September is National Preparedness Month and FEMA has made it easier to receive disaster assistance by accepting new methods to prove residency. This will help underserved communities receive assistance more quickly.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “our Department has an obligation to ensure we provide equal access to disaster relief and assistance to all survivors who are in need. Equity is a cornerstone of our homeland security mission and in all of our work we must reach minority communities, the disadvantaged and the otherwise disenfranchised." 

VIsit FEMA.gov to learn more about the expanded types of documentation accepted for proof of home ownership or residency.