The Ultimate Guide To Hurricane Preparedness, Recovery & Relief
With the increase in hurricane occurrences over the last decade, it is crucial to understand the associated risks and mitigation measures that you can take in order to protect yourself, your loved ones and your assets from the damage that hurricanes can cause. This guide has three comprehensive parts and you can skip to any of them by clicking one of the buttons below.
Here are some hurricane facts you should be acquainted with before we get started:
- Storm surges are the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the US.
- Water weighs nearly 1,700 pounds per cubic yard; battering waves from a storm surge can quickly destroy buildings and cause severe destruction along the coast.
- Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 worth of damage to your house. Homeowners/renter’s insurance does not usually cover flood damage.
Be proactive! Protect your family and assets against the damage that a hurricane can cause. Although it’s one of the most destructive forces of nature on Earth, there are steps you can take to significantly lessen the devastating impact a hurricane can cause. By adhering to this guide, you’ll be ready before, during and after the storm.
PREPAREDNESS
A better understanding of hurricane (tropical cyclone) related hazards will help you understand why hurricanes are so dangerous and what each associated hazard entails.
Some of the major threats related to hurricanes are as follows:
Storm Surge
The unusual rise in water levels during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the usual predicted tide. It poses the biggest threat to life and property, particularly along the coasts.
Storm Tide
The total observed seawater level during a storm, resulting from the combination of storm surges and the astronomical tide.
High Winds
The humidity and heat from ocean air and sea spray rises high into the hurricane, lowering the surface pressure, and causing winds to blow into the center. These high winds can cause damage to homes, trees, and other structures.
Rip Currents
Channeled currents of water that flow away from the shore, past the line of breaking waves. In 2008, despite Hurricane Bertha being a thousand miles offshore, rip currents killed 3 people along New Jersey's coast.
Inland Flooding
Resulting from torrential downpour, flooding can begin at the coast and extend hundreds of miles inland. It has been responsible for over 50% of deaths attributable to tropical cyclones in the US.
Heavy Rainfall
Tropical storms and hurricanes are capable of producing heavy rainfall resulting in dangerous flash flooding.
Landslides
Tropical cyclones can produce torrential rains, which can trigger landslides and debris flows. In 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico and triggered over 40,000 landslides in three-quarters of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities.
Tornadoes
Some of the strongest winds inside of a hurricane are created by tornadoes. Although short-lived, these tornadoes can still cause be a source of destruction.
Supplies Checklist
Build your emergency kit step-by-step. Don’t rush or panic. Start by assembling things already at your disposal, and then buy the remaining, necessary items. Pack the basics for each individual or pet in a backpack or portable container. We recommend anything waterproof!
Remember, you’ll need these basic supplies whether you stay indoors in your own home or are forced to evacuate elsewhere. Clothing essentials such as ponchos, rain gear, footwear and reflective attachments are a no brainer.
Floods and power outages from tornadoes, snowstorms, and hurricanes can cut off water supplies, contaminate food and damage personal care items. Consider the following checklist:
Food & Water
1 gallon of drinking water per person/pet per day
3-4 day supply of non-perishable foods (i.e. canned foods)
Non perishable foods that meet dietary and medication restrictions
Dry ice, and frozen gel packs to keep foods below 40°F
Cooler with ice (to keep foods cold) and melt if water is contaminated
Can opener, swiss army knife and a set of plastic utensils per person
Personal Care
Vision and hearing products (i.e. glasses and hearing aids)
Dental care items (toothbrushes, toothpaste & floss)
Soaps, diapers, deodorant and gender specific hygiene products
Toilet paper, garbage bags, paper & regular towels
Insect repellent, sunscreen and face masks
Wipes and hand sanitizer
Medication
As for medications, you should have a minimum 7-week supply of your prescribed medication, along with the name and phone number of the doctor who prescribed it.
Make sure your additional supply is kept current and hasn’t expired. You should also keep a list of all your essential medications, dosages (+times), the condition for which you’re taking them, and any other specific instructions with your emergency medication supply.
