Resources and assistance for disaster victims

If you or your community, management company or business has been affected by a natural disaster, know that the thoughts of CAI members and staff are with you. The resources below are only the first step in recovery, but we hope you find them helpful.

Getting help for the people and pets in your life

• Find online resources to help cope with the mental-health implications of a disaster.
  
  
• Find someone on Petfinder.com who can help you with rescuing or fostering your pets.
  
  

Getting help with housing, food, clothes and more

• HUD provides critical housing and community development resources.
  
  
• The Federal Trade Commission has information on how to repair your home after a disaster.
  
  
• Restock your house, wardrobe and more through local networks of individuals giving and receiving items for free on the Freecycle website.
  
  
• Find a church in your area.
  
  
• Find a Jewish community center in your area.
  
  
• Find a Muslim organization in your area.

Sites with additional links and up-to-date information

• FEMA
• American Red Cross
• USA Freedom Corps
• Salvation Army
• USA.gov has a comprehensive page on disasters and emergencies.

Getting help with finances, documents, legal issues and insurance

• For immediate cash—apply for disaster assistance by registering online at www.fema.gov or contact the Red Cross to apply for aid. You may be entitled to receive grant money from FEMA.
  
  
• Replace vital documents like visas, passports and medical records. For a new driver's license, your DMV can retrieve your information and compare your signature electronically for verification.
  
  
• Get financial assistance via disaster loans for businesses from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  
  
• The IRS may extend tax-filing deadlines for residents in declared disaster areas.
  
  

California wildfire information

• Visit CALFires.com to access an information clearinghouse on current fires in California.
  
  
• The Governor's Office of Emergency Services offers information on local assistance centers, individual assistance resources, fire maps, and situation reports.
  
  
• Review the current status of fires.
  
  
• Learn how you can help.

Hurricane Katrina information

• Find a family member, friend or CAI member through one of the many sites helping people connect with one another. Register your name on the Red Cross site or CNN's Safe List and let colleagues and friends across the country know you're all right.
  
  
• Find temporary housing through organizations listed on USA.gov.
  
  
• The Animal Emergency Response Network can help you find displaced pets, ask rescuers to locate your pet—or obtain a temporary home for a pet.
  
  
• Read about new Florida insurance-related orders.
  
  
• HOPE Coalition America offers free financial counseling and assistance to individuals and small businesses affected by disasters.
  
  
• Find answers to your insurance coverage questions.
  
  
• Get information on what specific health insurance companies are doing about coverage and policies.
  
  
• Review frequently asked questions about legal assistance.
You may be able to get free legal advice through the American Bar Association. Thousand of lawyers have volunteered to assist people with insurance claims, home repair contracts, licensing, wills and other documents.