Disaster Relief Resources for Persons with Disabilities

American Red Cross is required by Congressional charter to undertake disaster relief activities to ease the suffering caused by disasters. Emergency assistance includes fixed/mobile feeding stations, shelter, comfort kits, first aid accessment, food, clothing, emergency medical supplies. Additional assistance for long-term recovery may be provided when other relief assistance and/or personal resources are not adequate to meet disaster-caused needs. The American Red Cross provides referrals to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Salvation Army, Second Harvest, and other agencies as appropriate.

FEMA is the national emergency management agency that is responsible for reducing the loss of life and property and protects the nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

TEMA is the emergency management agency for the state of Tennessee. TEMA is responsible for disaster relief, recovery and emergency preparedness statewide.

How to Prepare:

American Academy of Pediatrics provides information on emergency preparedness for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Prepare.org is website of the American Red Cross provides emergency preparedness information and resources.

Service Animal Emergency Preparedness Tips, Provided by The Tennessee Disability Law and Advocacy Center (DLAC)

Information for First Responders

Emergency Preparedness Documents:

Emergency Contact Information List

Medical Information List

Where to get help:

Resources in Spanish

County List of American Red Cross Chapters in TN

List of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) Centers in TN

Information & Referral:

211 is an information & referral system to connect individuals and families with programs and services to find or give help in their community. 211 is toll free and can be dialed from any phone.

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a statewide bilingual (English and Espanol) disability information resource. We provide a bilingual helpline 1-800-640-4636; website includes local, state, and national resources.