You should also learn about the appropriate temperatures at which your medications should be kept in advance. (Source)
Lastly, don’t forget to list your sensitivities and allergies, and any cognitive or communication difficulties you or your family members may have so that upon evacuation you can quickly present these to appropriate officials.
First Aid Kit Must Haves
First aid kits come in different shapes and sizes. You can either purchase one from your local drug store or make your own. Must have supplies for inclusion:
- 20-30 Band-aids (all in different sizes)
- Oral thermometer, tweezers, scissors
- 2-3 Pairs of medical gloves (avoid latex)
- First aid tape
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Antibiotic ointment
- Instant cold pack
- 2-3 elastic bandages
- 2-3 triangular bandages
- Pain reliever (aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- 10-12 sterile gauze pads (in different sizes)
Things To Keep In The Car & Home
Consider keeping the following supplies near or inside your vehicle, so when it is time, you can quickly grab them and start driving. If you plan on staying inside your home to last out the storm, make sure you have the following things inside your home as well.
CAR
Inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod jack and reflective triangles
Compass and physical map of your area in case of data network outage
Full tank of gas and an extra gas cannister
Reflective vests to appear more visible in case you need to leave your car
Car charger for cellphones and jumper cables
HOME
Battery-powered LED Lanterns and multiple flashlights
Duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal creases and open vents
Lighter, matches, whistles and extra batteries
Fire extinguisher, smoke detectors and a set of home tools
Preparing Your Family
The most vulnerable groups during hurricane season are typically children, seniors and pets. Due to a multitude of factors they are at the highest risk of injuries and even fatal outcomes so you must do everything in your power to prepare and protect them.
Consult your senior member’s or child’s doctor regarding what’s best for their health and safety in case of an emergency. Create a paper copy of all important contact information, including family and emergency contacts, as well as hospitals, medical providers, pharmacies, and other healthcare services that they may require.
Here is a list of things you should prepare for kids, seniors and pets in your family.
- Extra clothes and garments
- Bottles, sippy cups and nipples
- Baby food and instant snacks/cereal
- Purified infant water
- At least one week's supply of prescription and other medication
- Diapers & Creams
- Up to 3 favorite toys that are small-medium size
- Small stroller and baby carriers
- Wheelchairs, canes, and walkers if needed
- Extra dosages and medication
- Hearing aids with extra batteries
- Medical supplies (glucose monitoring strips, syringes, etc.)
- Documentation and supplies for service animals
- Extra warm/waterproof clothes and communication devices
- 1-2 Weeks supply of prescription and over-the-counter medication
- Pet first aid kit and medications (2-week supply)
- Carrier or crate (might be required where you’re staying the night)
- Toys, leash and a name tag with your contact information
- Photo of the pet, in case he/she gets lost
- At least a 7-day supply of pet food
- Vaccination and medical records
People With Disabilities
Today, there are more than 49 million Americans with disabilities with nearly half having a severe disability that affects their ability to talk, walk, see, or hear.
People with disabilities and their families must approach preparedness planning with a few important considerations. Planning could mean having one-two weeks of prescription medication in a water proof bag or wearing medical tags that outline healthcare needs. It could also mean notifying emergency responders that you have a service animal that will require evacuation.
FEMA works with national disability groups to ensure that emergency shelters and plans are accessible and inclusive. FEMA’s OFFice created a document labeled Guidance on Planning for Integration of Functional Needs Support Services in General Population Shelters to help shelter and emergency planners meet admittance and functional requirements in general population shelters. Click here to learn more about FEMA and its resources about hurricane preparedness for the disabled.
