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Post-Emergency Recovery Steps

The first days after an emergency are exhausting. Safe recovery means checking people, waiting for clearance, documenting, and asking for help early.

What comes first after an emergency?

Check on every person, including children, workers and neighbors. Call 911 for anyone who is injured or in danger. Many people feel fine at first and notice symptoms later, so encourage anyone who was exposed to smoke, water or injury to see a medical professional.

Do not return to damaged buildings, burned areas or flooded land until officials say it is safe. Hidden hazards include weakened structures, hot spots, broken glass, downed lines and contaminated water.

Take things slowly. Fatigue leads to mistakes, and recovery work can be as dangerous as the event itself.

How do I protect myself and my crew during cleanup?

Plan the work, assign jobs by skill, and do not work alone. Use only tools and protective gear that you have been trained to use, following the manufacturer's manual and OSHA guidance.

Take breaks, drink water and eat. Ask your local health department how to handle ash, mold, floodwater and animal carcasses, since methods and rules vary by place and hazard.

Keep children and pets away from the cleanup area, and do not let tired or distressed people take on risky jobs. Ask your health department about tetanus and other health questions after injuries or floodwater contact.

• Do not work alone
• Take regular breaks
• Use only equipment you are trained for
• Ask the health department about mold, ash and floodwater

What should I document?

Photograph and record damage before cleaning up where it is safe to do so. Keep receipts, notes on what was lost and the dates of events. Contact your insurance agent as soon as you can and ask what they need.

Keep a notebook of calls, names and promises. See the incident documentation article for more on what to record.

Ask your insurer how to document temporary repairs and what costs are covered. Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them or have been told it is fine.

Where can I find financial and practical help?

USDA service centers and Farmers.gov describe disaster programs for farmers, and state and local agencies may offer more. Program details, eligibility and deadlines change, so confirm directly with each office and do not rely on this page.

Local farm organizations, extension offices and faith groups often help with labor, feed and meals. Accept help that is offered, and ask for what you need.

Keep a folder with every application, phone number and reference number, and note the dates of each contact. Ask a family member or adviser to help with the paperwork if it becomes too much.

How do I care for animals and land?

Ask your veterinarian to examine animals that were exposed, injured or stressed. Keep records of losses. Rules for animal disposal, water testing and soil or crop concerns differ, so ask your state agriculture department and extension office.

Do not eat, sell or feed crops or feed that may have been contaminated without advice from your extension office and local health authority.

Wells, ponds, stored feed, grain and pesticides can be affected by floods and fires. Ask your extension office and your local health department what testing and handling are advised before you use or sell anything.

How do we look after our mental health?

It is normal to feel shaken, angry, numb or tired after a crisis, and these feelings can last. Rest, eat, and talk with someone you trust. Watch for signs that someone in your family or crew is struggling, and check in often.

In the US you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and in an emergency call 911. Your doctor, faith leader or local mental health service can also help.

Watch each other for signs of exhaustion, trouble sleeping, heavy drinking or withdrawal. Make space for people to talk, and do not push anyone to speak before they are ready.

What should we change before the next event?

When the worst is over, talk about what worked and what did not. Update the plan, contacts, maps and supplies, and thank the people who helped.

Share lessons with neighbors and with your extension office and emergency manager.

Keep a short list of changes in a place where you will see it, and make time to act on them within a few weeks, while the memory is fresh. Ask your county emergency manager whether they hold debriefs after major events, and offer to take part so your experience helps the whole community.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.