INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE (IA)

Disaster impacts vary in magnitude. Damage to personal property, homes, and lives can range from small events that are addressed locally to large events that require resources from the federal government. It is important for disaster affected communities to understand that within this range Individual Assistance differs based on the existence or non-existence of disaster declarations and on the capabilities of service and resource providers at the time of the event. These factors determine the sequence of service delivery for short and long-term recovery.

When emergencies and disasters require evacuation and sheltering you should always listen to and follow instructions and guidance from local officials, emergency management and response personnel. They will detail health and safety information specific to your community and the event. It is important to register with the shelter available to your community even if you do not plan to stay there. Individual Assistance is easier to provide and access if whereabouts and unmet needs are known.

If you have personal insurance, it is an important first step to notify the company and insurance agent to report damages and losses. Insurance is the primary source of recovery assistance.

Throughout your recovery, monitor local radio, television reports and print media for information about what assistance is available, where to get it and important dates and timelines. If a State of Arizona Individual Assistance Service Center is established you may find your unmet needs are addressed by service and resource providers that are co-located and easily accessible there.