Disaster and Emergency Resources
What do I do if?
Disasters can come quickly and without warning, leaving people to pick up the pieces and figure out what’s next. Below is a list meant to help answer questions farmers and others may be asking. It may not be able to solve everything, but we still want to provide as many resources as we can. View a factsheet of the disaster programs available from the USDA here or a general resource guide from The American Red Cross here for further information.
What if I don't know where to start?
Visit findhelp.org
Search and connect to support in your area. This includes finding a food pantry near you.
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org
Help people or get help. Call 211 to get directed to the care you need.
Although most Illinois counties have 2-1-1 coverage, some are not currently covered.
What if I'm feeling overwhelmed?
Visit The Farm State of Mind Website.
For mental health resources tailored to farmers and farm families.
Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If you or someone you know is facing anxiety, added stress, depression, or other mental health issues because of a disaster, this number can provide 24/7 support.
Call 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline
24/7 free and confidential support for those in distress and prevention crisis resources for you or a loved one.
Visit the 988 Lifeline Disaster Survivor web page for more resources.
Call 1-866-359-7953 or text 1-866-880-4459 for the Illinois Warm Line
Get help from professionals who have experienced mental health recovery. They are trained to support you and are ready to listen. The Illinois Warm Line is not a crisis hotline but is a source of support throughout recovery.
What if my home or business was destroyed?
Visit Disasterassistance.gov
Locate nearby shelters, apply for low-interest business loans, and find local agencies that can help.
What if I've lost livestock or stored feed?
USDA Service Centers are a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development agencies.
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Financially assists producers when they suffer the loss of livestock due to adverse weather.
Livestock Forage Disaster Program: Assists producers who have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock and have grazing acreage.
FSA Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish
Covers livestock losses that don’t fall under the LIP.
Helps cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing.
What if I've lost crops?
FSA Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance for crops not covered by insurance when natural disasters cause lower yields, crop losses, or prevent crop planting.
Disaster and Emergency Response: Reporting Loss
What if my equipment, tools, fields, fences, or waterways were damaged?
USDA Emergency Conservation Program
Helps farmers repair damage to farmland caused by natural disasters. Provides methods for water conservation during severe drought.
Contact your local FSA office for more information.
What if I need help covering an expense as a result of a disaster?
Financial assistance to pay for home, vehicle, or business repairs as well as funeral expenses or childcare expenses.
Replacing Lost or Damaged Documents
It’s common for documents to be lost or damaged in a disaster, and very important to replace them. Get the ones you need for disaster aid applications, insurance claims, housing issues, health care, and more.