
There’s no denying that natural disasters can change the lives of the communities they affect. The physical, mental, and financial effects of natural disasters can often take years to recover from. Luckily, federal and state government bodies provide a wealth of resources to those affected by disasters.
Whether it be housing assistance or emergency medical services, it’s worth accepting every bit of help you can get. It isn’t as simple as that, however, as natural disaster relief is an ongoing process that often takes years. Follow along as we highlight the countless resources and efforts needed to rebuild lives in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Every Effort Counts
Natural disaster relief isn’t as simple as the government sending resources to help its citizens. It is a step-by-step process that entails managing and dispersing resources to save lives and rebuild as soon as possible. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts during and after natural disasters.
Their response efforts often begin before disasters strike. This includes evacuating and relocating citizens and providing financial support. Providing shelter, food, and financial aid before, during, and after disasters helps minimize the overwhelming loss and stress that occurs.
That said, post-disaster recovery efforts are often much more complicated and require a concerted effort between federal and state governments. Whether it be providing emergency supplies or clearing rubble, every resource and person counts toward relief efforts. Following the news and disaster updates before a storm is essential to protecting yourself from the devasting aftermath.
Picking Up the Pieces
Rebuilding homes and cities in the aftermath of a natural disaster takes time and resources. Hurricanes are particularly devasting and cause an average of $23 billion in damage. Delegating money for relocation, repairs, emergency supplies, and medical treatment takes time.
This timeline varies based on many factors, such as population and the scale of the disaster. The availability of resources is another major factor that affects the disaster relief timeline. Evacuation, disaster cleanup, and missing person recovery are among the first key steps.
It’s also essential to disperse emergency shelter kits to help families stay safe in the interim. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity work hard to create temporary shelters until they can rebuild individual homes.
Damage That Isn’t Always Apparent
Destruction is the first thing people associate with natural disasters in Florida and beyond. While the physical and economic tolls of natural disasters are substantial, citizens must also deal with the emotional toll. There’s no doubt that natural disasters traumatize those who are affected by them.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is all too common for those affected by natural disasters. The mental health toll of natural disasters often lasts longer than the damage done to nearby buildings. That’s why it’s essential that you easily access social workers in the wake of a devastating storm.
Social workers can help survivors adjust to the ways their lives have changed since the traumatic event. Keep in mind that many people lose their homes and businesses, forcing them to alter their lives completely. Confronting and treating such trauma is a step-by-step process that each victim of natural disasters should be afforded. The more available mental health treatment resources, the faster the community can recover.
Long-Term Relief Efforts
Natural disaster relief isn’t as simple as rebuilding damaged homes and public resources. For example, rebuilding a city after a hurricane can take years. After all, initial recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina took 18 months, and reconstruction continued for over 10 years.
How quickly you can return to your home after a natural disaster depends on when officials deem it safe. This could be days, weeks, or even months depending on the severity of the damage. During this time, it’s important to apply for assistance through FEMA.
FEMA can often provide grants to help with damages and medical expenses during this time. They may also enlist the help of nonprofit organizations to help with relief efforts over months or even years. Keep in mind that it can take a while to get post-disaster financial aid from FEMA. File your FEMA claim and contact your insurance providers as soon as possible.
Continual Support
Natural disaster relief doesn’t simply end once the rubble is picked up. It takes years for communities to recover from the financial, environmental, and emotional tolls of natural disasters. The shared trauma of natural disasters makes seeking professional help essential.
Whether it be a doctor or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), it’s worth pursuing help for years to come. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with resources you can access for as long as possible. This includes government grants, housing assistance, and information.
Organizations like Habitat for Humanity offer risk reduction information in the wake of natural disasters. This helps people take steps to protect themselves and evacuate before natural disasters to aid in recovery. Familiarize yourself with your post-disaster rights and resources to soften the blow as much as possible.
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components