When a disaster occurs, local, state, and federal resources are mobilized to help. For-profit and non-profit agencies work together to assist and resources become available that fit the unique needs of the particular disaster event. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster aid is only available during presidentially declared disasters. However, other types of aid may be available even if such a declaration is not made.
Therefore, resources listed here may change, as may toll-free numbers. Always use the media for the most updated information. Emergency Management uses the various forms of media to get information distributed quickly and widely.
Please remember that the "best defense is a good offense". Plan for a disaster ahead of time. Take responsibility for planning for your needs and the needs of those you love. By doing that, you will have contributed to your community and you will be helping to ensure that everyone is cared for to the extent possible.
Shelters can be critical for displaced citizens or those who would be unable to weather a disaster event in their own home. Trained personnel organize and make available:
Shelter staff also assist with providing food for individuals not in shelters and who are unable to go to mass feeding sites.
The local chapter of the Red Cross typically opens the shelters with assistance from the local Department of Social Services. If federal help is also needed, state Emergency Management will request assistance from the American Red Cross.
The media is kept updated on the locations of open emergency shelters. Typically, they open in schools or other large public buildings. If a potential disaster event is forecast, the determination to open a public emergency disaster shelter(s) is made and the information will be broadcast to the public as soon as details are finalized. The NC State Emergency Hotline (1-888-835-9966) will have updated information on shelter in your area. If phones and electricity are out, go to a nearby school or anywhere that does have phone or electrical service to locate an open shelter. Your best option is to plan ahead and know where the shelters are located even if you decide to stay and weather the event at home. You may choose to go to a shelter after the event depending on the destruction.
In the past, only guide animals have been allowed in shelters. Ask about shelter for your pets. Shelter staff and Emergency Management will know what resources are available to you for your pets. You must find shelter for your pets. Do not leave them if you evacuate.
People with special needs, such as disabilities or specialized medical needs, have requirements that will differ from those of other citizens. Emergency Disaster Shelters for the general public are not equipped to provide the enhanced support needed. As a result, Special Needs Shelters are sometimes opened. The county decides whether or not to open a Special Needs Shelter and the shelter is typically staffed by local Department of Social Services staff with assistance from local Health Department staff, as appropriate.
The NC State Emergency Hotline (1-888-835-9966) will have updated information on shelter in your area.
Remember, if you have special medical needs or if you are a caregiver for someone with special needs, it is critical to plan ahead.
Emergency Disaster Shelters offer food and shelter to disaster victims. Even if you are not staying at a shelter, they will help you access food whether there or somewhere else.
Emergency Food
There are agencies providing free food for families in need. Call the CARE-LINE toll-free number (1-800-662-7030) for information on the agencies serving your area. Some provide hot meals. Some hand out food staples.Disaster Food Stamps
If you need assistance with food, you may apply for disaster food stamp benefits at your county Department of Social Services. Applicants are requested to bring a photo ID and documentation of residence and income. It will take several days to process the application. If you are already a food stamp recipient, your card will automatically be credited with replacement food stamps.
Again, the best plan is to plan ahead. The American Red Cross suggests that you have shelf stable food on hand for four or five days for each person, including water.
Emergency Disaster Shelters offer limited medical help (first aid). If your situation is urgent, call 911. (Please note that, in a disaster, the 911 service may not work. Plan ahead, if possible.) If not, consider contacting your local Health Department. Or, go to a local hospital.
If the disaster has caused the possibility of a public health outbreak, the Health Department will supervise efforts to keep the public safe.
If you have chronic health needs that you cannot meet, consider going to a Special Needs Shelter for help.
Your best bet is to plan ahead. Make sure you have prescriptions refilled before a predicted disaster event since pharmacies may not be open or access to them may not be available. If you have medication that needs refrigeration, plan ahead for how you would keep it safe for a period of four to five days. If you need electricity for your medical needs, plan how you would cope without electricity for four or five day. Contact your local Department of Social Services to find out what type of medical services may be available should a Special Needs Shelter open. Consider registering with a local Special Needs Registry.
