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Disaster 101

For North Dakota

There are several governmental departments that respond to disasters in North Dakota. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) region 8 operations cover North Dakota. The State of North Dakota also has a Department of Emergency Services and an Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit within the Health and Human Services department. The State uses ND Response as the official communication channel for emergency communications. This includes radio, internet, and television communications. Local and Tribal communities also have their own emergency management and response operations.

Learn More About Each Disaster Relief Government Organization by Clicking Below.

FEMA Region 8

ND Department of Emergency Services

ND Health & Human Services

Local Response and Recovery

ND Response Communications

FEMA Region 8

    • FEMA’s region 8 operations respond to disasters in North Dakota when the president authorizes federal aid to disaster-affected communities in the state. Learn about FEMA resources on our Disaster Bootcamp Webpage.
    • Use the region 8 website to view current disasters in the state and which resources are available to North Dakota disaster victims. 

North Dakota Department of Emergency Services

  • The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) is overseen by the State Governor. NDDES operates two agencies: The Department of Homeland Security and the North Dakota State Radio.
  • NDDES provides 24/7 emergency communications, including 9-1-1 calls and State law enforcement dispatch. The Department also coordinates more than 50 support agencies, such as Legal Services of North Dakota’s Disaster Legal Services program, city and county emergency managers, and non-profit organizations or charitable programs in planning for a disaster and responding to a disaster. If FEMA resources are authorized by the U.S. President, NDDES oversees the administration of federal aid to disaster-affected communities in the state. 
  • The NDDES website provides information about emergency preparedness and response, community disaster planning, and training opportunities for persons working in disaster response and recovery. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services

    • The North Dakota Health and Human Services Department (NDHHS) operates an Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit to address the public health needs of individuals and communities affected by disaster. NDHHS Emergency Unit provides emergency preparedness support to hospitals and other healthcare facilities and assists in evacuations of hospital patients and provision of resource needs during disasters. 
    • The NDHHS Emergency Unit also provides stress management support to emergency services personnel needing assistance in mitigating the stress of disaster response. 
    • NDHHS operates the Health Alert Network to communicate information related to health emergencies. 
    • The NDHHS website provides information about the Department’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, trainings and informational materials, as well as volunteer opportunities for public health professionals. 

Local Response and Recovery

  • Local governments typically receive funding from the state government (and some may have a disaster fund of their own) to respond to and recover from a disaster. While each locality is different, the common response to a disaster is to bid out clean up and repair efforts to local and regional businesses and deploy resources within 6 to 18 months. Local governments often provide a damage assessment, resources request, and ongoing recovery updates to state officials. 
  • See our list of local resources to find the resources you need to prepare for, respond to, or recover from a disaster.

ND Response Communications

    • ND Response not only provides communications and information related to disaster response, but it also has information and resources available for safety and preparedness. 
    • Sign up for public alerts messaging and view important information such a burn restrictions, evacuation or shelter-in-place orders, and updates of ongoing recovery in disaster-affected communities. 

What does disaster response and recovery look like in North Dakota?

Although disaster response happens quickly, there are many steps in the process and many actors to organize. This information provides a very simplified overview of the complex process of disaster response and recovery.

Before

  • NDDES and NDHHS provide training, education, resources, and planning opportunities to city, county, and tribal governments and non-profit and healthcare organizations. 
  • Individuals should use the resources available to them to prepare for a disaster.

During

  • The State Radio issues public alerts and coordinates with disaster response organizations and state law enforcement in disaster affected communities.
  • NDDES communicates with ND Response to provide ongoing updates to residents in disaster affected communities. 
  • NDHHS Emergency Unit facilitates evacuations of healthcare facilities, if necessary, and provides emergency resources to facilities requiring increased capacity. 
  • Emergency responders are dispatched through NDDES to provide emergency medical care or fire suppression to disaster affected individuals and buildings. 
  • Individuals should stay informed and take recommended action from state and local authorities.

After

  • Local officials provide a damage assessment to state officials. The Governor decides whether to make a federal aid request. 
  • If a federal aid request is made, the president may choose to make an emergency declaration and authorize certain types of federal aid such as Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and/or Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Link to Volunteer Bootcamp Webpage for info about each type of assistance. 
    • If any type of federal aid is authorized, NDDES oversees administration of funds to individuals, organizations, and local and tribal governments. 
    • Assistance programs, such as Legal Services of North Dakota’s Disaster Legal Services program (Link to Disaster Legal Services Homepage), are deployed in disaster-affected communities to help disaster victims recover. 
  • City and county governments provide clean-up services and begin repairing infrastructure. 
  • Individuals and households submit insurance claims and seek out resources to fill their disaster-related needs.
  • Read the State’s Emergency Services statute.

Where can I find resources to help me prepare for or recover from a disaster?

Review our Preparing for a Disaster and Contact Us if you have disaster-related legal needs.

    Federal

    FEMA provides information about their programs for disaster affected individuals and communities, provides advice for preparing for certain types of disasters, and administers flood insurance to households in flood plains.

    State

    ND Response emergency public communications https://ndresponse.gov/

    Local

    Visit our Resources by County Webpage to find resources in your community.

    Tribal

    Volunteer with Legal Services of North Dakota

    If you’re an attorney licensed in North Dakota, you can volunteer with Legal Services of North Dakota and our Disaster Legal Services Program.

    Volunteer in Your Community

    If you’re not a North Dakota attorney but still want to help during a disaster, visit our Resources by County Webpage and reach out to organizations in your community to ask about volunteering.

    Donate to Disaster Funds

    The North Dakota Community Foundation may establish a Disaster Relief Fund in the event of a disaster. Find out if they’re taking donations: https://www.ndcf.net/