General Disaster Resources
2-1-1:
Call 2-1-1 to be connected with community services in your area, providing services like food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance and physical and mental health resources.
American Institute for Conservation Emergency Response Team (AIC-CERT):
The mission of AIC-CERT is to respond to the needs of cultural institutions during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors and the public. AIC, the national association of conservation professionals is offering free emergency response assistance to cultural organizations.
Call AIC’s 24-hour assistance number at 202.661.8068 for advice by phone.
Call 202.661.8068 to arrange for a team to come to the site to complete damage assessments and help with salvage organization.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross is an emergency response organization.
To find information on your local American Red Cross, enter your zip code here.
American Red Cross Safe and Well List:
The American Red Cross has provided a way for those affected by a disaster to register as safe and well, and for concerned family and friends to search for the status of their loved ones.
Ready.gov:
Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement. Follow them on Twitterat @Readygov. Information in Spanish can be found at Listo.gov.
ArtsReady:
A web-based tool designed to help arts organizations be more resilient following a minor disruption to business or a major crisis. It is an initiative by South Artswho also manages a blog on the ArtsReady site, which is used to deliver status reports, requests for information, and help on behalf of organizations that may be affected.
Catholic Charities USA:
Catholic Charities' relief and recovery services are provided on a regional level,and respond to the need for emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support. Other Catholic Charities services include financial, medical and utilities assistance, clothing, housing, health care, and child care. This site provides links to local branches, each of which provides direct assistance.
CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund + Artists' Emergency Resources):
CERF+ emergency relief assistance, provides small grants, no-interest loans, access to resources, waivers and discounts on booth fees, and donations of craft supplies and equipment, to professional craft artists who have experienced a recent, career-threatening emergency.
To learn about preventing or repairing mold damage, watch this CERF+ video with conservator MJ Davis.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
Information on disaster unemployment assistance, which provides unemployment benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States.
Disaster Recovery and Assistance:
The LSU AgCenter has an array of information about recovering from the multiple problems caused by hurricanes, floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. Dangers include disease from insects and other pests, and illness from contaminated flood waters.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The primary mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Mailing Address:
500 C Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
Telephone: 202-646-2500
FEMA: Help After a Disaster:
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides money and services to people in a disaster area when losses are not covered by insurance and property has been damaged or destroyed. This guide is available in English and Spanish and explains the types of assistance available, eligibility information, and how to apply.
FEMA Emergency Response Action Steps:
This guide from FEMA helps safeguard collections damaged by water, whether from flood, fire, earthquakes, severe storms or broken pipes. The first 48 hours after an emergency are the most critical, and this site explains the proper salvage techniques and steps to use in this time period.
Lutheran Services in America (LSA):
LSA's emergency and disaster services include clothing, emergency housing, financial assistance, food programs, legal aid, telephone crisis support andreferrals, and support services. This site can be searched for services regionally or by type of assistance needed.
National Park Service: Conserve O Grams:
The National Park Service's Museum Management Program publishes this series of short, focused leaflets about caring for museum objects. Included are extensive instructions for salvaging a variety of objects from water damage, fire, exposure and other hazards, and creating an emergency operation plan.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church, although distinctive in government and practice. Increasingly the Army’s policy and its indigenous membership allow it to cooperate with international relief agencies and governments alike.
Telephone: 800-SAL-ARMY
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Among the many services provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Society are emergency financial assistance, emergency transportation, disaster relief, and victim services. This website allows users to search for local councils offering assistance.
Studio Protector:
The Studio Protector is an information toolkit to help artists be disaster ready and disaster resilient. It is a self-help resource, geared for artists at all career levels–from students to emerging and established professionals. Working artists have been involved in every step of the design and testing of this toolkit. While there are many other resources for emergency preparedness, the Studio Protector focuses on information that is relevant to artists and the realities of the studio environment.
Public Health Emergency:
Click on 'Public Health Emergency Response' to find information about emergency preparedness and response activities.
United Way:
The United Way provides assistance in every step of recovery from disaster.
Donation Tips
The Better Business Bureau recommends:
- Cash helps more than clothing or food.
- When possible, donate directly online through a charity’s website. Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will go toward relief. There are always expenses involved when charities raise funds.
- Check the charity’s website for information about what assistance is taking place at the disaster site.
- Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. Be wary of those that are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.