Here is a list of things you should do to prepare if you or your family members have a disability:
- Carry a weather radio with a flashing alert and text display
- Pack some extra hearing-aid batteries and keep them in a plastic bag
- Pen and paper can help communicate with those who don’t know sign language
- Get access to VRS or TTY
- Use a portable flash drive to store the list of emergency supplies drive or create an audio file and put it in a plastic bag for safety purposes
- Have a Braille or any kind of deaf-blind communication device at your disposal
- Keep photos of family members and emergency contact information in case of separation
- Inquire about accessible transportation beforehand
- Ensure all your assistive devices that rely on batteries are working properly; store extra batteries inside a waterproof bag
- Get a backpack and stuff your emergency kit inside; make sure it’s attached to your wheelchair, walker, or scooter
- Earplugs or noise cancelling headphones can dampen noises in chaotic settings
- Pack your children’s favorite toys and games; seeing familiar things will help them better adjust to the surroundings
- Children with autism tend to wander away, so notify emergency and evacuation stuff of your child's condition
National Council Of Disability has released multiple reports outlining the lack of accountability and civic duty shown by evacuation and emergency stuff when it came to helping those with visible mental disabilities. During hurricane Katrina it was widely reported that emergency services showed clear bias towards people with psychiatric disabilities and even labeled them as “collateral damage“. These reports circulated in national media and were covered extensively by big networks like NBC.
Even though progress has been made in terms of decreasing bias towards helping people with mental disabilities during a hurricane, lack of emergency services training on dealing with a variety of mental health issues has shown to be a factor in providing adequate levels of support. Organizations like SAMHSA have invested in helping train emergency and evacuation services in dealing with mental health disabilities but you should still prepare yourself and your loved ones.
Consider the following:
- Notify the emergency services stuff of the mental disability condition you have
- Provide emergency stuff with a note of bullet proof points which can help you cope with the condition in high stress situations
- Pack and prepare a set of objects, tools and toys that can help cope with additional stress
- Wear easily identifiable clothes in order to help emergency services spot you
- Wear tags that contain your information (Name, address, emergency contact, etc) and your medical requirements in case you become disoriented or unaware
Protecting Your Assets
Ordinary items can not only cause injury but also serious damage to your property and assets during a hurricane. Anything that can move, break, fall or cause a fire is a potential risk. Therefore, you need to make sure your property is safe and insured. Here is a checklist of of things you should do to protect your most valuable assets.
HOME
Get hurricane-resistant windows
Whether you use shockproof blinds or glass, protecting the windows from flying debris and strong winds is a must. Consider investing in hurricane-proof windows that will protect you from windstorm damage, last longer, and save you money.
Trim the nearby trees
Before the hurricane strikes, trim large trees that pose a threat and remove as many dead branches as possible. Also, get rid of any patio furniture you have outside.
Design for lifting
As you already know, hurricane wind forces on buildings are always bad news. The roof designs and structures are especially prone to dispatch and that’s dangerous for both you and your assets. Using a building fastening system is necessary.
Protect the doors
Besides your windows, the garage doors are also a week spot for hurricane winds. If the door doesn’t hold, the winds can potentially cause roof detachment. To prevent this, make sure your garage door is built to resist such forces. You can hurricane-proof the garage door by installing door bracing kits.
Keep the gutters clean
Keep those gutters clean 24/7. Make sure nothing blocks the running water in the event of a hurricane.
Invest in an emergency generator
While your family and home will survive the storm, the electricity most likely will not. Hurricanes are known to cause power outages, but having an emergency generator will allow you to run crucial appliances and lights. Note that working generators can be noisy.
CAR
Protect essential vehicle information
Remove valuable items from your car. Keep the insurance information, registration, owner’s manual(s), service records, and car keys inside a plastic zip-sealed bag before the storm. Also, makes copies of each document and store them somewhere safe and dry.
Fill up the tank
American Red Cross recommends fueling up your gas tanks when preparing for an evacuation. Having a full tank ensures you’re more likely to reach your destination without stopping for gas, especially since most gas stations run dry prior to emergencies.
