vania-janet/multiturn-rag-retrieval-data huggingface dataset:
UNT Web Archive
6 pages between Oct 30, 2008 and Jan 20, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/904_dsc_5265.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 30, 2008 and Jan 20, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/905_tessie_reading_sealed_the_basement_door_and_planted_flowers_in_the_old_stairwell.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 30, 2008 and Jan 20, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/906_tessie_reading_shows_her_washer_and_dryer_in_upstairs_utility_room.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 30, 2008 and Jan 20, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1008_ctp_delnorte1.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1009_ctp_delnorte2.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1024_safe_room___oklahoma_city.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1025_kids_in_coat___safe_room.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1026_kids_in_coat___safe_room_2.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1027_spartan_center.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
Firearms Restraining Order: Sacramento Superior Court

enforcement officer when a person poses a significant danger of personal injury to
 	himself, herself or another. The emergency protective order prohibits the restrained
 	person from owning, possessing, purchasing, receiving, or attempting to purchase or
 	receive a firearm or ammunition. Usually the law enforcement officer has been called
 	out to a person's residence for a disturbance. If the officer feels an emergency
 	protective order is necessary, then the officer will contact the court to speak to a
 	judicial officer. If a Firearms Emergency Protective Order is issued, the protective
 	order is only temporary and lasts up to 21 calendar days.

 	Within 24 hours of receipt of a Firearms Emergency Protective Order the restrained
 	person must turn in their firearms to a law enforcement agency or sell them to or
 	store them with a licensed firearms dealer until the expiration of the order. Within
 	48 hours of receipt of the emergency protective order the restrained person must file a receipt
 	with the court proving surrender, sale, or storage. In Sacramento County, the receipt is filed at the
 	Civil Front Counter - Window 10 in Room 102 of the 
 	Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse, 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
 	The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What is a Gun Violence Restraining Order?

 	Under 
 	California Penal Code Section 18150 - external link a Gun Violence Restraining Order can prohibit an individual
 	who poses a significant danger of self-injury or injuring another from owning,
 	possessing, purchasing, receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive a firearm or ammunition.

 	The following people can request a Gun Violence Restraining Order against an individual:

An immediate family member.
An employer.
A coworker, if they have had substantial and regular interactions with the subject for at least one year and have obtained the approval of the employer.
An employee or teacher of a secondary or postsecondary school that the subject has attended in the last six months, if the employee or teacher has obtained the approval of a school administrator or a school administration staff member with a supervisorial role.
A law enforcement officer.
A roommate.
An individual who has a dating relationship with the subject.
Army Publishing Directorate – Supply Catalogs

ACTIVE12/29/1989SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, OPERATING ROOM DEPMEDS (K301) (NSN 6545-01-298-9802) LIN: 72936USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA2
ACTIVE01/31/1990SETS, KITS AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT FOR MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, CENTRAL MATERIEL SERVICE DEPMEDS (K302) (NSN 6545-01-298-9803) LIN: M08417USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA3
ACTIVE02/28/1990SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT FOR MEDICAL MATERIEL SET LABORATORY (GENERAL) DEPMEDS (K303) (NSN 6545-01-299-8085) LIN: M72482USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA4
ACTIVE08/31/1990SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET LABORATORY (BLOOD BANK) DEPMEDS (K304) (NSN 6545-01-298-9804) LIN: M48737USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA6
ACTIVE08/31/1990SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, PHARMACY DEPMEDS (K306) (NSN 6545-01-298-9806) LIN M73118USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA7
ACTIVE01/31/1990SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, X-RAY DEPMEDS (K307) (NSN 6545-01-298-9807) LIN: M72300USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA8
ACTIVE01/31/1990SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS MEDICAL MATERIEL SET TRIAGE/EMERGENCY/PRE-OP DEPMEDS (K308) (NSN 6545-01-298-9808) LIN: M73050USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MA9
Army Publishing Directorate – Supply Catalogs

