Obtain Accurate Information
Rumors and misinformation are plentiful and spread rapidly in communities that have
experienced a disaster. In the days and weeks following a disaster, you will need to know
where to get official and accurate information about disaster recovery operations and
assistance programs. If you have relocated out of the community, identify who will be your
local communication contact to obtain important recovery information. Your initial sources
of information after a disaster might be the Emergency Operations Command (EOC) Center
set up in your community, disaster recovery update meetings, briefings by local officials, and
radio and TV news.
You will want to attend disaster recovery update meetings, if available, in your community.
These meetings provide information on programs and resources that can aid in your
recovery. They will also help you reconnect with your neighbors and others who have been
affected by the disaster.
Typically these update meetings provide information about:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safe clean-up procedures to follow.
How your community will handle debris removal.
Volunteers who are coming to the community and how they can help you.
Money, vouchers, and other types of assistance available from disaster agencies, such
as The Salvation Army and American Red Cross.
Clean-up and building supplies that organizations are providing.
Child-care availability.
Animal shelter availability.
Deadlines for disaster assistance programs.
People who do not attend these meetings often miss out on important information, financial
assistance, deadlines, donations, services, and supplies. If you cannot attend, ask someone
who will be there to give you an update.
Later in the recovery process, you can obtain important information from an official website;
local media, including newspapers, radio and TV; or a recovery case manager. You should
always keep your ears and eyes open for reliable information.
20
Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit