Emergency and relief agencies play a major role when disasters occur. Federal, state-wide, and local volunteer organizations all offer important resources for disaster preparedness and recovery.
Disaster Assistance
The Find Assistance form lets you answer a few questions to provide assistance options to you. You will find assistance programs you may not be aware of; many offer assistance for specific needs such as farm operating loans, tribal assistance, or legal needs.
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)
Are You Ready for a Disaster? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
View this comprehensive book regarding disaster preparedness and recovery provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
American Red Cross
Video: The American Red Cross Shares How They Support Communities in Need After A Fire
Video: The American Red Cross Shares Relief Efforts Needed After the 2008 Hurricanes
The Salvation Army
Video: The Salvation Army Remembers Hurricane Katrina
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
Long Term Recovery Manual by The National VOAD
This 92-page manual provided by National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters is a useful guide for those who are experiencing disaster in a community and are thinking to the days, weeks, months, perhaps years of recovery. It includes a comprehensive membership list and contact information for organizations that offer disaster relief.
California Volunteers
Led by the state’s Chief Service Officer, Josh Fryday, California Volunteers is the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action to tackle our State’s most pressing challenges while mobilizing all Californians to volunteer and serve in their communities.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
When a major disaster occurs, first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the demand for these services due to factors related to the disaster. A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) helps cover the gap between untrained “good citizen” disaster support and trained emergency personnel.
CERT Training: Safety in the After-Disaster Environment
This safety training video is intended as a supplement to CERT training for work in disaster areas. It describes the types of hazards that are often more critical after a disaster.
The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, backed by 11 million Americans. We work to reduce suffering and improve the lives of all animals by advocating for better laws; investigating animal cruelty; encouraging corporations to adopt animal-friendly policies; conducting disaster relief and animal rescue; and providing direct care for thousands of animals at our sanctuaries, emergency shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and mobile veterinary clinics.