Inspect your car
This is one of those simple yet crucial everyday tasks that will come in handy during a hurricane. Make sure your car is fully operational and has no issues. Replenish all fluids, including oil, brake, transmission, radiator coolant, battery, and windshield wiper fluids. You don’t want to deal with a broken car in the event of a hurricane. Also, make sure it has enough storage space to carry your valuable possessions.
Tape up the windows
Don’t forget to tape your vehicle windows up in a crisscross pattern using masking tape to keep saltwater from flowing inside your car and damaging the interior.
Take pictures
Be sure to take photos of your vehicle inside and out before a hurricane strikes to make it easier to file any damage claims.
Park safely and carefully
Park your vehicle on high ground, against buildings, and definitely away from falling debris to avoid costly damage.
INSURANCE
Get flood insurance separately
Many homeowners don’t know this, but flooding, even from a hurricane, is usually not covered by the standard homeowners’ insurance policy. The federal program provides up to $100,000 in personal property coverage and $250,000 in dwelling coverage. If your property value exceeds the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) limit, you’ll be required to buy additional flood coverage from a private insurer. “Approximately 20-25% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk federal flood zones,” says the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Thus, consider buying flood insurance separately if your area is subject to flooding. Better be safe than sorry.
Important Documents
Make copies of your emergency documents and keep them in a waterproof bag. Just think about how stressful it would be after a storm if you didn’t have access to your bank accounts or couldn’t verify your identity. To avoid these situations, secure the following items:
- Photo IDs, birth records, driver licenses, passports and Social Security cards
- Prescription cards and health insurance
- Medical records and medications
- Current photos of each family member, in case someone gets separated
- Phone numbers (friends, family, doctors)
- Bank account information
- Insurance documents (Flood, life, homeowner, rent)
- Vehicle titles, leases, insurance, loan documents
- Utility bills
- Inventory of family possessions (take pictures of every room, drawer, and closet)
- Backup of important computer files on a USB Flash Drive
Planning The Evacuation
For people living along the coast or in areas prone to hurricanes, having an evacuation plan besides a standard hurricane preparation list is vital. Here are a few things that you should do:
Set up a family contact
Choose an out-of-state family member or friend you can contact to whom you’re able to give updates.
Plan alternate routes
Hurricanes, flooding, washed-out bridges, and downed trees will prompt you to ad-lib your evacuation route. Be aware of alternate streets and highways that will get you to a safer location.
Ask your local Emergency Management OFFice about community exit plans
Learn about the recommended exit routes and locations of your public shelters. If you don’t have personal transportation, make arrangements with your neighbor, friend, or local government and create a family communications plan.
Stay tuned for emergency alerts
Keep your family and yourself up-to-date with the latest weather alerts. A battery-powered radio is an excellent way to stay in tune with updates. You can also sign up for email, text, or Twitter alerts from your local emergency agency.
Use a hurricane tracking app
Hurricane tracking apps can provide you with the most comprehensive tools for tracking hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, cyclones, and weather warnings.
Make a plan for your pet’s safety too
If you have to stay in a public shelter with your family, chances are your pet won’t be permitted to accompany you. Review your city’s evacuation plan to learn which local facilities and agencies are housing pets during a hurricane and stay updated for further instructions.
Travelers
If you are travelling and at a risk of hurricane exposure, take these quick steps to limit risk factors and increase safety for yourself and your loved ones.
Mke sure your family, friends, and employer know where you’re staying and keep constant communication with them before, during and after the storm.
Learn the property’s emergency evacuation plans, including alternate exits.
If trapped inside a building due to flooding, get to the highest level. Don’t climb into a closed space.
When staying at a hotel or resort, identify how you’ll get local warnings and alerts while you’re there, especially during a possible power or cellphone data outages.
Do not drive through floodwaters and limit driving over bridges with fast moving water.
Use maps to determine community storm evacuation routes.
Final Thoughts On Preparedness
It’s not easy to predict how hard a storm will hit your area. However, the only positive thing about hurricanes —as opposed to other natural disasters like tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquakes— is that typically warning is given in advance and you do have time to prepare.