Emergency Disaster Shelters are the point location for relief efforts. The shelter should be able to assist you should you need clothing as a result of a disaster. Also, call the NC State Emergency Hotline (1-888-835-9966) or CARE-LINE (1-800-662-7030) for assistance. They will know about available resources. They will also know of efforts to match donations with those in need.
The American Red Cross may offer cash for daily expenses at the Emergency Disaster Shelters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also may offer cash for expenses. Registration for these benefits may be made at the shelter or by calling either agency.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
1-800-462-9029
1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
 |
American
Red Cross 1-800-HELP-NOW |
If you are a grandparent caring for your grandchild, state emergency child care funds may become available. The NC Division of Child Development will work with local departments of social services to ensure that child care services are available.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help provide assistance with obtaining housing or getting your home repaired.
Small Business Administration
The first step is to register with FEMA. During that process, you
will find out what services may be available to you. After your
emergency needs are met, you may be referred to the Small Business
Administration's (SBA) low-interest, long-term loan program for
homeowners and renters. The loan is the basic form of federal
assistance to restore your home to its pre-disaster condition.
SBA loans fund repair and rebuilding costs which are not fully
covered by insurance or other disaster recovery programs.
Homeowners can apply for SBA loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, and up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Renters may apply for SBA loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Co-signers may be used for a SBA loan. If the amount needed to recover from the disaster exceeds your ability to repay, family members or other persons may co-sign the loan application. Co-signers are equally responsible for repayment of the loan.
The loan may be used for services such as transportation, clean-up assistance, home cleaning, handyman, and other services to bring your property back to pre-disaster condition.
In some cases, the Small Business Administration can refinance your existing mortgage. If this is done, the monthly loan payment would include your mortgage payment and the payment for the disaster repair loan. Be sure to discuss this potential option.
 |
Small
Business Administration's |
FEMA's Individual and Family Grant Program which awards grants that do not have to be repaid.
To be eligible for this program, you:
Some low income individuals may be automatically referred to the grant program upon registration with FEMA.
 |
Federal
Emergency Management Agency 1-800-462-9029 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) |
These programs are only available for a limited time after a disaster. It is important to register and apply as soon as possible to see if you are eligible for this type of assistance.
If you have home owners or renters insurance, be sure to contact your insurance company immediately. For more information on working with your insurance company before and after a disaster event, see the section on "Getting Financially Stable".
NC Statewide Financial Aid
Depending on the type disaster and state finances, financial aid from
the state may be available. In the past, here is how it works.
Homeowner insurance does not cover flood damage. The national flood
insurance program does. It is available to both homeowners and
renters (for dwelling contents) and can cover debris removal. Do
you have a National Flood Insurance policy? If so, contact
the program immediately.
1-888-CALL-FLOOD, TDD# 1-800-427-5593, or call your agent.
Legal Aid of North Carolina, a statewide nonprofit law firm, provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people. They are available to help individuals who need legal assistance after a disaster.
 |
1-877-439-3480 |
The North Carolina Bar Association may offer free legal assistance following a disaster event. Issues covered are things like general legal matters, property issues, insurance concerns, or landlord/tenant relations. Call 1-800-662-7407.
Other resources may be available for a specific disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may also arrange for free legal assistance for disaster victims.
|
Federal
Emergency Management Agency 1-800-462-9029 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) |
"Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers recover financially from
the impact of a disaster, especially when the president declares their location
to be a major disaster area. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant
additional time to file returns and pay taxes. Both individuals and businesses
in a presidentially declared disaster area can get a faster refund by claiming
losses related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year, usually
by filing an amended return. "
*IRS
 |
1-800-829-3676 Taxpayer
Advocate |
The NC Department of Revenue may offer tax relief as well. They might waive late filing and late payment penalties for taxpayers who are unable to file their return or pay their taxes because of a federally declared disaster. Call 1-877-252-3052 for the Raleigh office. Be sure to check their website for current information. The general assistance number is 1-877-252-4052.
