Natural disasters or emergencies can occur at any time, sometimes in certain areas more often than others, so it is important to always be prepared.
Disaster Relief Grants are available to individuals and communities, through the government and public or private organizations, to help recovery efforts for those affected. There are grants available called disaster preparedness grants, which are created to help communities feel secure and have a plan in case a disaster strikes.
Disaster Preparedness Grants:These kinds of grants are most beneficial to areas that are commonly affected by natural disasters. With a disaster preparedness grant, communities are able to use the grant funds to get the proper medical emergency equipment and personnel prior to an emergency. This grant can also help for communities to prepare the proper food and necessities once the disaster has occurred.
Emergency Relief Grants:Emergency relief grants allow for individuals and communities to gain the basic necessities such as water, food and shelter. Many of these grants are through FEMA, once the area has been declared a disaster by the federal government. Once FEMA joins an area to offer relief, they offer mental counseling, temporary housing, help with home repairs and funding uninsured losses.
Community Recovery Grants:The Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is available for communities to begin the recovery process. Since the grants are offered through HUD, an area must be a presidentially declared disaster to be eligible for the grant. This is one of the best ways for disaster areas to receive the proper funding to get back on their feet. Some areas that get hit with an emergency situation may not be able to get up on their feet without the help.
Individuals, businesses, and communities that have recently experienced a natural disaster or are in an area prone to natural disasters, should look into disaster preparedness and emergency relief grants before application deadlines approach.