Emergency Legal Responders

That billion-dollar impact represents homes, businesses, personal belongings, and so much more—it’s not just a statistic. With only a month left in the Atlantic Hurricane Season, here’s the reality: NOAA reports that 24 separate disasters this year have each caused over $1 billion in damages. The stakes are higher than ever. Let’s stay focused and keep supporting our communities—we’re in this together for the long run. #DisasterRelief #Community #StayPrepared #HurricaneSeason

Rolling Stone recently interviewed ELR's co-founders Caitlin Morgenstern & Amelia Hoppe. Take a look at the article to read more about our work during this Atlantic Hurricane Season. #Hurricane #Disaster #DisasterSeason

🌍 Record-Breaking Disasters in 2024—The Rising Need for Community Support and Legal Advocacy** According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. has faced ( so far) 24 billion-dollar disaster events in 2024, from wildfires to hurricanes, setting an unsettling new record. These numbers highlight more than economic loss; they represent communities torn apart, individuals facing immense challenges, and a growing urgency for effective response and recovery. While the article sheds light on the unprecedented scale of these disasters, at Emergency Legal Responders (ELR), we see firsthand the day-to-day legal challenges that survivors face in the aftermath. From denied claims to housing disputes, the complexities of recovery go beyond rebuilding—they touch on rights, resources, and resilience. In times of crisis, ELR steps in to offer accessible legal support, helping people in disaster-impacted communities understand and assert their rights. By connecting with those affected, we aim to provide legal resources that equip individuals and families to overcome these hurdles and move forward with strength and autonomy. ➡️ Explore the report: [NCEI Billion-Dollar Disasters] https://lnkd.in/gwCv33XJ. #BillionDollarDisasters #DisasterRights #CommunitySupport #LegalAdvocacy #ClimateJustice #EmergencyLegalResponders

The Growing Threat of Flooding: Climate Change and the Recent Roswell Event Flooding has become an increasingly serious issue in recent years, driven by climate change and urban development. Nationwide, heavy rainfall events have risen by 30% over the past century, according to the EPA, leading to more frequent and severe floods. The NOAA reports that billion-dollar flood events have tripled since the 1980s. This past weekend, Rosewell, New Mexico, experienced devastating flooding after record-breaking rainfall, leaving homes underwater, causing significant infrastructure damage, and tragically resulting in fatalities. Hundreds of people were rescued as local authorities and emergency responders worked to manage the aftermath of this historic event. This is a stark reminder of the increasing risk communities face from flooding. Individuals and businesses must prepare for these risks by ensuring they have adequate insurance, emergency plans, and awareness of federal, state, and local assistance programs that may become available after a disaster. As climate change intensifies these natural events, staying informed and ready is more important than ever. Take a look at our slide set attached on the steps you need to take after experiencing a flood. #FloodPreparedness #ClimateChange #DisasterResponse #FloodSafety #RoswellFlooding

Know Your Disaster Rights: Protecting Communities Near Superfund Sites When disasters strike—floods, hurricanes, or wildfires—communities near Superfund sites face additional dangers from toxic waste exposure. Knowing your rights is crucial in these moments. Superfund sites, contaminated by hazardous waste, pose serious health and environmental risks, especially when natural disasters cause toxic spills or contamination. In the aftermath of disasters, many people don’t realize they have legal rights to protect their health, homes, and environment. How Emergency Legal Responders Help Emergency legal responders play a vital role in these situations. We step in to educate affected communities, offering guidance on how to demand cleanup, file claims, and hold responsible parties accountable. Whether it's helping residents navigate the process of environmental complaints or working with local governments to ensure safety measures, legal responders are there to navigate the complex legal landscape. What Can You Do? 1. Understand Your Rights: If you live near a Superfund site, familiarize yourself with local and federal regulations on environmental safety. 2. Take Action: Report any suspected contamination or health risks in the event of a disaster. https://lnkd.in/gNqKRN4w Disasters are stressful enough—knowing your rights can make recovery safer and smoother for everyone. Stay informed, stay prepared.

Help us provide free legal services to those impacted by Hurricane Francine, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton! https://lnkd.in/ggH7EqZv

And they are off! Send us an email if you'd like to connect- admin@emergencylegalresponders.org

Thank you for the support!

Dispelling Myths After Hurricane Helene: 4 Common Rumors You Should Know! In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, false information has spread rapidly, causing confusion and potentially slowing down critical recovery efforts. Understanding what’s true—and what’s not—is essential for protecting yourself and others. Here are four of the most common rumors we’ve encountered so far: 1. Rumor: FEMA Diverted Funds to the Border Crisis 👏 This is false. 👏 There’s a rumor circulating that FEMA has redirected disaster relief funds to address issues at the border. This is not true. The Disaster Relief Fund is specifically designated for FEMA’s disaster response and recovery efforts, including assistance for individuals and families affected by emergencies. No funds have been taken away from the Hurricane Helene response or any other disaster-related needs. 2. Rumor: FEMA is Only Offering $750 in Assistance 👏 This is misleading 👏 FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance program provides an immediate $750 to help survivors purchase essentials like food, water, and baby supplies. However, this is not the limit of available assistance. Survivors can apply for additional help, such as temporary housing or home repairs. To access these resources, visit [disasterassistance.gov](https://lnkd.in/e3fyDdM), download the FEMA app, or call 1-(800) 621-3362. 3. Rumor: FEMA is Charging for Assistance 👏 This is completely false. 👏 FEMA does not charge for disaster assistance applications or services. Please be careful of anyone asking for payment or claiming you must pay to receive aid. FEMA services, including disaster relief, are always free. If anyone contacts you requesting money, they are likely running a scam. 4. Rumor: FEMA is Giving Out Cash Door-to-Door 👏 This is false. 👏   Scammers sometimes take advantage of disaster situations by posing as FEMA representatives and offering cash assistance directly to survivors’ homes. FEMA does not send representatives to hand out money in person. All disaster aid is provided through official channels such as its website, mobile app, or phone. If someone comes to your door offering FEMA cash assistance, it is likely a scam. Protect Yourself from Scams   Disasters often bring out the best in communities, but unfortunately, they also attract those looking to exploit the situation! Protect yourself and your community y'all! #EmergencyLegalResponders #HurricaneHelene #DisasterRelief #FEMA #RumorControl

As if the devastation of record- breaking, catastrophic flooding wasn’t enough, to my knowledge, at the moment at least 280 landslides have been recorded following landfall of Hurricane Helene. Please check the USGS National Innovation Center for more information: https://lnkd.in/e8D8BD_v There is a rumor circulating that FEMA has mismanaged funds and there are no more available. That is hogwash. It is most likely being circulated by those who plan to vote for far-right politicians who plan on defunding and eliminate FEMA and the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration themselves. 1) Do not let them. Early voting has started. Make sure to check to ensure you are registered and that you’ve not been illegally removed from the 🗳️ index, then cast your ballot as early as possible for your local and regional as well as congressional and senatorial offices, for someone who WILL NOT make disaster defunding a reality 2) PLEASE if you are in any of the impacted areas, search through and distribute this information widely, ESPECIALLY to the most vulnerable populations, such as: #pregnant #infants #postpartum #breastfeeding #birth #disabled #elderly, and anyone caring for them. I will make a separate post or series of posts with guidelines catered to those who are in desperate need of #infant care and #reproductivehealth support, but funds and resources are their primary needs as well so please utilize them! All gratitude to Emergency Legal Responders for these graphic slides. Amplifying their work here 🙏🏽 #climatechange is a #reproductivehealth issue!