ACTIVE04/30/1993SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT FOR MEDICAL MATERIEL SET LABORATORY (BLOOD BANK) DEPMEDS (L304) (NSN 6545-01-300-3524) LIN: M48737USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MF4
ACTIVE05/31/1993SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS, COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, X-RAY RADIOGRAPHIC DEPMEDS (L305) (NSN 6545-01-299-4220) LIN: Z65469USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MF5
ACTIVE05/31/1993SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS, COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT FOR MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, PHARMACY DEPMEDS (L306) (NSN 6545-01-299-4221) LIN: M73118USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MF6
ACTIVE05/31/1993SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET X-RAY FLUOROSCOPIC DEPMEDS (L307) (NSN 6545-01-299-8087) LIN: M72300USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MF7
ACTIVE05/31/1993SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS, COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT FOR MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, TRIAGE/EMERGENCY/PRE-OP DEPMEDS (L308) (NSN 5445-01-299-4222) LIN: M73050USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MF8
ACTIVE05/31/1993SETS, KITS, AND OUTFITS, COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET, POST-OP/ICU WARD DEPMEDS (L309) (NSN 6545-01-299-4223) LIN: M09576USAMMA

SC 6545-8-MF9
ACTIVE05/31/1993SETS, KITS AND OUTFITS COMPONENTS LIST/HAND RECEIPT MEDICAL MATERIEL SET INTERMEDIATE CARE WARD DEPMEDS (L310) (NSN 6545-01-299-4224) (LIN M08599)USAMMA
Interim Guidelines for Biosafety and COVID-19 | CDC
Interim Guidelines for Biosafety and COVID-19 | CDC
 
 

 

Skip directly to site content
Skip directly to search

EspaÃ±ol | 
Other Languages

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know 

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People

Ã

Submit

HOME
 COVID-19

 

 

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 


	Updated Dec. 13, 2021	

Print

Minus

Related Pages

Summary of Recent Changes

Updates as of December 13, 2021

Updated waste management guidance

 

View Previous Updates

Key Points

This guidance is intended for clinical laboratory and support staff who handle or process specimens associated with COVID-19. For guidance on point-of-rare testing, see the Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care and Rapid Testing
All laboratories should perform a site-specific and activity-specific risk assessment and follow Standard Precautions when handling clinical specimens. See Biological Risk Assessment: General Considerations for Laboratories
Refer to List Non the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS-CoV-2.
Cultures of SARS-CoV-2 should be handled in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory using BSL-3 practices, and inoculation of animals with infectious wild-type SARS-CoV-2 should be conducted in an Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) facility using ABSL-3 practices and respiratory protection.
Living the Green Life - NYSDEC
From insuring New York’s waters are safe from chemicals (such as PFAS) and drugs (pharmaceuticals), to monitoring and controlling natural occurrences such as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), to keeping track of potential pollutants such as mercury, DEC works daily to protect New York’s waters. There are ways you too can help.If you find a HAB, it is important to: Know it—learn how to recognize the appearance of HABs. If you spot a HAB it can be difficult to tell one from a non-harmful algal bloom. It is best to be cautious and avoid swimming, boating, otherwise recreating in, or drinking water in an area with a bloom. Our HABs webpage shows images of harmful vs. non-harmful blooms.Avoid it—stay away from contact with any floating mats, scums, or discolored waters. This holds true for both people and pets. Once again, do not drink or use such water for food purposes. Report it—let DEC know of any suspected HAB. Fill out and submit a suspicious algal bloom report form—photos and specifics on the locations are helpful. If any health symptoms are involved—please contact the NYS Health Department and your local health department. 

