Before You Apply
Take photos of your damaged home and belongings for your own records.
Make a list of damaged/lost items, which may be helpful when working with your insurance or discussing your losses with a FEMA inspector.
![alert - info](/https/www.fema.gov/profiles/femad8_gov/themes/fema_uswds/images/arrow.svg)
If you have insurance (such as flood, homeowners, renters, auto or other types of insurance), please file a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible. You do not have to file your claim prior to applying for FEMA disaster assistance, but you will be required to provide FEMA your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for certain types of assistance.
If you need to search for shelters near you, text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362.
For immediate needs, check with your local emergency management officials, voluntary agencies or call local 2-1-1.