Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Are Out in the Field

If your neighborhood has been impacted by the recent flooding you will soon see Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams from FEMA canvassing your area. They are there to answer questions and support you in on-the-spot registration for disaster assistance.

If you are a homeowner, renter or business owner, or part of a faith-based or community organization needing assistance, DSA teams can help connect you with the necessary resources to start the recovery process.

The teams not only offer you registration assistance. They can also give up-to-date information on your application status; on-the-spot needs assessment; and referrals to help fill any outstanding needs you may have.

DSA team members wear blue FEMA shirts and have FEMA photo identification badges. To prevent fraudulent activities, if photo identification is not displayed, you should ask to see it.

To help you register for FEMA assistance, DSA teams may ask for the following information:

• A phone number where you can be reached;
• Your social security number;
• Your current mailing address;
• The address of the affected property;
• A brief description of the damage; and
• Insurance information, including your policy number.

You can rest assured that when you share personal information with DSA team members it is a part of the registration process and that the information shared is secure. Again, always ask to see FEMA photo ID in order to prevent fraudulent activity. Also please keep in mind that FEMA employees do not solicit or accept money from disaster survivors.

You may also register in the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). If you use 711 or Video Relay Service call 800-621-3362. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY call 800-462-7585.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find the nearest DRC by downloading the FEMA app, calling the helpline or visiting www.fema.gov/drc.
• DRC hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. (until further notice).
  • If you require a reasonable accommodation (American Sign Language interpreting, Braille large print, etc.) while visiting a recovery center you may call the appropriate Helpline number for support. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

FEMA has made it a priority to reach all survivors who need help, including people with disabilities and/or access and functional needs, senior citizens and people with limited English proficiency.