Warwick, R.I. – Disasters complicate the lives of survivors in many ways. Property damage is obvious, but disasters like Hurricane Sandy have less visible effects. Coping with the trauma and stress of the disaster and recovery process can be a challenge.

Rhode Islanders feeling anxious or overwhelmed by Hurricane Sandy can find support by calling the Disaster Distress Helpline. The helpline is staffed by trained bilingual crisis counselors who can direct callers to other appropriate resources if needed. To reach a counselor, call 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

To increase understanding of disaster related stress, go to www.fema.gov/coping-disaster where there is information on Recognizing Signs of Disaster Related Stress, Easing Disaster-Related Stress, Helping Kids Cope with Disaster and A Child’s Reaction to Disaster by Age.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov or completed on-line at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.