Learn about the formal disaster declaration process, disaster types, how FEMA gets involved, and other resources.

When a disaster happens, the response includes actions like warning and evacuating people, rescuing those in danger, and quickly providing food, shelter, and medical care.

Below is a list of states where a disaster has been declared for Individual Assistance by FEMA. Select a state to see if your county is in a declared area and apply online for assistance.

Disaster has its roots in the belief that the positions of stars influence the fate of humans, often in destructive ways; its original meaning in English was "an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star."

A slow-onset disaster is defined as one that emerges gradually over time. Slow-onset disasters could be associated with, e.g., drought, desertification, sea-level rise, epidemic disease. A …

Nov 24, 2025 · Disaster, any natural or human-generated calamitous event that produces great loss of human life or destruction of the natural environment, private property, or public …

Disasters are serious disruptions to the functioning of a community that exceed its capacity to cope using its own resources. Disasters can be caused by natural, man-made and …