 

One example of a Non-Toxic Green Algal Bloom

 

One example of a Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs)

Dispose of drugs safely: Dispose of any unwanted pharmaceuticals you may have at home through a take-back program. DEC’s website provides assistance to find a free collection site near you. Learn more about the DEC Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-back Program. Under this program, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authorizes retail pharmacies (also referred to as “drug stores”) to hold take-back collections. Look for the Zero: When buying lawn fertilizer, check the bag for a set of three numbers showing the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Make sure the bag you buy has a “0” in the middle.
冬季安全提示
短时间运行引擎以保持温暖。保持顺风窗打开，确保排气管没有积雪。
夜间运转发动机时，请打开顶灯以向救援人员发出信号。
在车上挂一块颜色鲜艳的布或衣服。
不时运动，大力移动手臂、腿、手指和脚趾，以保持血液循环和保暖。
为您的车辆防冻
为冬季天气旅行做好车辆准备将有助于确保您的车辆在您最需要的时候处于良好的工作状态。
让机械师检查您车辆上的以下项目：
	电池
雨刮器和挡风玻璃清洗液
防冻液
点火系统
恒温器
灯
排气系统
闪烁的危险灯
加热器
刹车
除霜器
油位

安装好的冬季轮胎。确保轮胎有足够的胎面。对于大多数冬季条件，全天候径向通常是足够的。您可能还想在车辆中携带一套轮胎防滑链，以应对大雪天气。
保留挡风玻璃刮刀和小扫帚以清除冰雪，并在整个冬季保持至少半罐汽油。
最后，仔细计划长途旅行。收听当地媒体报道或致电执法机构了解最新路况。
更安全的驾驶技巧

家居安全提示

 家居安全提示
 
除雪
Fighting mold | New York State Attorney General
The use of gaseous, vapor-phase, or aerosolized (e.g. fogging) biocides are not usually recommended by environmental or public health agencies.
Follow label instructions when using cleaning materials, including proper protection and ventilation. If you choose to remediate without the assistance of a mold-abatement expert, take precautions to protect yourself from exposure during cleaning by wearing respiratory protection, gloves, and goggles.
Make efforts to eliminate dust generation.
Make sure that all materials are completely dry and visibly free from mold after remediation is completed and before beginning any rebuilding efforts. Give consideration to cleaning areas adjacent to visible mold to remove settled spores and mold.

Office of the New York State Attorney General
Environmental Protection Bureau
1-800-771-7755
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
Learn About Mold
epa.gov/mold/learn-about-mold
U.S. EPA, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air Indoor Environments Division
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Mail Code 6609T
Washington DC 20460

New York State Department of Health 
Mold and Your Home: What You Need to Know
health.ny.gov/publications/7287 
btsa@health.ny.gov 
518-402-7800
NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Report 
Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments
nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/epi/epi-mold-guidelines.pdf
New York City Department of Health 
Health Topics: Mold
nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/mold.page
Mold
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/mold.page
1-800-232-4636
Cornell University College of Human Ecology, Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor
https://ccetompkins.org/resources/hiring-a-mold-remediation-contractor
American Industrial Hygiene Association 
Mold Resource Center
aiha.org/public-resources/consumer-resources/disaster-response-resource-center/mold-resource-center
Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov
Ready in Your Language

National Preparedness Month

FEMA Mobile App 

Social Media Toolkits

Preparedness Messaging Calendar

Order Publications

Social Media Accounts

PSAs and Videos

About Ready

Contact Us

Local Emergency Management Information

 About Ready
 

 Contact Us
 

 

Wildfire Awareness Month

Wildfires spread quickly. Learn how to keep safe before they start.
Get Wildfire Tips

 

 Barbecue Safety 
 

Keep barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings. 
Get More Fire Safety Tips 

 

Severe Weather 

Severe weather can happen anytime. Know your risks and plan ahead. 
Get Severe Weather Tips

 

Extreme Heat

Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits.
Get Extreme Heat Tips 

 

Flooding

 If you approach a flooded road or walkway, follow this rule: turn around, don't drown!
Prepare for Flooding Now

 

Wildfires

If there is a wildfire in the area, be ready to evacuate on short notice.
Get Wildfire Tips

 

 Build a Kit
 

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the right items. 
Emergency Supply List

 

 Older Adults 
 

As an older adult, you may have specific needs after a disaster. Learn what steps older adults can take to prepare.
Tips for Older Adults

 

 Make a Plan Form
 

Make a family communication plan quickly and easily with our fillable form. 
Make a Plan Now

 

 FEMA Mobile App
 

Download the newly updated FEMA App to get preparedness strategies and real-time weather and emergency alerts.

