DisasterAssistance.gov is a site established by the federal government to help victims of, obviously, disasters. It really does have very helpful information for anyone who has suffered, and is especially relevant during this time of terrible difficulty in the Gulf of Mexico. Texas has thus far escaped damage from the BP oil leak, but the poor residents of Louisiana are really hurting. And Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida residents my soon follow. Here is the site’s description:
ABOUT US
DisasterAssistance.gov provides information on how you might be able to get help from the U.S. Government before, during and after a disaster.
If the President of the United States makes help available to individuals in your community after a disaster, you can visit this site to apply online.
This site helps you:
- Learn what help you might be able to apply for from 17 government agencies in Spanish and English
- Reduce the number of forms you have to fill out
- Shorten the time it takes to apply for aid
- Check the progress of your applications online
- Continue to receive benefits from government programs even if you have to leave your home
- Apply for help from FEMA online
- Learn about Small Business Administration loans using an online application
- Have your Social Security benefits sent to a new address
- Find federal disaster recovery centers near your current address
- Search a list of housing available for rent
- Get information about your federal student loan
- Get help from the Department of State if you are affected by a disaster while living or traveling outside the U.S.
DisasterAssistance.gov also provides news, information and resources to prepare for disasters, help keep your family safe during an emergency, and to recover afterwards.
This site assists you to:
- Get the latest information on declared disasters, wild fires, hurricanes and earthquakes.
- Find information about emergency services such as evacuating, locating loved ones, clean water, food, shelter and medical attention.
- Recover and rebuild the areas of your life that were impacted by the disaster, such as your home and job or business.
- Locate resources in your community that can help you move forward.