mobile app to receive notifications from the National Weather Service for your location. Sign up for community alerts and listen to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio for emergency notifications in your area. Make sure to read the latest COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and consider how the pandemic may affect your planning.
Resources Available to You
Benefits.gov offers information on many programs to help if you have been affected by a hurricane, or any other type of disaster. The Disaster Relief category includes the following relief programs:
- Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Program
- National Flood Insurance Program
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- Home and Disaster Property Loans
DisasterAssistance.gov provides even more information on hurricane preparation and recovery. DisasterAssistance.gov has up to date resources for recent disasters. You can apply for aid directly on the website, as well as check the status of your application. As well, to check if you’re eligible for over 1,000 other benefits, use the Benefit Finder questionnaire on Benefits.gov.
For the latest information on emergency aid and disaster areas, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and take the Benefit Finder on Benefits.gov to determine your eligibility for disaster relief.
