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Resources

The Resources section is an ongoing collaborative effort at The Actors Fund to provide a one-stop database of services and organizations that meet the unique and essential needs of the arts and entertainment professional.

Superstorm Sandy - most comprehensive websites

DisasterAssistance.gov

DisasterAssistance.gov provides information on how to get help from the federal government before, during and after a disaster. It helps people understand the various forms of assistance available to them and how to apply for aid most efficiently, as well as find information about evacuating, finding shelter, getting food and water, getting medical services, locating loved ones, and recovering and rebuilding. Note that the registration period typically lasts 60 days, so it is important to register with FEMA quickly.
Via smartphone: http://m.fema.gov/
Via telephone: 1-800-621-3362

Shelters and Housing

Disaster Housing Search

Disaster housing search is a way for survivors of natural disasters to find temporary housing.

The FEMA Housing Portal

The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families who have been displaced by a disaster find a place to live. The portal consolidates rental resources identified and provided by federal agencies, private organizations, and the public, to help individuals and families find available rental units in their area.

Art-specific

Studio Protector: The Artist's Guide to Emergencies

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, and includes information for before, during and after emergencies to protect, salvage and recover artwork and work spaces.

ARTSREADY

ArtsReady helps artists and arts organizations be prepared for the unexpected, and ready to continue business after an emergency. ArtsReady is an initiative of South Arts.

General Assistance

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 Red Cross

Links to local Red Cross websites are searchable by zip code. General information about disaster services, health and safety services, emergency preparation and other programs offered by the Red Cross is available.

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.

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.

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's website explains what disaster assistance and housing needs assistance are, who qualifies, and what other services FEMA offers, provides an online application and apply-by-phone directions, and allows users to check the status of their applications and find out how they can spend their assistance money.

Lutheran Services in America (LSA)

LSA's emergency and disaster services include clothing, emergency housing, financial assistance, food programs, legal aid, telephone crisis support and referrals, and support services. This site can be searched for services regionally or by type of assistance needed.

Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared

This page of the Red Cross website advises pet owners on how to plan for their pets' safety in the event of a disaster. Red Cross shelters do not accept pets, so it is essential to be prepared in advance.

Salvation Army

Among the Salvation Army's disaster reponse and recovery programs are counseling and support programs, financial assistance, shelter provision, and the distribution of water, food, furniture, building materials, sanitary, infant and child care products, medicines, bedding and other items for which an immediate need exists. This website can locate nearby branches by a zip code search.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Among the many services provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Society are emergency financial assistance, emergency transportation and disaster relief and victim services. This website allows users to search for local councils offering assistance.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Disasters & Emergencies

HHS has a page of links to information and resources for all types of disasters and emergencies.

United Way

The United Way provides assistance in every step of recovery from disaster.

SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business

SCORE provides disaster assistance for small businesses. Their website lists tips, tools, downloads, mentoring, and state links.

When Waters Rise: Nine Basic Steps for Flood Response and Recovery

The Library of Congress Preservation Directorate provides information to support preservation, including emergency preparedness and disaster response for individuals and families as well as libraries, archives, and museums.

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.

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.

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