Recovery is defined as:
The return to normal conditions; the process of restoring a community to normal following a major disaster. Activities traditionally associated with providing Federal supplemental disaster recovery assistance under a Presidential major disaster declaration. These activities usually begin within days after the event and continue after the response activities cease.
The following topics offer links to web pages hosted by various federal agencies with programs to help you recover from disasters.
The Declaration Process
A Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process
The Stafford Act (§401) requires that: "All requests for a declaration by the President that a major disaster exists shall be made by the Governor of the affected State."
The Governor’s request is made through the regional FEMA office, (FEMA Region VIII). State and Federal officials conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to estimate the extent of the disaster and its impact on individuals and public facilities. This information is included in the Governor’s request to show that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the local governments and that Federal assistance is necessary.
Assistance Programs
FEMA