A taxpayer eligible for relief (check with the Department) should complete Form NC-5500, "Request to Waive or Reduce Penalties". Check the block for natural disaster. The form is available at all Department of Revenue offices and on the Department’s website.
In large scale disaster events, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will usually set up areas within existing emergency shelters for citizens to apply for disaster aid. That should be your first step, if needed.
In other cases where the event was not as large scale, you will have to work with your insurance agency directly. As in most all cases, pre-planning can save you a lot of time, money, and work. Use the links below to access information on how to most successfully work with your insurance agent - before and after a disaster event.
If you want to confirm that an insurance adjuster is licensed or have questions about the adjuster’s actions, you can call the Agent Services Division of the NC Department of Insurance at 919-733-7487.
You may decide to purchase flood, homeowner's, renter's, or catastrophic coverage insurance as part of your disaster preparedness plan. If you have questions or concerns about a policy and need assistance before you buy, you can call 919-733-7434, the Consumer Services Division of the NC Department of Insurance.
The Red Cross has been helping people before, during, and after disasters for many years. Through their vast experience, they have come to understand how to help individuals recover financially after a disaster.
Locally, the Employment Security Commission of NC will be able to help. They will have the latest information on filing for unemployment insurance assistance and they host a Job Bank for connecting businesses needing employees with those willing to work.
North Carolina’s Employment Security Commission has a dedicated veteran service staff to ensure the delivery of the highest caliber of employment and training services to veterans throughout the state and to ensure the application of preference and/or priority services to veterans as prescribed by federal, state, and local laws. If you are a veteran needing assistance, be sure to let them know. Call 919-733-7724.
If you need assistance with filing a Disaster Unemployment claim, call 1-866-278-3822.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance may be available through FEMA as well. If you were working in a disaster area and become unemployed due to the disaster or become the breadwinner or major support of a household because the head of the household died as a result of a disaster and you satisfy other requirements, you may be eligible. Additionally, individuals not normally eligible for unemployment assistance such as farm workers, farm owners, and the self-employed may be included for benefits.The amount is decided by state guidelines. To be eligible, you must:
Call 1-800-621- FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) or the local unemployment office for information.
|
Federal
Emergency Management Agency 1-800-462-9029 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) |
There are also a variety of national services dedicated to connecting people wanting work with available jobs. Some are non-profit and some are for-profit. They may charge you a fee or they may charge the business needing employees a fee. Be sure to check into the cost of the service before using it. Some of the larger agencies have offered special considerations to those displaced from federally declared disasters. Be sure to ask. Below are links to just a few. Do an online search to find many more, some specific to geographic locations. Please note that offering these links does not mean that TJAAA endorses them or recommends them.
Small
Business Disaster Recovery Center
The Small Business Association offers disaster recovery
assistance in conjunction with FEMA and state government. They offer
a variety of assistance to both small business owners and to home and
property owners in the aftermath of a disaster event. Call the Business
Recovery Assistance Center at 800-258-0862.
The SBA has compiled a list of the types of assistance that have been made available after a disaster along with a description of the assistance, who offers it, and contact information. The link follows the list of programs.
|
Small Business Administration's |
In times of crisis, North Carolina is sometimes able to offer additional assistance. One such program is the Interest Buy-Down for SBA Loans. The NC Department of Commerce and the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center may offer a rebate program by which businesses who accept low-interest loans from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) may receive a state-funded rebate equal to the amount of interest paid on the SBA loan for three years. Call the Business ServiCenter at 1-800-228-8443. These same two organizations may offer business loans with perks such as no interest for three years and low rates. If you need help getting your business running again, check into these potential resources.
These resources, as well as others, have been offered under the "Operation Brighter Day" recovery program. Ask if this program is available if you need this type of assistance.
If
you have a small farm, the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension is available to counsel you on how to recover. There are
also loans available to help with damaged crops
Home :: Section Home :: Top of Page :: Topic Index