Please consider all the preparedness points we’ve outlined above to get yourself and your loved ones ready before a hurricane.
IMPACT MITIGATION & RECOVERY
When a hurricane does strike your area, there are several life-saving actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your assets.
First of all, evacuate immediately upon notice and drive cautiously according to weather conditions, following designated evacuation routes. If evacuation is not an option, consider avoiding the following actions to limit your exposure to additional risks.
Standing near windows
Don’t stand near windows during a hurricane. You may get seriously injured.
Using electrical equipment
Lightning can travel through metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. If you lose power, turn off larger appliances, such as the water heater or air conditioner to reduce damage.
Using a gas grill or charcoal
Fumes create carbon monoxide, which becomes highly toxic in an enclosed area. Cooking indoors after a storm is not recommended and is a safety hazard.
Consuming food contaminated by flood water
Do not eat/drink anything that’s been contaminated by floodwater, including foods packed in non-metal containers.
Drinking tap water
Local area Health Departments will send out public notice announcements informing you whether tap water can be used for consumption. Use bottled or filtered water for yourself and your pets at all times.
Drinking alcohol
Be alert! You never know when you’ll need to evacuate at a moment's notice or face a life-threatening emergency.
First Aid & Injuries
Make sure you have your first aid kit and an updated list of medications, dosages, and contacts for your doctors, as well as pharmacies. Keep your medications in original containers and place the prescription bottles in a waterproof seal.
Make sure to keep your prescription-drug benefit card or health insurance card with you during the hurricane.
If someone is unconscious or has drowned, it’s crucial to perform CPR right away. Whenever in doubt, consider performing chest compressions as soon as possible.
Other common injuries during hurricanes include:
During a hurricane evacuation, people tend to panic and rush to get out of affected areas, which often leads to accidents. Make sure to have a survival kit inside your vehicle, stay warm and hydrated, and wait for paramedics to arrive.
Flood water can be contaminated or conceal broken glass, rusted metal, and other debris. Use an auto-ready first-aid kit to prevent infections from cuts.
Once a hurricane has made landfall, pools of stagnant water result, which are ideal mosquito breeding grounds. Use mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
If someone has a flesh wound consider the following actions:
- Use a sterile cloth to apply pressure on the wound firmly (the blood may seep through, in which case you should continue to apply firm pressure).
- Do not attempt to remove any foreign objects embedded in the wound. Instead, use padding around it and maintain pressure.
- If someone's been burned, remove any jewelry or clothing near the burnt area to prevent constriction. Use a cold compress or running water to cool the wound. Afterwards apply antiseptic, aloe vera or vitamin E cream.
RECOVERY
Now that the storm has passed, you must focus on recovery. The first thing you must address is missing family members and pets.
The American Red Cross has created a website called “Safe and Well” where families can connect following a hurricane, or any other major disaster. It’s a voluntarily-used service which documents your name, phone number, address, and any messages you may want to leave.
Below are tips to help you locate missing family or pets:
Missing Family
Call your emergency contacts and check missing family members' social media profiles.
Tag your missing family member or post a photo of them on social media to let others know that they are missing. Social media can be an extremely effective resource when trying to locate someone!
Find and contact your local Red Cross chapter and contact relatives and friends; they may have already been in contact with your missing loved ones.
Missing Pets
Make sure to have photos of your pet; even better if the collar and identification tag is visible.
Consider visiting your local shelter if your pet is lost. Alternatively, you can file a lost pet report with the local animal control agency and post on community sites like Craigslist and Nextdoor that can help you find your missing pet.
If your phone number is already written on the tag, wait for someone to call you.
Hurricane Damage & Insurance
Regardless of which auto insurance company you pick: GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, and others will provide coverage after a hurricane. Don’t forget to take photos of the damage and wash debris from your car. If it was totaled, contact your insurance company, file a claim, and they will guide you through the process of buying a replacement car.
