This page contains information on how you can engage with us using the normal text message functionality on your phone.
Overview
Our text message program can be used in two ways:
- To receive regular safety tips for specific disaster types.
- To search for open shelters and open disaster recovery centers.
All FEMA text messages are sent from our dedicated number: 43362 (4FEMA).
Standard message and data rates apply for any messages you receive from us.
Our text message program is not a substitute for 9-1-1. During an emergency, call your local fire/EMS/police or 9-1-1.
Safety Tips
Below is a list of all the disaster specific keywords you can sign up to receive bi-monthly safety tips for:
- Hurricanes: text HURRICANE to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Home fires: text FIRE to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Wildfires: text WILDFIRE to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Tornadoes: text TORNADO to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Earthquakes: text EARTHQUAKE to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Winter storms and extreme cold: text WINTER to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Power outages: text BLACKOUT to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Floods: text FLOOD to 43362 (4FEMA)
- General monthly safety tips: text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA)
Please Note:
- If subscribing to more than one list, please send a separate text for each disaster type you would like to subscribe to. There is no limit to the number of lists you can subscribe to.
- Sending STOP will automatically unsubscribe you from all our lists. You can re-subscribe to the list(s) of your choice one-by-one.
Shelters
To search for open shelters: text SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA)
For example, if you lived in Washington, DC you would text: SHELTER 20472
Before you go to a shelter, always check with your local emergency management agency for availability & services. Searching for shelters will not add you to a list. Think of it like doing a search on the Internet.
Disaster Recovery Centers
To search for open Disaster Recovery Centers, text: DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA)
For example, if you lived in Washington, DC you would text: DRC 20472
Searching for Disaster Recovery Centers will not add you to a list. Think of it like doing a search on the Internet.
Mobile App
You can also use the FEMA text message program to receive a link for the FEMA App for your specific mobile device. We’ll reply with a link back to your phone’s specific app store.
- Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Blackberry devices: text BLACKBERRY to 43362 (4FEMA)
Other Basic Commands
- Unsubscribe (at any time): text STOP to 43362 (4FEMA)
- Get more information: text INFO to 43362 (4FEMA)
- List of all keywords you can subscribe to: text LIST to 43362 (4FEMA)
Important Notes
- For emergencies, call your local fire/EMS/police or 9-1-1.
- FEMA’s text message number is 43362. If you receive a text message from another number and they say they are from FEMA, disregard it and report it to the authorities if you feel it is warranted.
- FEMA will not solicit info, ask for personal information, or ask you to donate money to FEMA.
- If you have any questions about the FEMA text message program, please don't hesitate to email us: fema-new-media@dhs.gov
- We will never charge you for text messages, but carrier message and data rates may apply. Your carrier may collect additional data elements; please see their privacy policies for further details.
- We will not use your phone number to track, reverse look up, or for any type of commercial marketing.