Disaster
Recovery
Disaster
recovery involves rebuilding a community to the way it
was before the disaster struck. Disaster recovery is the
longest and often the most difficult aspect of emergency
management. Unlike the response phase which may last just
a few days, disaster recovery may last several months,
a year, or even longer.
Federal
Assistance
The disaster recovery process involves a partnership between
the local, state, and federal levels of government, as
well as non-profit organizations. The federal government
plays a critical role in helping communities recover from
disaster. Eligible communities may receive financial and
other types of assistance. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) is the federal government’s lead agency
for coordinating support to communities struck by disaster.
To learn more about FEMA and how the federal disaster
assistance process works see www.fema.gov.
If
you need help now
There are many government, non-profit, volunteer, and
faith-based organizations that can assist individuals
with true needs who have had devastating losses and need
help right away. These resources can be accessed by calling
211 from a telephone. For Clark County residents who may
not have 211 service on their office or cell phone, please
call 360-694-8899. You can also search for 211
resource information on the web.
For
future disasters
In
future incidents, if you have damage, go ahead and file
a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to save all
documentation related to damages, including estimates,
receipts, and pictures if you have them, in case they
are needed later. If our community is awarded disaster
assistance later, this documentation will help you when
applying for aid.
GLOSSARY:
211:
211 is a convenient phone number that can help
you find social services or other aid at any time. Many
post-disaster needs can be met by the resources in their
directory.
CRESA:
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency provides local
9-1-1 and Emergency Management services to Clark County.
CRESA is the first point of contact for disaster reporting.
CRESA does not have any funds for disaster assistance,
but helps the community qualify for federal assistance
by carefully document
DRC:
A Disaster Recovery Center is sometimes set up within
a local community to assist residents with the claims
they have filed. FEMA and SBA and other professional staff
are on hand to answer questions.
FEMA:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is responsible
for determining when a community has suffered extensive
damage to warrant offering federal assistance. When an
eligible disaster victim cannot qualify for a loan, FEMA
may be able to provide them with a limited grant to help
them recover.
Mitigation:
The effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening
the impact of disasters. There are many things you can
do to increase your own safety, and make your home, business
or personal property more disaster-resistant.
SBA:
The SBA -
Small Business Administration- does not just serve small
businesses. In some disasters, the SBA is authorized to
issue low cost loans to qualifying applicants who have
suffered eligible disaster losses. The SBA provides federal
disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses
of all sizes.
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