Text Messages

*FEMA's text message programs function independently from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).*

If you have questions about the upcoming nationwide test on September 20, 2018, check the National Wireless Emergency Alert Test page.

FEMA text messages are sent from our dedicated number: 43362.

<p>Screenshot fo FEMA's shelter look-up via text messaging. </p> Download Original

You can use FEMA's text message program to:

• Search for open shelters and open disaster recovery centers in your area.
• Receive safety tips to help you prepare for common disasters.

Standard message and data rates apply for any messages you receive from us.

Our text program is not a substitute for 9-1-1. During an emergency, call 9-1-1 or contact your local police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) agencies.

Note for Disaster Survivors

• FEMA inspectors may send text messages from their cell phones to schedule a time for your home inspection.
• In some cases, you may receive an automated text message from a third party on behalf of FEMA regarding your registration for FEMA assistance.
• IMPORTANT: A FEMA representative will not send text messages asking for personal or financial information and will never ask for money.

Search for Emergency Shelters Near You

To locate an open emergency shelter, text SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362.

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">FEMA's text messaging program allows people to look up Emergency Shelter locations via SMS. Text <strong>SHELTER</strong> and your<strong> zip code</strong> to <strong>43362 (4FEMA)</strong> to find an Emergency Shelter in your area. b\ Standard message and data rates apply.</p> Download Original

Note: Searching for shelters will not add you to a list.

Find Open Disaster Recovery Centers in Your Area

To locate an open Disaster Recovery Center, text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362.

Note: Searching for Disaster Recovery Centers will not add you to a list.

Sign Up For Safety Tips

Sign up to receive general information about how to prepare for any type of disaster:

You can subscribe to receive disaster-specific safety tips by texting keywords, such as the word "hurricane," to 43362 (4FEMA). Download Original

• Text PREPARE to 43362

Sign up to receive safety tips about specific topics:

• Text BLACKOUT to 43362
• Text EARTHQUAKE to 43362
• Text FIRE to 43362
• Text FLOOD to 43362
• Text HURRICANE to 43362
• Text TORNADO to 43362
• Text WILDFIRE to 43362
• Text WINTER to 43362

Please Note:

• If you would like to subscribe to more than one list, please send a separate text for each topic.
• Sending STOP will automatically unsubscribe you from all lists. 

Download the FEMA App

You can also use the FEMA text message program to receive a link for the FEMA App for your device. We’ll reply with a link back to your device's app store.

• Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
• Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362

Basic Commands

• Unsubscribe (at any time): text STOP to 43362
• Get more information: text INFO to 43362
• List of all keywords you can subscribe to: text LIST to 43362

Important Information

• For emergencies, contact your local police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) agencies.
• FEMA representatives will not solicit personal information or ask you to donate money to FEMA.
• We will never charge you for text messages, but carrier message and data rates may apply. Your carrier may collect additional data elements; please see their privacy policies for further details.
• We will not use your number for tracking, reverse look up, or any type of commercial marketing.
• If you have any questions about FEMA's text messaging program, please email us: FEMA-New-Media@fema.dhs.gov.