Hurricanes have devastated communities in Florida, leaving a legacy of destruction. Getting help after a disaster is a process.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers several programs to assist individuals and businesses affected by a disaster. The agency also provides resources and information to residents. Visit FEMA’s website for more information on local Disaster Recovery in Miami FL centers and flood maps, fact sheets, and FEMA contacts.
Recovering from a disaster is a process.
Whether natural or man-made, disasters often occur with little warning and can change people’s lives forever. While many survivors return home and resume their normal lives, others remain impacted by the disaster.
Recovering from a disaster is a process, and it may last for months or years. Regardless of the length of time, communities must face the challenge of rebuilding their lives, livelihoods and infrastructures.
In many ways, recovery is an opportunity to “build back better” – to replace damaged or destroyed buildings, schools, roads and health facilities with new ones that meet higher safety standards. These improvements can reduce future disaster risk and help survivors cope with the trauma of the event.
However, recovery does not completely recover what was lost and can often create new inequalities among groups that were formerly privileged or dominant. For example, rural women and sharecroppers may lose their homes and livelihoods to resettlement plans that do not recognize their customary land rights.
In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s important to seek out and maintain connections with friends and family. Having these connections can make the healing process easier and more efficient. It’s also a good idea to consult with a licensed mental health professional who can help you understand and deal with your emotional reactions and behaviors.
Getting help after a disaster is a process.
Getting help after a disaster can be a stressful time, and it can also be confusing. However, there are many resources that can help you get back on your feet faster and better than before the disaster occurred.
The first step is to figure out what you need and find out if you qualify for assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers financial assistance for certain items, including temporary housing and clean-up, home repairs and replacements, and increased child care costs.
A good place to start is by asking family and friends for advice on how to best help you in your time of need. They can provide insight on how to prepare and what to expect in the future, and will know the best local resources.
Finally, consider consulting with a licensed mental health professional to get some of the more complicated thoughts and emotions out of your head. Psychologists have been trained to help people navigate the disaster-related emotions and make a plan to move forward after the chaos has passed.
Getting the right sort of help after a disaster can make all the difference in your recovery. 211 is here to help you find the most relevant information and services in your area.
Getting help before a disaster is a process.
A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society that interacts with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity. The effect can be immediate or long-lasting and may test or exceed the capacity of a community to cope using its own resources, requiring assistance from external sources.
A disaster can be a natural or man-made event that produces great loss of life, property, or economic, social and environmental damage. Examples of disasters include avalanches, floods, droughts, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, fires, epidemics and other events.
Recovering from a disaster is a process that can take several months. During this time people are often impacted by emotional distress and strained interpersonal relationships.
Mental health services can be a valuable resource for people who are experiencing disaster-related stress. It is important to identify symptoms early and seek treatment as soon as possible, if needed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress related to a recent disaster, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-984-HOPE or visit the American Red Cross website. There are also community support groups and other resources available for those who need them.
It is important to understand that disaster recovery is a process and not a quick fix. The decisions that local officials make before a disaster can have a big impact on the speed and effectiveness of recovery in your area.