Financial Assistance:

The Red Cross offers financial assistance to help disaster survivors purchase necessities like groceries, clothing, and other essentials. 

  • Prepaid Debit Cards:

    The Red Cross uses Client Assistance Cards, which are MasterCard debit cards that can be used at ATMs or in retail stores. 

  • Assessing Needs:

    Case workers determine the amount of assistance based on factors like the number of family members, the damage to their homes, and other specific needs. 

  • What the Cards Can Be Used For:

    The cards can be used to purchase gas, clothes, food, and hardware. 

  • Red Cross is a Charity:

    It's important to remember that the Red Cross is a charity and not a government agency, and they do not require people to be American citizens to receive help. 

  • Not a Loan:

    Red Cross financial assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid

Florida residents, if your home is damaged and no longer safe to live in, you may qualify for up to $3,000 in emergency relocation funds from FEMA.
To access this assistance, you must first apply. Here's how to apply and what types of FEMA help may be available:

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance:

  • Online: Go to DisasterAssistance.gov

  • FEMA App: Download the free FEMA app from your smartphone’s app store

  • By Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362

  • In Person: Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Types of FEMA Assistance:

Displacement Assistance
Provides housing support if you’re unable to return home due to disaster-related damage.

Serious Needs Assistance (SNA)
A flexible, upfront payment to help cover urgent needs such as food, water, baby formula, medicine, and other essentials.

Rental Assistance
Covers temporary housing costs while your home is uninhabitable.

Home Repair Assistance
Financial help to repair or replace your primary residence if it was damaged by the disaster.

Other Needs Assistance
FEMA may also assist with expenses like childcare, home cleaning/sanitation, funeral costs, medical/dental care, and personal property replacement.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen

  • FEMA must be able to verify your identity

  • Insurance or other disaster aid must not fully cover your needs

  • Your expenses and needs must be directly caused by a declared disaster

Get fast, expert help with your insurance claim. No pressure—just answers, support, and real results. Start your recovery now.

Checking Your Home: Structural Elements

If you evacuated your home, only return when local authorities say it’s safe.
Never cross or remove colored tape on doors or windows, as it marks dangerous areas.
If a color-coded sign has been placed by a building inspector, do not enter until you receive official guidance.

Safety First – Secure Your Children

Leave children with a trusted adult while you inspect the home.
The site may be unsafe, and seeing damage could be traumatic for them.

Before You Go Inside – Exterior Inspection

  • Walk around the home first.

  • Look for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, cracked foundations, or missing support beams.

  • Do not force open jammed doors—they may be supporting the structure.

  • Smell or hear gas? Leave immediately and call the fire department.

  • If you use propane, shut off all valves and contact your supplier before using the system again.

Watch Out for Hidden Dangers

  • Be alert for animals such as snakes, rodents, or insects that may have taken shelter inside.

  • Tap floors with a stick as you move through the home to alert animals of your presence.

  • Be cautious around damaged furniture, stairs, or walls—they may be unstable.

  • Avoid leaning on or touching compromised structural parts.

Ceiling and Floor Hazards

  • Sagging ceiling? It's likely water-damaged and dangerous.

    • Wear eye protection and a hard hat.

    • Use a long stick to poke small holes near the edge of the bulge to drain water slowly.

    • Do not hit the center—this may cause a full collapse.

  • Sagging floor? Stay off of it.

    • Bridge small areas using thick boards or plywood that extend at least 8–12 inches beyond the sag.

Ventilation & Lighting

  • If weather permits, open windows and doors to begin airing out the home.

  • If there’s no electricity, use flashlights only.

  • Do not use candles or open flames to light your inspection.

Document & Repair

  • Begin temporary repairs as needed: cover holes, support walls, and remove debris.

  • Keep all receipts from repair supplies and services.

  • Take photos of the damage—they’re crucial for insurance claims and FEMA assistance.