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Programs conducted by organizations like the American Red Cross that provide a communication network which enables the general public to obtain information about the circumstances of relatives and friends who are in an area within the U.S. where a major disaster or wide-spread emergency has occurred. Also included are disaster survivor registries that allow individuals who are alive following a disaster to post their name and medical condition for access by family members and friends; or to leave voice messages providing information about their circumstances, their current location and how to reach them.

Programs that provide daytime or evening access to heated facilities during times of extreme cold for people who are temporarily at risk for exposure due to a power failure, fuel shortage, road closure, homelessness or other situations which make them vulnerable.

Programs that provide access to air conditioned facilities, extend the hours during which public swimming pools and local spray grounds are open, activate street shower sites or take other steps to protect the public’s health during dangerously hot weather. Some communities operate hotlines that residents can call if they see people on the street who are in distress due to the heat so that vans can be dispatched to take victims to cooling centers or other places of shelter. At greatest risk during heat emergencies are older adults, young children, individuals with compromised immune systems and people who take certain types of medication. Existing health conditions such as chronic illness, hypertension, circulatory problems, and obesity can also heighten an individual’s vulnerability.

Programs that meet the basic nutritional needs of relief workers and/or individuals and families whose homes have been made uninhabitable by a disaster or large scale emergency and who have no other means of purchasing food and/or preparing a meal. Food assistance may also available to individuals who have experienced a localized incident such as a house fire.

Programs that provide emergency board up or roof tarping services or take other steps to prevent further damage and secure a home or business until repairs can be made following a fire, flood, windstorm, earthquake or other event that damages the roof, knocks down walls, breaks windows or doors or otherwise exposes the structure.

Programs that provide a variety of services following a major disaster or large-scale emergency which help individuals cope with their own psychological reactions to the incident and/or prepare them to provide emotional support for family members, friends and neighbors who are feeling frightened, confused and no longer in control of their lives because of the event.

Programs that provide special transportation services which temporarily augment or replace the normal public transportation system following a major disaster or large-scale emergency that disrupts the normal functioning of a community. Transportation is frequently provided utilizing minibuses which may operate on a fixed-route or demand-response basis depending on the needs of the community. Also included are programs that provide time-limited bus passes, loaner vehicles or other resources for people who have been evacuated from the disaster area and have no means of transportation in their new, temporary place of residence.