The road back from disaster is long, and it is never easy. By working together, we can come back even stronger. Whether you have faced the disaster yourself, or want to reach out to others,it's enormously important to take care of yourself, and to stay in close touch with family and friends.
More Resources
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Helpline is available 24 hours of day for anyone feeling stressed about disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Maine Disaster Behavioral Health
Maine’s Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team (DBHRT) is a statewide team of trained volunteers who respond locally to disasters and public health emergencies by working within healthcare and school facilities, walking through neighborhoods, providing services to impacted family and friends at local reception centers and FEMA Services Centers.
SAMHSA: Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event
Offers self-help tips for coping with the aftermath of trauma. Discusses the long-term impact of trauma, including personal uncertainties, family relationship changes, work disruptions, and financial concerns. Download digital (.pdf) version or order free printed copies.
- When the Power
Goes Out - When Things
Get Wet - When Your Home
Is Damaged - When Others
Need Help - More
Clean-up Tips
Power outages can result from a severe winter or summer storm, from a power system disruption or a car hitting a pole.
Alternative Heat Source Safety
Carbon Monoxide Safety in Power Outages
FLASH.org: Power Outage - Keeping Food Safe
Water can damage your home from a flood, from a pipe or water main break or from a hurricane.
FLASH.org: Cleaning up Flood Damage
FLASH.org: Floods: After the Storm - Important Tips
When your home has been damaged or some of its contents destroyed:
When you are sure your family is taken care of, you may start to think about how to help others. Check with local officials or agencies to see what's needed in your community. Keep the tips below in mind, and visit our Help Others section to learn more .
Making Donations to Disaster Areas
As you clean up your house and yard, think "Safety First"