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After a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. We encourage survivors of the Kentucky and West Virginia floods to watch for fraud or identity theft and report any suspicious activity. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers stolen from people affected by the disaster.
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used to create a FEMA application without your knowledge. If this happens, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.
If you did not apply for assistance but received a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop further processing of that application.
If you want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the helpline will assist you in creating a new application.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the flooding. FEMA officials will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. Residents can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify that a FEMA visit is legitimate. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed or reproduced.
FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free. Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department. If you live in Kentucky, you can also report it to the Kentucky Attorney General by visiting Kentucky Scam Report.
If you are aware of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.
If you need to apply for assistance, you will need:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your Social Security number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
The first step to receiving FEMA assistance is to apply. There are four ways to apply:
- Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA App.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The phone line is open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight ET, and help is available in most languages.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a Disaster Recovery Center, go online at fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your zip code to 43362.
For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.
Kentuckians can apply for assistance for flooding until April 25. For more information, visit DR-4860-KY | FEMA.gov.
West Virginians can apply for assistance for flooding until April 28. For more information, visit DR-4861-WV | FEMA.gov.
Los Angeles County homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the January wildfires have a few weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA has extended the application deadline to Monday, March 31.
FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the wildfire can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits or other sources of assistance.
To apply with FEMA:
- Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA App.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a Disaster Recovery Center, go online at fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your zip code to 43362.
Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive technology and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.
To view an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
At the request of the state of North Carolina, FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for assistance after Tropical Storm Helene to Monday, April 7.
FEMA may be able to help with temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Homeowners and renters in these counties can apply: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey counties, and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits or other sources of assistance.
To apply with FEMA:
- Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA App.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a Disaster Recovery Center, go online at fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your zip code to 43362.
Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive technology and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.
To view an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
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Today, businesses may face increasing risks from natural disasters, cybersecurity threats and other disruptive emergencies. FEMA’s National Business Emergency Operations Center helps business and industry leaders to stay informed, collaborate with emergency management officials and access resources for potential disasters and response efforts.
The National Business Emergency Operations Center is a virtual platform that connects businesses and industry partners with FEMA and other response agencies during disasters. Membership is open to organizations of all sizes and across all industries – providing near real-time situational awareness and coordination before, during and after emergencies.
By becoming a National Business Emergency Operations Center member, emergency managers and business leaders can:
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Gain Early Access to Critical Information – Receive near real-time updates on disaster response efforts and potential impacts on supply chains, infrastructure and operations.
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Collaborate Directly with FEMA and Partners – Engage with government agencies and industry peers to discuss disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
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Support Business Continuity – Stay informed about resources, tools and educational programs that help businesses prepare for and recover more quickly after disasters.
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Inform Emergency Management Decisions – Share industry insights with FEMA to help shape response strategies that benefit businesses and the communities they serve.
Follow the steps below to join:
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Visit the National Business Emergency Operations Center Website – Visit National Business Emergency Operations Center | FEMA.gov.
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Submit the Membership Form – Fill out a short form with your organization’s details. Please note that the National Business Emergency Operations Center membership requires a business email domain.
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Stay Connected – Once approved, members can access the National Business Emergency Operations Center Dashboard 24/7 for updates, receive invitations to briefings and have opportunities to participate in disaster coordination efforts.
Please reach out to FEMA’s Office of Business, Industry and Infrastructure Integration team at NBEOC@connect.gov with questions or feedback.
Apply to FEMA's Youth Preparedness Council by March 14
Young leaders eager to support disaster preparedness and build community resilience now have until Friday, March 14, to apply for FEMA's 2025 National Youth Preparedness Council.
Students in grades 8 through 11 can access the application online at FEMA Youth Preparedness Council Application Form. To apply, the applicant must submit a completed written or video application, two letters of recommendation, a list of extracurricular activities and parental consent to FEMA-prepare@FEMA.dhs.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on March 14.
To read about the current council members and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council, visit the Youth Preparedness Council page on FEMA.gov.
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