Get the FEMA App

 

Emergency Alerts 

Wireless emergency alerts allow officials to provide the public with life-saving information quickly. 
More on Emergency Alerts

Last Updated: 05/24/2024

Return to top

Disasters and Emergencies

Make a Plan

Get Involved

Ready Business

Ready Kids

Resources

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Contact Ready 

 

Ready.gov
An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Accessibility
Accountability
Careers
Contact Us
FOIA
Policies and Regulations | Other | CDC
Check status of current Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests, Review materials pertaining to the records of CDC and ATSDR
Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (the No FEAR Act)
CDC Follows Public Law 107-174 (No FEAR Act), CDC Equal Employment Opportunity Data
Peer Review Agenda
OMB Information Quality Peer Review Agenda
Privacy Rule
Legislation and Regulation, additional information
Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
CDC is committed to ensuring the security of the American public by protecting their information from unwarranted disclosure. This policy is intended to give security researchers clear guidelines for conducting vulnerability discovery activities and to convey our preferences in how to submit discovered vulnerabilities to us.


	Last Reviewed: August 11, 2023 Source: 	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Syndicate

homeUsing CDC.gov

Accessibility
About CDC.govplus icon

CDC Web Archive
CDC Email Updatesplus icon

Featured Newsletters
Frequently Asked Questions
Manage Subscriptions
Subscribe to Newsletters

File Formats
Search Tips

Policies and Regulationsplus icon

CDC Nondiscrimination notice
Enterprise Risk Management
Guidelines for Public Comments
Language Assistance
Linking to CDC.gov
Phone Scams and Phishing Attacks
Plain Writing
Privacy Policyplus icon

Information Received and Retained
Mobile Privacy Policy
Our Cookie Policy
Third Party Tools and Sites

Use of Agency Materials
Website Disclaimers

Get Email Updates

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

 Email Address

 What's this? 

Submit

 

About CDC
Contact Us
800-232-4636

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Youtube
Pinterest
Snapchat

CONTACT CDC

Contact Us

Call 800-232-4636

Email Us

ABOUT CDC

About CDC
Jobs
Funding

POLICIES

Accessibility
External Links
Privacy
Policies
No Fear Act
FOIA
OIG
Nondiscrimination
Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
Interim Guidelines for Biosafety and COVID-19 | CDC
Inoculation of animals with infectious wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus should be conducted in an ABSL-3 laboratory using ABSL-3 practices and respiratory protection.
For more information, see:

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition [4.4 MB, 604 pages]
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 from Patient with Coronavirus Disease, United States 
SARS-CoV-2 Viral Culturing at CDC

Top of PageDecontamination
Decontaminate work surfaces and equipment with appropriate disinfectants. Use EPA-registered disinfectants with label claims that they are effective against SARS-CoV-2. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for use, such as dilution, contact time, and safe handling. For additional information, refer to EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Regulations. See EPA regulations and State Universal Waste Programs in the United States for more information.
For training courses available online, see Biosafety Training.
Top of PageLaboratory Waste Management
Always discuss used and unused COVID-19 test kit waste with your facility waste management contractor, your State Department of Public Health, and the test manufacturer’s technical support. All waste disposal must comply with local, regional, state, national, and international regulations. Waste disposal regulations vary at the state and local levels; see Environmental Protection Agency Regulations and State Universal Waste Programs in the United States for more information.
Top of PageAdditional Resources
APHL Risk Assessment Best Practices [2.2 MB, 69 pages]
APHL Packaging and Shipping Evaluation Tool [8 MB, 35 pages]
APHL Packing and Shipping Infectious Substances Training Requirements Job Aid [1.3 MB, 2 pages]
APHL Packing and Shipping Guidance for Biological Substances, Category B Specimens [220 KB, 2 pages]
Biological Risk Assessment: General Considerations for Laboratories
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition [4.4 MB, 604 pages]
CDC 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings [13.6 MB, 206 pages]
FEMA Library
FEMA Library

