... Recover from a Disaster

Being affected by a disaster can be one of the worst things to happen to a person, family or community. Nothing will be the same, especially if people close to you have been hurt. Even without that horror, losing a home or other property is terrible. There is no way to avoid the fact that recovery is difficult and complicated. While we know no outside assistance will make things the way they were, we have put this page together to try to make recovery a little easier.

Voluntary organizations, private insurance and government agencies can help. We have developed a brochure, A Practical Guide to Disaster Recovery Assistance (pdf 1.5 MB), to help you understand your options. If you can't download the file, contact us for a hardcopy.

While there is no way to turn back the clock, you may be able to reduce your vulnerability to future disasters. One way to start is by turning to our How Do I section.

Finally, we'd like to note that this page contains general information. For specific information on recent events, see the News section.

Immediate Needs

If you have immediate disaster-related needs -- such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare or help locating family members after a disaster -- call the Red Cross, Salvation Army or other voluntary agency.

Contact:
American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties
(206) 323-2345 or (360) 377-3761

Insurance

Insurance is the best way to protect your home and belongings. Contact your insurance company to check policy coverage and file claims.

Do you have questions about coverage or are having a dispute with your carrier?

Contact the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner consumer hotline at 1-800-562-6900 or visit their web site for disaster-specific FAQs.

Financial Help

If a Presidential Disaster Declaration is made, the federal government normally makes assistance available in the form of low-interest loans and small grants for eligible applicants.

Call FEMA to find out what types of assistance are available for individuals and businesses in Seattle and King County, and to apply: 1-800-621-3362 or online.

Other Recovery Resources

2-1-1
A free phone number that connects people in King County needing help-or those wanting to help others-with the appropriate resources.

City of Seattle Office of Housing - Homewise Program
The Home Repair Loan program provides low-interest loans to repair owner-occupied, single family homes with low to moderate income households. Call 684-0244 to apply or for more information.

Operation Hope
HOPE Coalition America is the national emergency preparedness and assistance division of Operation HOPE, Inc. This organization offers free preparedness and recovery guidance on overcoming economic and financial problems disasters can create for individuals and small businesses.