Several policies cover wind damage, but a lot of them don’t cover water. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, consider discussing flood coverage with your insurance agent. Although private homeowners’ insurance policies usually don’t cover hurricane damage, if a storm damages your roof, and rain gets in proportionately, you may find that the homeowners’ insurance offers some sort of protection if your policy entails coverage for wind.
According to America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), people impacted by a hurricane should contact their local health insurance provider for detailed information. You can find the contact information on your health plan member card or insurance provider’s website.
Insurance Tips
Call Your Insurer ASAP
Insurance companies are usually swamped with claims right after a hurricane and you might want to stay on top of their lists. Provide all the required documentation to prevent delays.
Negotiate
The settlement doesn’t seem fair? Don’t worry; feel free to negotiate with your insurance company. If you cannot come to a reasonable agreement, take action by hiring a public adjuster or consulting an attorney to do so on your behalf. Additionally, you can contact your state’s insurance regulator to verify your consumer rights and make an instant complaint if needed.
Take Inventory Of Your Assets
Remember, before and after photos/videos are helpful to your insurer. Collect and keep visual proof to showcase the damaged items’ pre-hurricane condition.
Keep Receipts
You may have to do temporary repairs or move to a different location while your house is still being repaired. In that case, keep your expense records as your insurance policy is likely to cover them.
Get Repair Quotes
Obtain written bids— including the required materials’ prices and details— from trusted contractors. This will signficantly speed up your claims process. Note that permanent repairs should not be made until the insurer has investigated your losses. Keep hold of your damaged property, at least until an insurance agreement is reached.
Keep comprehensive records.
Make sure to document your insurance contact information and conversations. Write down the adjuster’s name, contact, and other information. List the date, time, and description of your conversation with the adjuster, insurer, and those rebuilding your home.
Home Damage
- Document and keep records of all damage for insurance purposes.
- Repair damaged windows to keep insects out during clean up.
- Discard furniture items touched by floodwater and remove standing water.
- Structural damage from moisture means a house full of pests. Repair any structural damage like weakened wood, holes, or gaps as quickly as possible.
- Clear debris from storm drains to let water flow freely.
- If there’s significant structural damage, make sure to contact local officials before you enter the building.
- When you are ready to rebuild, consult your contractor to make your new structure disaster-resistant following the FORTIFIED standards.
Relocation & Temporary Stays
FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency – provides government sponsored assistance to support people affected by hurricanes (and other major disasters). This is not in lieu of your personal insurance however. Review your insurance policy thoroughly and consult an insurance agent to ensure your policy includes sufficient “loss of use” coverage.
Some legal experts suggest you gather pertinent documents beforehand to expedite the process of securing a temporary stay:
- Credit report
- Social security number
- Financial information
- Damage related information
- Bank information
- Contact information
- Proof of “loss of use” coverage from the insurer
If you’re displaced and must make use of temporary housing, consider saving your receipts for compensation by your insurance company. Where possible, secure approval of any major expenses with your insurance company beforehand.
Final Thoughts On Mitigation & Recovery
Knowing what to do when a hurricane does strike and taking the correct actions before and after the storm can not only help ensure the safety and well being of you and your loved ones, but can also go a long way in helping you recover the property damage that a hurricane can inflict.
Consider applying the outlined strategies during and after the storm if you’re committed to decreasing the impact a hurricane might have on your life.
RELIEF & AID
Collectively, the previous decade of hurricane seasons has been very destructive across parts of the US and the Caribbean. If you’re familiar with the coverage of Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Florence, you already of the dangers inflicted, including heavy rainfall, catastrophic flooding, and life-threatening storm surges.
As the effects of these devastating storms become more clear, you may feel compelled to help. However, due to the sensitive nature of hurricane relief work, it’s crucial to pre-emptively take stock of your choices and determine effective ways to lend a hand.
We’ve done our research to find the most practical ways you can help communities in the wake of hurricanes and tropical storms. But before we delve into how you can provide assistance to those affected, let’s first discuss ways in which people affected by a hurricane can receive immediate relief.
