A fire, flood or earthquake hit my home
Disaster help, replacing papers, work and recovery.
5 steps
Step 1 of 5: Get disaster help
A lot of disaster help does not check papers.
- Disaster help before and afterFires, floods and earthquakes do not check papers, and a lot of disaster help does not either. Getting ready takes one afternoon. Knowing where to turn after takes one page. Here is how to get alerts, what to pack, and what help is open to your family after a disaster, whatever your immigration status.Guide
- Go bag and papers checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 5: Replace lost papers
Your status did not burn with your papers.
- Replace papers lost in a disasterYour status did not burn with your papers. A green card, work permit or citizenship certificate can be replaced. Some fees can be waived, and a U.S. passport lost in a listed disaster can be replaced for free. Here is what to file first, what it costs, and how to prove your status while you wait.Guide
- Lost documents worksheetPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 5: Work and pay
What you are owed when a disaster stops work.
- Work After a DisasterA fire, flood or earthquake can take your job site, your hours and your paycheck all at once. You still have rights, and there is help, including some that does not depend on your immigration status. Here is what your boss owes you, which benefits you can get, and where to turn if you cannot get unemployment.Guide
- After a disaster work checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 5: Feeling okay again
It can take months. That is normal.
- Feeling Okay After a DisasterMonths later and you still don't feel like yourself? That happens to a lot of people after a fire, flood, earthquake, shooting, raid or other scary event. Most people do get better with time. Here is what is normal, what helps, and the signs that it is time to talk with someone.Guide
- My recovery check inPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- Help lines: Poison, treatment and disasterCall, text or chat with a service that answers now.Help now
- Listos CaliforniaFind disaster-readiness information, alerts and emergency preparation resources for California communities.Organization
- USAGov disaster assistanceFind official starting points for disaster assistance and recovery programs.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.