Information / Statistics

Immigrant Disaster Relief Information

General

The Disaster Center offers a site for VOAD members to post requests for disaster volunteers, donations, etc. It also provides national and international information on disasters, resources, and links to many sites.

Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Earthquake Maps and Information. Bay area earthquake maps and information.

Nationwide Road Conditions Contacts. List of phone numbers to call for road conditions in all 50 states.

Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 is a new federal legislation to protect volunteers. National Legislation To provide certain protections to volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities in lawsuits based on the activities.

Internet Disaster Information Network of volunteers. This site by the Arizona Daily Star provides information on current disasters as well as an archive section.

Disaster News Network (DNN). The Disaster News Network (DNN) tells the story of U.S. humanitarian response to disasters. It is the only independent news source exclusively reporting U.S. disaster response -- on the Internet, in print, and in person. Produced by Villagelife.org of Maryland, a company specializing in new media and services, for Villagelife.org Inc., DNN is sponsored by Church World Service and 12 other faith-based disaster response organizations.

Weather and Natural Disasters. Contains weather maps, weather alerts, storm watches, etc.

AlertNet. Reuter Foundation's news and communications service for the international emergency relief community. It is designed to help non-governmental organizations coordinate their actions and thereby increase the speed and efficiency of emergency relief.

Insurance

Call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Mandatory Purchase Guidelines, location of agents, community status.

California's Insurance Department Consumer Hotline. Disaster victims having problems with contractors, vendors, insurance, may contact the Consumer Communications Bureau by calling our Consumer Hotline at (800)927-HELP. The Claims Services Bureau and the Rating and Underwriting Services Bureau handle written complaints received from consumers.

United Policy Holders. Since 1991, UP has been helping insurance policyholders understand their rights and get fair claim settlements. UP's Amicus Project is helping strengthen and defend the laws that protect policyholders. UP also monitors and responds to marketplace developments and participates in public policy debates.

Taxes

Internal Revenue Service. Publication 584, "Non-Business Disaster, Casualty and Theft Loss Workbook," can help organize a written inventory to supplement photographed or videotaped documentation for an insurance claim or for tax purposes. Download Publication 584 or call IRS Forms at (800) 829-3676. General IRS info (800) 829-1040.

California's Franchise Tax Board.(800) 338-0505 offers casualty loss information. Possible income tax deductions or extensions for disaster victims.

Materials & Resources Available

FEMA for Kids. Simple explanations about disasters and what kids can do to help their families prepare.

FEMA Preparedness Site. Specific information on all types of natural and manmade disaster.

Humanitarian Resource Institute. In an effort to support frontline service programs across the United States, Humanitarian Resource Institute has constructed the Focus On America National Community Needs Database.  This page also contains links from the NEA Crisis Guide to various resources and tools to help parents, school employees, and the media monitor children's mental and physical health needs in time of crisis.

The Community Preparedness Website Project is a multi-lingual site providing information supporting special needs and vulnerable populations in disasters.

Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). New web site to offer home and business owners tips on hazards safety and planning. Currently, the site focuses on hurricane mitigation, although other hazards will be addressed in the future. It includes videos on structural mitigation measures, several print publications in both Spanish and English, as well as links to other resources on the web.

FLASH (Florida Alliance for Safe Homes). Web site documenting safe building practices. The site specifically addresses wind hazards, wildfire, and floods, and includes a glossary, a list of resource organizations, and a library of building design diagrams.

[Florida] Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. New Building Disaster Resistant Neighborhoods Handbook, available via the Disaster Resistant Neighborhood link. This handbook outlines a step by step action plan, with examples, to assist neighborhood associations to prepare for disasters.

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