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Helping Communities Adapt to the "New Normal" After Disaster

Hurricanes and major disasters typically result in Federally declared disasters, which mobilize Federal resources for response and recovery. Additional assistance may come from state and local sources, as well as faith-based and charitable organizations that do not require a Presidential declaration and may be available in counties not formally declared.

Federal Assistance — FEMA's Role

FEMA, now part of the Department of Homeland Security, coordinates the federal response to state requests for disaster recovery assistance. Following a Presidential Declaration, assistance becomes available to residents and local governments in declared counties. Some types of assistance are also available in counties that adjoin declared counties.

Eligible residents and business owners in declared counties may access:

• Funding for temporary housing
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for property repair or replacement
• Disaster unemployment assistance
• Grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by other programs

SBA Disaster Loan Programs

• Real Property Loans — Up to $200,000 for homeowners to repair or restore a primary residence
• Personal Property Loans — Up to $40,000 for homeowners and renters to repair or replace personal property
• Business Physical Disaster Loans — Up to $1.5 million for non-farm businesses and nonprofits to repair or replace damaged property, inventory, and equipment
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans — Up to $1.5 million for small businesses suffering substantial economic injury

Apply via SBA Disaster Assistance.

USDA Resources for Farmers and Ranchers

• USDA Food Safety — Keeping Food Safe During Emergencies
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service — Disaster Food Assistance
• Emergency Watershed Protection Program — NRCS
• Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — USDA Rural Development

Federal Grants for Hazard Mitigation

Three primary federal programs provide 75% of eligible project costs; 25% non-federal funds are required. All projects must be economically justified and administered through county or local government — individuals cannot apply directly to state or federal agencies.

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — Post-disaster funding providing up to 7.5% of federal disaster costs; up to 20% for communities with FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plans
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM) — Funding for all hazards not dependent on a Presidential disaster declaration
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) — Distributed among states proportional to flood insurance policies and claims; funding raised to $40 million annually beginning in 2005

Post-Disaster Building Performance Reports

FEMA's Mitigation Assessment Teams (MATs) produce post-disaster building performance reports. Reports are available for Hurricane Andrew, Iniki, Opal, Fran, Georges, Katrina, Ike, and others.

• FEMA B-PAT and MAT Reports — Building Science
• Corps of Engineers, National Nonstructural/Floodproofing Committee