Strategies for Remaining Vigilant and Updated About Severe Climatic Events
From coasts to the heart of the country, extreme weather can smack your neighborhood, leaving you with power outages, flooded homes, and dangerous conditions. In the realm of hurricanes, it's those coastal regions; in the Midwest or South, it's tornadoes; in the West, wildfires; and well, we've seen everywhere succumb to heat waves or flash flooding.
Navigating through a disaster's onslaught and aftermath can be emotionally taxing, with losses ranging from life's basics to conflicting tidbits of information about where to access aid. Recovering from it can be even tougher, as the media spotlight fades and civic services and events grind to a halt, leaving many to wonder what next?
To guide you through, our pals at Grist have put together this comprehensive resource guide. It covers everything from staying ahead of the weather forecast to signing up for emergency alerts, and sheds light on the roles agencies play in disaster recovery. Think of it as your survival kit for wild disasters.
So, let's dive in, shall we?
Where to find lightning-fast facts on nature's fury
In this social media-driven world, it's easy to get weather updates via platforms like Facebook and Twitter - but it's equally important to verify the facts. Here comes your cheat sheet on how to spot the most accurate forecasts and get emergency alerts and updates:
Your local emergency manager: Your city or county will have an emergency management department, part of the local government. In larger cities, it's often a separate agency; in smaller communities, it might fall to the fire chief or sheriff's office. They're responsible for communicating with the public and coordinating with different agencies. Many emergency management agencies are active on Facebook, so do give them a follow for updates. And yes! Don't forget to sign up for their SMS alerts via your local website.
Local news: The local TV news, along with the social media accounts from verified news sources, will likely provide live updates on the storm. Give your local newspaper and TV station a follow on Facebook or other platforms, or check their websites frequently.
Weather stations and apps: The Weather Channel, Apple Weather, and Google will provide information on major storms, but you shouldn't rely on them solely, especially for smaller-scale weather events.
National Weather Service (NWS): This agency, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, provides information and updates on everything from wildfires to hurricanes to air quality. Create your personalized homepage on weather.gov by entering your zip code. The NWS also has regional and local branches, where you can sign up for SMS alerts. If you find your locality not highlighted on their maps, be sure to keep an eye out for local alerts and evacuation orders - the NWS might not have as much info ahead of time.
Putting together an emergency kit: equip your survival pack
Before the storm strikes, prepare an emergency kit to keep you safe, hydrated, and healthy. Check out this list from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure you're prepped for disaster:
Gather as many items as possible ahead of time, as storms often deplete store supplies. If you're low on funds, reach out to local disaster aid organizations, houses of worship, or charities to find out if they offer free or inexpensive kits.
Some essentials you can't miss:
- At least one gallon of water per person per day for a few days
- A several-day supply of non-perishable food and matching can opener
- Medications and proof of medical needs, such as glasses
- Identification documents (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, spare batteries, flashlight
- First aid kit
- Masks, hand sanitizer, and trash bags
- Household tools, like a wrench or pliers
- Your fully-charged smartphone with chargers and a backup battery
- Items for little ones, such as diapers, wipes, baby food, and medications for pets
Remember: Documents are crucial in proving residency, demonstrating damage, and voting. FEMA often requires these in order to provide financial assistance. Government-issued ID, such as your driver's license, for each member of your household; proof of citizenship or legal residency, like a passport or green card if you're not a native citizen; social security card for each member of your household; medical documents; health and car insurance cards; pre-disaster pics of your house's interior and exterior; copy of your homeowners' or renters' insurance policy; for homeowners: copies of your deed, mortgage information, and flash flood insurance policy if you have one; for renters: a copy of your lease; and financial documents like a checkbook.
Learn more about why you may need these documents [here].