Receiving Aid
If your area was affected by a hurricane, you may qualify for relief. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov to determine what sort of federal assistance you can expect, apply for relief, and check your application status. Here are other ways in which you can receive hurricane related relief for your most immediate needs.
Housing & Shelter
Emergency shelters should be available should you need to evacuate. To find a shelter in your location, visit the Salvation Army or Red Cross. You can also text “SHELTER” along with your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA)— standard SMS rates may apply. If you require immediate assistance, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit their official website.
Mortgage forbearance might be available for those affected by a disaster in their area and therefore having difficulties making mortgage payments. Work with your mortgage service provider to find common ground and inquire about temporary disaster relief.
Health Care
General Health Plans usually offer area-based assistance when there’s a hurricane. Majority of health plans offer special hotlines, allow members to refill prescriptions early, and even let them contact providers out of their network or service area. Identify how your health plan can help you.
Medicare may provide an extension in the course of the annual enrollment period to those living in a FEMA-declared hurricane-affected area. You can also enroll or make a few changes to your Medicare plan beyond the usual enrollment period. To know if you qualify, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Food & Essentials
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP can provide supplemental benefits if you’re already enrolled and live in a hurricane-affected area. Benefits may either be available early or are increased to help the victim restore lost food. Using your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card may also help you purchase hot meals and other goods that aren’t usually allowed. Contact your state hotline to find out more information or learn how to apply.
Food Banks could provide instant food assistance. Visit Feeding America and enter your zip code. They will help find you a food bank based on your location for urgent needs.
Unemployment
As temporary assistance, the Disaster Unemployment Assistance may come in handy if your job was lost due to a presidentially-declared hurricane and you’re not eligible for the usual unemployment benefits. If you’re a seasonal worker, you could be eligible. For more details, visit disasterassistance.gov. Also, contact your local unemployment agency to apply today.
Taxes
IRS Disaster Relief can help those living in specific states affected by a hurricane. Visit irs.gov for comprehensive guidelines and information regarding the best way to claim hurricane-related losses. You can further contact your state tax office for information concerning property tax relief.
Utilities
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program. It helps low-income households with their home energy bills. If you require energy-related installations or repairs, make sure your state supports LIHEAP Disaster Relief. Also, learn what kinds of assistance are available. Find an agency that offers LIHEAP assistance like your local Community Action Agency (CAA).
Donating
Most charities and organizations streamline the process of donating on their official websites, making it easy and painless. Choose where you want to donate your money, visit that organization’s website, look for the keyword “donate,” and click to fill out all the required information.
In terms of life-threatening natural disasters, relief-focused donations go straight toward helping the victims. To make sure your donation reaches the affected people and areas directly, look for mentions of the actual hurricane on a charity or organization’s website. Here are some ways for you to donate immediately:
Donation Options
Donate via Call/Text
Many charities have easy-to-remember phone numbers. Just pick up your phone, call them, and follow through the steps to donate. Usually, when a hurricane hits a certain area, organizations like the American Red Cross set up a contact number and message system to make it easier for you text and donate.
Donate via iTunes
Apple’s unique way to donate to hurricane relief requires an iTunes account. So, create one if haven’t already, put your money into the account, sign in, and click “Donate” underneath your preferred amount. Your donation will be transferred directly to the American Red Cross.
Donate via Facebook
Donating through Facebook is easy once a big hurricane takes place. Just sign in, navigate to Explore > Fundraisers > Crisis Relief, and browse through the various options to donate and make a contribution. In addition, you can “share” the donation you made to encourage others to do the same.
Donate Via Crowdfunding
This can be a little risky since you’ll be donating to individuals who were affected by the disaster. However, there are still many victims ready to share their experiences at GoFundMe.com. Just look for the specific hurricane (type name into the main search bar), browse through different fundraisers, select one, and click “Donate Now.”
