The national Disaster Distress Helpline is dedicated to providing crisis counseling and support 24/7/365 for anyone in the U.S./territories experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Callers can connect with Disaster Distress Helpline counselors in 100+ additional languages via third-party interpretation services. People who are Deaf or hard of hearing can use the text option, or for TTY, use their preferred Relay service or dial 7-1-1 and then 1-800-985-5990. The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and confidential.
The American Red Cross (ARC) leads local emergency relief efforts in coordination with other local, state, and national agencies. They help communities prepare and respond to disasters in many different ways. They can also help you: locate shelters and family assistance centers; contact and locate loved ones; and learn tips and strategies to prepare, respond, and recover. To speak to an ARC representative: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster resources and education in all phases of the disaster from preparation to recovery. Information is available in 20 languages. On their site, you can learn how to apply for government assistance, find open shelters and disaster recovery centers, and access National Weather Service tools.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) focuses on reducing the impact of mental health problems and substance use in communities across America. Free and confidential information, in English and Spanish, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On their site, you can: Search for local mental health professionals and learn about emergency preparedness, get tips for managing stress, learn about ways to deal with grief.
Ready.gov is a national resource that can help you prepare for and respond to emergencies. It provides information about different types of emergencies and how to respond to them. Information is available in English and Spanish. You can learn: what to do before, during, and after a natural disaster; how to make an emergency plan; how to find shelter locations; and how to recognize and deal with distress.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency that conducts and supports emergency preparedness and response to improve overall public health. Here, you can learn: what to do before, during, and after a natural disaster; preparation and planning; tips to protect yourself and your family; and mental health and resilience tips.
The National Institutes of Health has a Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC) that connects people to quality disaster health information and fosters a culture of community resiliency. You can find information about community preparedness, self-care after disaster, and coping with disaster distress.