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RECOVERING
AFTER AN
EMERGENCY
Disaster Resilience:
NEW STORY!
1. Sign up for emergency alerts: Visit CalAlerts.org to sign up for alerts in your area. Consider signing up for alerts in an older loved one’s area too.
You’ve developed an emergency plan taking your specific circumstances and needs into account, so you’re prepared for a natural disaster or other emergency...but have you considered how you might recover after an emergency? The sense of fear and uncertainty can be overwhelming, but there are federal, state, and local resources available to help your recovery.
Emergency recovery focuses on providing immediate support and access to necessary services after a disaster. The first step for survivors in many emergencies is through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. FEMA is usually on the ground quickly to help emergency survivors. You can immediately apply for disaster assistance, which covers needs like temporary housing assistance, replacement or repair of vehicles and personal property, and medical and dental costs.
2. Make a disaster-ready plan: Create a list of contact information you may need; decide where to meet if you’re separated from loved ones; practice your plan.
3. Pack a go bag: To grab when you need to leave quickly, including important documents and items for each family member, keys, wallet, identification, phone and charger, and medication.
4. Pack a stay box: Include basic supplies for when you can’t leave home, such as food that won’t spoil, water, a flashlight, trash bags, and medication – enough for three days.
5. Help friends and neighbors: Exchange contact information with your neighbors and plan how you might work together in an emergency.
• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Medication, especially prescriptions
• list of prescriptions
• Eyeglasses
• Copies of important documents
• List of important phone numbers
• Cash
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• FIRST AID KIT
• WHISTLE, TO SIGNAL FOR HELP
• MOIST TOWELETTES, GARBAGE BAGS, AND PLASTIC
TIES FOR PERSONAL SANITATION
• PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
• MANUAL CAN OPENER
• CELL PHONE CHARGER
• BACKUP BATTERY
What should older adults put in a
go bag?
Trusted connections with family, friends, caregivers, and healthcare providers are crucial to ensure older adults’ and adults with disabilities’ needs are met during emergencies. Important considerations include:
5 Readiness Actions
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are a one-stop service center for replacing lost documents and identification, registering for disaster assistance, connecting with state and local authorities, and more. FEMA provides a DRC Locator if you need help learning where to go.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Independent Living Center (ILC) in your area are both service providers and your connections to local resources. Whether its learning about meal options or how you can receive services while you’re displaced, your AAA or ILC can help.
The Eldercare Locator from the Administration for Community Living can connect older adults and their families to resources. Out-of-town loved ones can also use this resource to help connect displaced family members with local assistance. Visit the Eldercare Locator online or call 800-677-1116.
• Emergency Preparedness Guide
• MyHazards
• CalAlerts
• Listos California
• Ready.gov
• Medicare: Care in an Emergency
Quick Links
The fastest way to apply for FEMA’s disaster assistance is through disasterassistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. When you apply for disaster assistance, you’ll receive a FEMA registration ID. Write it down, as you will need it for all of your FEMA interactions. Learn about the whole disaster assistance process on FEMA’s website.
Find shelter through FEMA, the Red Cross, or local organizations. Search for open shelters near you by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. Red Cross shelters are open and accessible to all people, including older adults and individuals with disabilities. Service animals are welcome, and in-shelter services include help obtaining prescription medication, replacing things like glasses and walkers, and emotional support. FEMA may also provide lodging expense reimbursement or rental assistance.
First Steps to Recovery
Taking Care of Yourself
WATER
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD
MEDICATION, ESPECIALLY PRESCRIPTIONS
LIST OF PRESCRIPTIONS
EYEGLASSES
COPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
LIST OF IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
CASH
FLASHLIGHT AND EXTRA BATTERIES
FIRST AID KIT
WHISTLE, TO SIGNAL FOR HELP
MOIST TOWELETTES, GARBAGE BAGS, AND PLASTIC TIES FOR PERSONAL SANITATION
PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
MANUAL CAN OPENER
CELL PHONE CHARGER
BACKUP BATTERY
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Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way, and everyone has different needs and different ways of coping. Older adults who are displaced by a disaster are especially at risk of social isolation and loneliness. Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover. Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event. It’s normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and friends. Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
You can call the toll-free, multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline for confidential counseling, referrals, and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters can call or text 800-985-5990. The Friendship Line, an emotional support warmline, is available in multiple languages at 888-670-1360 to provide support and a friendly ear for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. You can also call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline at 988 for support any time of day or night.
Resources
Apply for Disaster Assistance from FEMA
Find Emergency Shelter
Locate a Disaster Recovery Center
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for support
Contact your local Independent Living Center for support
Use the Eldercare Locator for information and assistance
Find Medicare information during disasters
Get confidential counseling and support through the Disaster Distress Helpline
Talk with a friendly person on the Friendship Line
Find more resources on FEMA’s California State and Local Level Referrals page
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What’s Next?
Healthcare Access
Rules for getting health care may change for a short time during an emergency or disaster. If you have Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. If you have Medicare drug coverage, contact your plan for help to refill or transfer prescriptions. Medicare may also pay to repair or replace durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and diabetic supplies. Learn more on the Medicare website.