Donate Intelligently
Watch out for scams
Avoid emails and social media posts by groups or individuals who you’ve never heard of. There’s no guarantee that they are raising money for hurricane victims. So, responding to them might put you at risk for identity theft or stolen credit card information.
Ensure Accreditation Before Donating
Money donation is probably the easiest, most effective way to help disaster victims. We strongly encourage you to review ratings of the organization, charity, or group, and make sure they are certified before you donate. Charitynavigator.org is the best website to check if the charity or organization you’re considering is legitimate.
Avoid middlemen
Some charities collect money to transfer to separate groups that may or may not be helping. Note that your donation will reach further if you choose an organization that is involved directly in relief efforts and has a good record of transparency and accountability.
Donate to Local Charities
When a hurricane strikes a specific area, many local charities start advertising that they are serving in relief efforts. Consider donating to local animal shelters, food banks, diaper banks, and nonprofit healthcare. These organizations may not be hurricane relief organizations, but they unquestionably play a vital role in relief efforts.
Alternative Ways To Donate
If an area near you was affected by a hurricane and you own a rental property, you can offer housing via Airbnb. If you have an extra bedroom, offering it to someone in need could help tremendously.
Sign up your rental property or home for hurricane relief at Airbnb and fill out all the required information.
Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on current events, especially when a hurricane takes place. You’ll find hundreds of posts on platforms like Facebook and Twitter highlighting victims’ names and addresses who are seeking help.
Always check your Facebook and Twitter feeds and share/retweet these posts to spread the word.
If you’re willing to offer your time and labor, consider signing up on disaster sites and wait to be registered and contacted. You can do this via Habitat for Humanity, Americorps, etc.
While this type of support can be very helpful, it’s not usually required right after a hurricane strikes. The first priority is moving everyone to a safer location and providing medical assistance to those who need it. When things have settled and the hurricane has passed, volunteers show up and help repair the damage.
Click here to learn how to sign up for volunteer work.
The government usually launches a relief guide highlighting specific supplies which are needed after a big hurricane strikes. These supplies usually include things such as hand sanitizer, bottled water, extension cords, tarps, etc.
When a relief guide is launched, choose what items you want to donate to help the victims.
To find such guides, type the name of the country where the storm hit followed by “govt. relief guide” into Google’s search engine. These supply lists are also available on major organizations. However, don’t send items that aren’t listed on the relief guide.
It comes as no surprise that hurricanes injury many people. Often times hospitalization is required which can rapidly deplete their emergency blood supply. This is where you can really help save the day by contacting the American Red Cross or other similar organizations to donate blood.
On the donation day, consume iron-rich foods like red meat and spinach, drink a lot of water, and dress comfortably. Also, bring a list of your current medications and a photo ID.
Final Thoughts On Relief
This past year, the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian left dozens dead, hundreds missing, and thousands homeless. Many highly-rated organizations came forward to provide aid and relief supplies to families and communities impacted by this disaster.
It’s important for you to be careful with those soliciting money on behalf of a charity. Always identify which organization they’re representing and their level of direct involvement in helping those impacted.
If you’re in need of aid after a hurricane has passed through your area, the steps outlined above should help get you back on track expedite the recovery process.
Great guide, very useful to get all the info in one place.
Didn’t realize regular insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Thank god we didn’t have any significant damage the last few years.
Great write up Malia! I would love to see a little more info on helping folks with disabilities. I feel like a lot of times they get neglected when it comes to guides such as this.
We received multiple suggestions that have requested more info on hurricane preparedness for people with disabilities and have updated our guide accordingly by including a dedicated section to preparedness for people with disabilities. Let us know if we missed anything, thank you.
Thanks for the info guys, really helpful in terms of finding ways to help out those affected by a hurricane. I would also suggest contacting local Red Cross chapters in areas where Hurricane has struck and volunteering to drive to the impacted areas to help out. I do live in Louisiana so it makes things a little easier.