There are a wide variety of programs and organizations to help people, businesses and government recover from disasters. None of these programs will return you to your pre-disaster state; adequate insurance is the best means for that. However, governmental or non-profit assistance can help your life to not be overwhelmed by the effects of a disaster. It is important to take care of your personal safety first, then worry about fixing property damage. Remember to report damage promptly.
If a building has been damaged, stay clear of it until it's safety has been looked at by a qualified responder.
Do not restart appliances or furnaces that have been flooded until someone checks them.
Drink water and eat food only if you know it is safe. Do not drink water from wells or springs that have been flooded until told that the water supply has been disinfected.
Listen to the radio or TV for instructions.
Remember, there are many other people that are recovering too, and you must do your part to keep yourself safe during recovery operations.
The American Red Cross can be very helpful to individuals in providing temporary shelter and assistance. Contact the Central Vermont & New Hampshire Valley chapter of the Red Cross.
The Small Business Administration can help businesses if the disaster is large enough to be declared a federal disaster.
The best way to recover from a disaster is to go into it being prepared. For preparedness links use the tool bar on the right of this page.