Medi-Cal members also have flexibility during an emergency. The Department of Health Care Services has tips and instructions for accessing prescription medication, behavioral health support, medical providers, and more.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are a one-stop service center for replacing lost documents and identification, registering for disaster assistance, connecting with state and local authorities, and more. FEMA provides a DRC Locator if you need help learning where to go.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Independent Living Center (ILC) in your area are both service providers and your connections to local resources. Whether it's learning about meal options or how you can receive services while you’re displaced, your AAA or ILC can help.
The Eldercare Locator from the Administration for Community Living can connect older adults and their families to resources. Out-of-town loved ones can also use this resource to help connect displaced family members with local assistance. Visit the Eldercare Locator online or call 800-677-1116.
After an emergency or disaster, scam artists often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Visit FEMA’s Disaster Fraud page for tips to protect your identity and stay informed. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately: email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 866-223-0814.
Recovering from a disaster isn’t easy, but step by step, you can rebuild. Whether it’s replacing lost documents, applying for disaster assistance, or simply taking care of your emotional well-being, there are resources available when you need them.
Watch for Fraud and Scams
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can help provide free replacements for lost driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle titles. Visit CA DMV - Natural Disaster Assistance online, call 800-777-0133 (or TTY 800-735-2929 or 800-368-4327 for hearing or speech impaired), or visit a DRC.
Call your insurance company or agent and ask for a copy of your insurance policy, including the Declaration Page, which summarizes the types and amounts of coverage you have and how long it lasts. You will need this to help determine the amount of certain types of assistance from FEMA.
Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates should be requested from the county recorder’s office in the county where the event occurred. Find yours through the California Department of Public Health’s Country Registrars and Recorders page or call 916-445-2684; call 711 or 800-735-2929 for Telecommunications Relay Services.
Contact the Social Security Administration online to replace your Social Security card or visit your local Social Security office and fill out an application for a Social Security card in person with a valid ID. Social Security representatives are also available at DRCs.
Replace Medicare cards by calling 800-633-4227 (TTY 877-486-2048), visiting your local Social Security Office, or visiting MyMedicare.gov.
Visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete Form I-90, the application to replace a Permanent Resident Card/Green Card.
Visit the U.S. Department of State to report a lost U.S. passport. Passport services personnel are also available at DRCs.
Request Form 4506 for a copy of your federal tax return from the Internal Revenue Service.
Visit the Franchise Tax Board to get a free copy of your California tax return.
Visit the National Archives for information on how to submit a request for military records.
How to Replace Lost Documents
Watch for Fraud and Scams
First Steps to Recovery
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are a one-stop service center for replacing lost documents and identification, registering for disaster assistance, connecting with state and local authorities, and more. FEMA provides a DRC Locator if you need help learning where to go.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Independent Living Center (ILC) in your area are both service providers and your connections to local resources. Whether it's learning about meal options or how you can receive services while you’re displaced, your AAA or ILC can help.
The Eldercare Locator from the Administration for Community Living can connect older adults and their families to resources. Out-of-town loved ones can also use this resource to help connect displaced family members with local assistance. Visit the Eldercare Locator online or call 800-677-1116.
Healthcare Access
Rules for getting health care may change for a short time during an emergency or disaster. If you have Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. If you have Medicare drug coverage, contact your plan for help to refill or transfer prescriptions. Medicare may also pay to repair or replace durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and diabetic supplies. Learn more on the Medicare website.
Medi-Cal members also have flexibility during an emergency. The Department of Health Care Services has tips and instructions for accessing prescription medication, behavioral health support, medical providers, and more.
After an emergency or disaster, scam artists often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Visit FEMA’s Disaster Fraud page for tips to protect your identity and stay informed. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately: email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 866-223-0814.
Recovering from a disaster isn’t easy, but step by step, you can rebuild. Whether it’s replacing lost documents, applying for disaster assistance, or simply taking care of your emotional well-being, there are resources available when you need them.
Watch for Fraud and Scams
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can help provide free replacements for lost driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle titles. Visit CA DMV - Natural Disaster Assistance online, call 800-777-0133 (or TTY 800-735-2929 or 800-368-4327 for hearing or speech impaired), or visit a DRC.
Call your insurance company or agent and ask for a copy of your insurance policy, including the Declaration Page, which summarizes the types and amounts of coverage you have and how long it lasts. You will need this to help determine the amount of certain types of assistance from FEMA.
Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates should be requested from the county recorder’s office in the county where the event occurred. Find yours through the California Department of Public Health’s Country Registrars and Recorders page or call 916-445-2684; call 711 or 800-735-2929 for Telecommunications Relay Services.
Contact the Social Security Administration online to replace your Social Security card or visit your local Social Security office and fill out an application for a Social Security card in person with a valid ID. Social Security representatives are also available at DRCs.
Replace Medicare cards by calling 800-633-4227 (TTY 877-486-2048), visiting your local Social Security Office, or visiting MyMedicare.gov.
Visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete Form I-90, the application to replace a Permanent Resident card/Green Card.
Visit the U.S. Department of State to report a lost U.S. passport. Passport services personnel are also available at DRCs.
Request Form 4506 for a copy of your federal tax return from the Internal Revenue Service.
Visit the Franchise Tax Board to get a free copy of your California tax return.
Visit the National Archives for information on how to submit a request for military records.
How to Replace Lost Documents
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WHAT'S NEXT
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