Patient and Caregiver Emergency Assistance
There are several different organizations, both public and private, that provide disaster relief assistance to people living in affected areas. The organizations listed below are a few of the organizations that provide assistance to people nationwide. You should also contact your local State or county’s department of emergency management (or similarly named agency) to obtain assistance information as well. If your Chapter service area includes more than one state, personalize this information for your patients.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — Those living in disaster-affected areas can call the FEMA disaster hotline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). FEMA also has important disaster relief information available on its website, www.fema.gov. The information includes steps to take after a disaster, how to apply for disaster assistance, and a guide on how to get help after a disaster.
Members of Congress — Your U.S. Senators and Representative will have staff available to assist you should a disaster or terrorist act affect your area. They will be able to provide you with the latest information about Federal resources that are available and often local resources as well. You can contact them by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. To identify your Members of Congress and obtain their contact information, including locations and phone numbers for local offices, go to www.congress.org and enter your zip code. (Each Chapter can do this in advance for PALS.)
The American Red Cross — The American Red Cross and its local chapters are a helpful resource to contact following a disaster. Information is available by calling 1-866-GET INFO (438-4636) or by visiting the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
State and Local Assistance — State and local governments provide emergency relief assistance. Check local telephone listings to find the contact information for your State’s office of Emergency Management, or similarly named agency. Or, call your local police or fire department. (This could be done in advance for each patient and become part of a personalized document.)
While both FEMA and the Red Cross have information available on their websites to help you prepare for emergency situations, the Department of Homeland Security, which includes FEMA, also has helpful tips available at this link.
You may print The ALS Association Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter's Emergency Preparedness Guide by clicking here.
