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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.
Even with preparation, emergencies can leave you facing new challenges, from finding shelter, replacing essentials, and restoring services, to taking care of your health and emotional well-being. 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. Recovery takes time, but you can take it one step at a time with help from federal, state, and local resources.
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
• Emergency Preparedness Guide
• MyHazards
• CalAlerts
• Listos California
• Ready.gov
• Medicare: Care in an Emergency
Quick Links
The first step is to connect with FEMA. They can help with disaster assistance and safe shelter.
Apply for disaster help:
First Steps to Recovery
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. Disasters can cause stress, grief, or anxiety, even weeks later. Accepting help from others is part of recovery.
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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Local Connections and Support
Healthcare and Medication Access
Rules for accessing healthcare may temporarily change during an emergency. If you have Medicare:
How to Replace Lost Documents
Avoiding Scams
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Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA shares tips on what to expect in this process.
Write down your FEMA registration ID – you’ll need it for all FEMA interactions.
FEMA assistance may include temporary housing assistance, repairs or replacements for vehicles and personal property, and certain medical and dental costs.
Find safe shelter:
Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362.
Red Cross shelters are accessible to all, welcome service animals, and offer help replacing medications, glasses, or mobility aids.
FEMA may also help with hotel stays or rental housing.
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Connect with meal programs, transportation, and other services while you are displaced.
Gather information on how to continue receiving care or assistance.
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You may see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
Prescription drug plans can help you refill or transfer prescriptions.
Medicare may pay to repair or replace durable medical equipment.
Create a Medicare account if you don’t already have one and learn more on the Medicare website.
If you have Medi-Cal:
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There’s flexibility in accessing prescriptions, behavioral health care, and medical providers outside your usual area.
Visit the Department of Health Care Services for details.
Emotional Well-Being
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Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 800-985-5990 anytime for counseling, referrals, and other support.
Friendship Line: Call 888-670-1360 to reach an emotional support warmline for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers; multiple languages are available.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for support anytime.
24/7 confidential support is available.
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Only share personal information with verified agencies or companies.
Report scams to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 866-223-0814.
Learn more at FEMA’s Disaster Fraud page.
After an emergency or disaster, scam artists often try to take advantage of disaster survivors.
Stay safe:
Recovery takes time, but you’re not alone. Support is available every step of the way, from replacing essentials to caring for your health and well-being. With patience, support, and the right resources, you can rebuild and move forward with confidence.
Resources to Help You Recover
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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
Find Medicare information during disasters
Get confidential counseling and support through the Disaster Distress Helpline
Find more resources on FEMA’s California State and Local Level Referrals page
Get free replacements for:
Identification and DMV Records
o Driver’s licenses
o ID cards
o Vehicle titles
Visit CA DMV - Natural Disaster Assistance online
Call 800-777-0133 (or TTY 800-735-2929 or 800-368-4327)
Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center
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Insurance Documents
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Insurance policy and Declaration Page
Contact your insurance company or agent to request:
o A copy of your insurance policy
o The Declaration Page, which summarizes the types, amounts, and terms of coverage
o You will need this to help determine eligibility for assistance from FEMA
Vital Records
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Birth, death, and marriage certificates
Request from the county recorder’s office where the event occurred
Find your County Office on the Country Registrars and Recorders page
Call 916-445-2684 (or TTY 711 or 800-735-2929)
Social Security
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Social Security card
Visit the Social Security Administration online
Visit your local Social Security office in person with a valid ID
Social Security representatives are also available at DRCs
Medicare
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Medicare card
Visit MyMedicare.gov (account required)
Calling 800-633-4227 (TTY 877-486-2048)
Visit your local Social Security Office in person
Tax Records
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Federal Tax Return
o Request Form 4506 from the Internal Revenue Service for a copy
California Tax Return
o Visit the Franchise Tax Board for a free copy
Passports
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U.S. Passport
o Visit the U.S. Department of State to report a lost passport
o Passport services are also available at DRCs
Immigration Documents
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Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
o Visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complete Form I-90
Military Records
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Visit the National Archives to submit a request for military records
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are a one-stop service center to replace lost documents and identification, register for disaster assistance, connect with state and local authorities, and more. Check the DRC Locator after an emergency.
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Independent Living Center (ILC) can also help you:
Even with preparation, emergencies can leave you facing new challenges, from finding shelter, replacing essentials, and restoring services, to taking care of your health and emotional well-being. 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. Recovery takes time, but you can take it one step at a time with help from federal, state, and local resources.
The first step is to connect with FEMA. They can help with disaster assistance and safe shelter.
Apply for disaster help:
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. Disasters can cause stress, grief, or anxiety, even weeks later. Accepting help from others is part of recovery.