Resources for Consumers on Disaster Recovery
On this page you'll find brief descriptions and links for consumers to learn more about national resources, disaster preparedness, what to do after the storm, flood and mold cleanup, and tools and training.
When building or reconstructing your home after a natural disaster, it's good to know there are a variety of resources to help you rebuild a home that's safer, more durable, and disaster-resistant and can help you save on energy bills, too. These resources will help you get started. Please also view the Resources for State and Local Officials and Resources for Residential Builders for additional relevant information.
National Resources
Consumer Disaster Resources for National Association of Home Builders — How to find and select a professional builder or remodeler; how to avoid unscrupulous contractors; and how to prepare for a national disaster.
ENERGY STAR® — Information on the voluntary labeling program sponsored by the DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, helping businesses and consumers easily identify highly efficient products, homes, and buildings that save energy and money.
Hurricanes Rita and Katrina Resources Page — Prepared by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the page includes information on how to get housing help and answers questions about FHA mortgage relief and how to rebuild a home after a disaster.
Hurricane Response 2005 — Information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on protecting human health, water issues, and fuel waivers.
Hurricane Recovery Information — Includes resources for individuals and families from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) such as how to register for FEMA assistance, rebuilding resources, and temporary housing and shelter information.
Guidance for Navy and Marine Corps Personnel Recovering from a Hurricane Disaster — Provides information on disaster recovery, and includes resources on the potential chemical, physical, and biological hazards and information on support centers for Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy — Provides comprehensive information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
Disaster Preparedness
Fortified... for safer living® Program — Details construction, design, and landscaping guidelines that can increase a new home's resistance to natural disasters. Enter your zip code to view building recommendations from the foundation to the roof.
"S" Marks the Spot — Outlines the Five Spots (shutters, shingles, soffits, seals, surroundings) that can make a big difference in how well your home survives a hurricane. See the handy "Do It Yourself" section for each "spot."
Keep Wind and Water Out: A Guide to High Wind Protection — Outlines various shutter materials and explains how to install them so windows and doors are well protected from hurricane-force winds. Find your community on the wind speed map.
FEMA: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series — Provides technical guidance and recommendations for constructing coastal residential buildings, including information on improving the performance of buildings subject to flood and wind forces in coastal environments.
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes — A nonprofit that promotes life safety, property protection, and economic well-being by strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters.
After the Storm
Check for Hazards When Returning Home — Safety tips on hazards to check for when returning home after a flood, hurricane, or severe storm.
Post-Hurricane Opportunities from Home Energy Magazine — An article and links to additional information on coping with the repairs and rebuilding after a hurricane and some of the available opportunities to make homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
Flood and Mold Cleanup
Consumer Guidance on How to Clean Up and Prevent Mold — Consumer information to help hurricane victims respond to mold and moisture problems in the home.
Rebuilding Your Flooded Home: Guidelines for Incorporating Energy Efficiency — Offers general tips to improve the efficiency of a home's shell and equipment. May 1994.
Repairing Your Flooded Home American Red Cross — Provides information to homeowners, building officials, and state and local officials.
Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings — Includes information on how to care for wet plaster, problems with foundations, treatment for saturated wood-framed walls and floors, exterior paint problems, cleaning out mud, and where to go for assistance.
Water Damage Recovery Guide — Will help you understand how to properly prevent, or deal with, water damage in your home, following a natural disaster or other moisture-related problem.
Louisiana Floods — What you need to know in the event of a flood, including flood proofing your home, cleaning up after the flood, and funding sources for flood proofing.
Tools and Training
Software Tools and Training — Resources offered by the Building Technologies Program on energy efficiency technologies and practices.
Building Media Inc.: Education — A resource for the building industry that provides construction education with e-learning software, distance training, Web site content, and interactive software and database management services.