Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Assistance

In 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - formerly an independent agency - became part of the new Department of Homeland Security.

When national or natural disasters occur, FEMA is the first federal agency to respond. FEMA is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from, and mitigating against disasters.

The 5th Congressional District is located within FEMA Region IV.

I hope the following resources provide you with helpful information. If I can provide you with any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Basic Resources

FEMA
Department of Homeland Security - Ready.Gov
Homeland Security Threat Advisory
Red Cross Disaster Services

Preparedness

FEMA In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
FEMA Response and Recovery Preparedness
FEMA Preparedness-Animals and Disasters
FEMA Library - Animals and Emergencies
FEMA Online Preparedness Guides
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
Family Disaster Supply Kit
FireSafety.Gov
FloodSmart.Gov - Flood Insurance

Weather and Weather Safety

National Weather Service - Forecasts and Predictions
National Weather Service - Weather Safety
National Weather Service - Lightning Safety
Tornadoes
Tornadoes - Preparedness Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Hurricanes - Preparedness Guide

South Carolina Tropical Weather Information

SC Emergency Management Division
SC Weather from the State Climatologist's Office
Coastal Evacuation routes

Disaster Assistance

DisasterHelp.Gov
GovLoans - Disaster Relief Loans
HUD Disaster Recovery Assistance
SBA Disaster Recovery Assistance
USDA Natural Disaster Assistance
USDA FSA Disaster Assistance

Coping

Helping Children Cope with Disaster
NIMH Information about Coping with Traumatic Events
Tips for Talking about Disasters SAMHSA