Response & Recovery

All disasters start and end as a local event, and require the commitment or resources from local governments. In addition to your municipal and county agencies, other organizations play a vital role in a disaster, including:

• Relief organizations like American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
• Rural utilities
• Local businesses
• Schools
• Churches
• Civic groups
• Neighborhood Associations

To learn more about the organizations active in your community following a disaster, find your county specific partners.

Disaster recovery is often the longest, most challenging and most expensive aspect of any large event. Recovery includes all community efforts to repair, restore, and return again to normal. The most effective disaster recovery efforts will also include opportunities to strengthen vulnerable areas through mitigation efforts. Various Federal programs can help with these mitigation projects if the event was sufficient to receive a Presidential Declaration.