Disaster 101: deciding who to trust and what to do before, during, and after a disaster
When natural disasters strike, it's tough to know who to count on. From figuring out official evacuation orders to understanding who to call for rescue - there's a lot to wrap your head around. Here's who does what during a disaster:
Emergency management agencies: Most cities and counties have local emergency management departments, part of the local government. Some are separate agencies; in smaller communities, they might fall to the fire chief or sheriff's office. These departments handle everything from crafting response plans and delegating responsibilities to different agencies during a disaster to communicating with the public and coordinating rescue and recovery efforts. Members from these departments are usually the most reliable resource a few days prior and post-hurricane or big storm. They'll send out alerts and warnings, help manage evacuations, and direct survivors to resources and shelters.
You can find your state's emergency management agency [here]. There isn't a comprehensive list by city or county, but a quick search online should point you in the right direction.
Law Enforcement: County sheriffs and city police departments play a critical role during disasters. Sheriff's departments often enforce mandatory evacuation orders, going door-to-door to ensure people vacate an area. They manage traffic flow during evacuations and help conduct search-and-rescue operations. In some rural counties, the sheriff's department might function as the emergency management department.
Governor: State governors play a role in disaster response. They have the power to declare a state of emergency, which allows them to deploy rescue and repair workers, distribute financial assistance to local governments, and activate the state National Guard. Governors play a key role in the immediate response to a disaster, but they have a smaller role in distributing aid and assistance to individual disaster victims. In most U.S. states, particularly those along the Gulf of Mexico, governors have the power to announce mandatory evacuation orders. Penalties for ignoring these vary, but they're usually a cash fine.
HUD: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spends billions of dollars to help communities recover after disasters, funding new housing and public buildings. Unlike FEMA, HUD must wait for Congress to approve its post-disaster work and then doled out grants to states for specific projects. In some cases, such as the aftermaths of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana or Hurricane Florence in North Carolina, it took years for projects to get off the ground. States and local governments, not individual people, apply for money from HUD, but the agency can direct you to FEMA or housing counselors.
FEMA: your pal in the face of disaster
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal government's main disaster response agency, operating under the Department of Homeland Security. It provides support to states and local governments during large events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
FEMA isn't the first on the ground after a disaster. In order for the agency to send resources to a disaster-struck area, the state's governor must first request a disaster declaration from the President, who must approve it. For significant events like Category 4 or 5 hurricanes, this usually happens quickly. However, for smaller disasters, like severe rain or flooding, it can take weeks or even months for the President to grant a declaration and activate the agency. FEMA has historically not responded to heat waves.
FEMA has two primary roles after a federally declared disaster:
Contributing to community rebuilding costs: The agency helps states and local governments pay for debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding. In severe cases, it deploys its own teams of firefighters and rescue workers to, say, locate missing people or restore public services. More often, states and local law enforcement handle on-the-ground recovery work. (Learn more about FEMA's responsibilities and programs [here].)
Individual financial assistance: FEMA offers financial assistance to individuals who've lost their homes and belongings in a disaster. This assistance can take several forms. FEMA provides pre-loaded debit cards to help people buy food and fuel in the first days after a disaster, and may also provide cash payments for home repairs not covered by insurance. FEMA also offers up to 18 months of housing assistance for people who lose their homes, and sometimes puts disaster survivors in its own manufactured housing units, or "FEMA trailers." FEMA sometimes covers funeral and grieving expenses, as well as medical and dental treatment.
In the aftermath of a disaster, FEMA offers survivors:
- A one-time payment of $750 for emergency needs
- Temporary housing assistance equivalent to 14 nights' stay in a local hotel
- Up to 18 months of rental assistance
- Payments for lost property that insurance doesn't cover
- And other forms of assistance, depending on your needs and losses
If you're a U.S. citizen or meet certain qualifications and live in a federal disaster declaration area, you're eligible for financial assistance. Regardless of citizenship status, if you're affected by a disaster, you might be eligible for crisis counseling, disaster legal services, disaster case management, medical care, shelter, food, and water.
FEMA also manages the National Flood Insurance Program, offering coverage of up to $350,000 for home flood damage. Homeowners in flood zones are usually required to purchase this coverage, and mortgage lenders often require it in flood zones. You must start paying for flood insurance at least 30 days before a disaster to be eligible for reimbursement. You can check if your house is in a flood zone by using this FEMA website.
How to get FEMA assistance: The easiest way to apply for individual aid from FEMA is to fill out the application form on disasterassistance.gov. This is best done on a computer with Wi-Fi, but it can also be completed on a smartphone if necessary. After a disaster declaration, this website becomes active.
Some things to remember:
- FEMA will require you to create an account on the secure website Login.gov. Use this account to submit your aid application.
- You can track the status of your aid application and receive notifications if FEMA needs more documents from you.
- If FEMA denies your application for aid, you can appeal the decision, but the process can be lengthy.
Visiting a FEMA site in your area after a disaster: FEMA disaster recovery centers are facilities where you can find info about the agency’s programs, as well as resources from the state and local governments. FEMA representatives can help you navigate the aid application process or direct you to nonprofits, shelters, or state and local resources. Visit this website to locate a recovery center in your area or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362.
What to expect after a disaster
Disasters can affect people in many ways, and grieving your losses is normal. Here are a few resources if you need mental health support after experiencing an extreme weather event:
- The National Center for PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, on what to expect after experiencing a disaster.
- The American Red Cross has disaster mental health volunteers they often dispatch to areas hit by a disaster.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, has a fact sheet on managing stress after a disaster. The agency has a Disaster Distress Helpline that provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support. Call or text: 1-800-985-5990
Disaster ain't no picnic, so be sure to watch out for scams when help arrives.
SUSPICIOUS KLAXON: Remember to stay skeptical, as there's a chance someone posing as a FEMA representative might show up at your door claiming to bring assistance. Visit disasterassistance.gov to apply for aid the easy way.
BEWARE OF PHONIES: Avoid hiring rascals posing as contractors or construction workers post-disaster. Many cities require permits for rebuilding work, and it's standard for scammers to show up after a disaster pretending to be contractors.
RENTERS BEWARE: The post-disaster period is a vulnerable time for renters, who might face evictions. Familiarize yourself with the rights of renters in your state.
What to keep in mind before, during, and after a disaster
Remember to prioritize safety before, during, and after a disaster. The National Weather Service provides guides for combating hurricanes, floods, and extreme heat[2]. Here are a few life-saving pointers:
- Refrain from wading in floodwaters, which may contain harmful runoff from sewer systems.
- If you lose power, turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box in your home or business before hurricane strikes.
- Never operate a generator inside your home during a storm. Generators emit carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal if inhaled.
Got questions? Drop them a line at [email protected].
This article originally appeared in Grist. Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and forging a better future. Learn more at Grist.org.**
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Importance of Emergency PreparednessStaying prepared for emergencies is crucial in minimizing the impact of natural disasters. Following these steps can enhance your ability to handle emergencies effectively:
- Know Your Risk: Understand the disaster risks your community faces, such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or tornadoes. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when preparing for the unexpected.
- Make a Plan: Develop a family emergency plan that outlines communication strategies, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information for loved ones.
- Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
- Stay Informed: Monitor official emergency management agencies, local news, and social media for updates about potential emergencies in your area.
- Get Involved: Participate in community emergency preparedness programs, such as CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. This knowledge will help you not only prepare your family but also contribute to the well-being of your community.
By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to face emergencies with confidence, helping you protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
The National Weather Service provides a guide for combating hurricanes, floods, and extreme heat. It advises against wading in floodwaters, turning off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box in your home or business before a hurricane strikes, and never operating a generator inside your home during a storm.
Government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, for each member of your household; proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport or green card if not a native citizen; social security card for each member of your household; medical documents; health and car insurance cards; pre-disaster pics of your house's interior and exterior, copy of your homeowners' or renters' insurance policy, and finanical documents are crucial documents to keep in emergency kits.
In the event of a disaster, it's essential to verify facts quickly through local emergency managers, local news, weather stations and apps like the Weather Channel, and the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS allows you to create a personalized homepage by entering your zip code and provides regional and local branches where you can sign up for SMS alerts.
In an emergency, the National Flood Insurance Program, offered by FEMA, can provide coverage of up to $350,000 for home flood damage. However, homeowners must start paying for flood insurance at least 30 days before a disaster to be eligible for reimbursement.
