Week 1 - Disaster Recovery, FEMA, Grants, Insurance & SBA Loans

Week 1 - Navigate FEMA, IHP, HUD CDBG-DR Grants, manage insurance claims, and engage with SBA for low-interest loans. Expert advice to kickstart your recovery.

By Murray Wennerlund, published September 28, 2023, updated October 04, 2025.

FEMA and Disaster Recovery

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates national disaster response and recovery efforts. For individuals and households, FEMA serves as the central hub for submitting documentation, collecting information, and assessing damage. Registering with FEMA is a required first step if you plan to apply for FEMA's Individual and Household Program (IHP), Individual Assistance (IA), or HUD's Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant funds. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid—provided they're used for eligible and approved recovery activities that are outlined in your grant award documentation.

How to Navigate the WindRainFlood Disaster Recovery Guide

A step-by-step guide to help users explore disaster recovery resources, documentation strategies, and financial assistance tools on WindRainFlood.com.

Published: September 28, 2023 | Last Modified: October 04, 2025

Start with Week 1 Guidance

Begin your recovery journey by selecting the 'Week 1–4' section from the top navigation. This section outlines immediate safety steps, documentation methods, and early registration actions.

Explore Photographic Documentation Tips

Scroll to the 'Documenting Property Damage' section to learn how to take timestamped, high-resolution photos of your home and belongings for insurance and grant eligibility.

Review Financial Assistance Options

Navigate to the 'Seeking Financial Assistance' section to understand how to apply for FEMA, SBA, and HUD support, and how to avoid duplication of benefits.

Understand Home Repair Funding Rules

Visit the 'Critical Advice on Home Repairs' section to learn when to hire help, how to verify damage thresholds, and how to coordinate with local permitting offices.

Track Disaster Recovery Debt

Go to the 'Financial Planning for Disaster Recovery' section to estimate your Area Median Income, track expenses, and avoid loan-based disqualification from grants.

Learn About HUD Grant Allocation Challenges

Scroll to the 'HUD CDBG-DR Grant Allocations' section to understand how state-level decisions impact homeowner assistance and what advocacy strategies may help.

Use the Editor’s Notes and Tags

Use the tags like 'Required', 'Important', and 'Alternate Action' to prioritize your next steps. These are embedded throughout the guide to clarify urgency and decision pathways.

How to Secure Financial Assistance After a Presidentially Declared Disaster

Register with FEMA: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to register online or call 1-800-621-3362.
Need help accessing DisasterAssistance.gov? Ask a neighbor, community volunteer, or local agency for registration assistance. Help is free and available to all disaster survivors.
File your Insurance Claim: Begin the claims process immediately. Take photos and keep detailed records of all communication with your insurer.
Seek Local Assistance: Local agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations often provide critical support. Contact your local emergency management office or community groups for help.
Explore Grant Options: As of March 2024, FEMA no longer requires SBA loan applications as a prerequisite. If your household income is below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), prioritize HUD CDBG-DR grants before considering SBA loans.
Maintain Vital Documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, home inventory lists, and all disaster-related correspondence.

Initial Steps Post-Disaster

Ensure Safety: Your safety comes first. If your home is unsafe or you're unsure, evacuate and seek temporary shelter with friends, family, or at a designated emergency shelter.
Contact Authorities: Report damage to your primary residence. Use resources from FEMA disaster declarations and the HUD State Resource Library.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report damage to all insured assets—home, auto, RV, boat, garage, and accessory structures. Begin the claims process promptly.
Register for Federal Assistance: Once the disaster is declared, apply via DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. Have your Social Security number, insurance details, and damage description ready.
Document the Damage: When safe, take time-stamped photos and videos of all affected property. This is essential for insurance and grant applications.
Follow Official Instructions: Stay updated through FEMA, local authorities, and emergency management agencies. They'll share guidance on recovery centers and available programs.
Mitigate Further Damage: If safe, take steps to prevent additional harm—cover broken windows, tarp roofs, or shut off utilities.
Keep Records: Track all communications with agencies, insurers, and officials. Log names, dates, and summaries of each interaction.
Seek Local Assistance: Engage with local emergency offices, nonprofits, and community groups for additional support.
Stay Patient and Persistent: Recovery is long and complex. Bureaucratic delays are common, but persistence is key to accessing resources.

Additional Resources

Find Your FEMA Disaster Number: Search declared disasters. Your event will be listed as DR-1234-LA or EM-1234-LA.
Visit Your Disaster's FEMA Page: Access updates from your municipality and state recovery offices.

Your first week after a declared disaster is not business as usual. Delegate tasks to household members, friends, and community allies. Your personal network becomes essential within the first 72 hours.

Disaster recovery is a shared effort—federal, state, and local agencies working alongside community support. Don't hesitate to ask for help, and make full use of the resources available to rebuild safely and sustainably.