Contact Us
Site Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Español

Search

 Advanced Search

Home
Disaster Information
Plan Ahead
Apply for Assistance
Recover & Rebuild
About Us

FEMA Library

 My Bookshelf 
	
	
	
	
	(0 Items)
	
	
	

About the FEMA Library
Search for Resources
Search By FEMA Publication Number
Search By Resource Title
View Featured Resources
View Most Downloaded Resources
View New Resources
Other Resources

FEMA Library
Welcome to the FEMA Library
The FEMA Library is a searchable web-based collection of all publicly accessible FEMA information resources, including: CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, audio tapes, disability resources, posters and display items, brochures, publications, guidance and policy papers, program regulations and guidelines, forms, slide presentations, and some documents
It allows users to better locate, download to your computer to save and print items from the web. Use the links on the left to locate the resources. Once you search for resources, choose each item you want to be placed in "My Bookshelf". Then, when you are done, go to the left navigation button, "My Bookshelf" to start the check-out process.

Search for Resources
Please select search criteria.

Search Criteria

Keywords 

Subject Need help determining Subject?

Annual, Congressional, and Conference Reports
Building Design
Documents for Public Review and Comment
Emergency Planning
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Response
Equal Rights
FEMA Grants and Training Resources
FEMA Organizational Procedures and Policies
Flood Hazard Mapping
Flood Insurance
Floodplain Management
Hazard Science and Information
Infrastructure Design
Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Mitigation Planning
Mitigation Strategies and Techniques
Model Codes and Ordinances
NIMS Alert
NIMS Guides
Post-Disaster Recovery
Public Outreach and Education
Regulations, Laws, and Executive Orders
Risk Assessment
Security
Sustainable Development and Environmental Considerations
Technological and Research Methodology

Audience Category Need help determining Audience Category?

Businesses / Professionals
Children / Kids
Contractors and Vendors
UNT Web Archive
gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1026_kids_in_coat___safe_room_2.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1027_spartan_center.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1044_ulster_super.__culverts.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1065_ny_1589_allegany_water_line.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1085_ks_griffenstien_damage.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1086_ks_parkconstruction3.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1088_ks_parkconstruction2.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1105_roanewv060105.jpg1.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1106_roanewv060105.jpg2.jpg
 

 3 versions
 

 6 pages between Oct 28, 2008 and Jan 19, 2009
 

 gov,fema)/mitssdata/image/thumbnail-1107_charlestonwv060105.jpg
 

 3 versions
VA News
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">VA Caregiver Support Program</h3>

<p>Advance care planning allows the caregiver and the Veteran to make important health care wishes known in advance, including assigning a trustworthy individual to make medical decisions for the Veteran if they are not able to. An advance directive is crucial for ensuring that the wishes and preferences of both caregivers and the individuals they care for are respected, particularly in times of medical crisis or incapacity.</p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Timely reporting and posthumous scams</h2>

<p>VA is committed to protecting the legacy of Veterans and their loved ones. Spreading awareness of the need for the timely reporting of a Veteran’s death and posthumous scams are two more of the many ways VA supports survivors.</p>

<p>Timely reporting to VA helps family members avoid posthumous scams, which can cause additional financial and emotional stress during an already difficult time.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Best practices to avoid survivors benefits scams:</h3>

<ul>
<li>Save important files such as the Veteran’s military service/treatment records, discharge papers, and copies of their VA claims.</li>

<li>Go to <a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/verifying-your-identity-on-vagov/" rel="noopener">the VA website</a> for guidance on creating an account and obtaining a VA security Personal Identification Number (PIN) to securely access benefit information. A VA Security PIN is an additional way to secure direct deposit accounts from theft and protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII)<strong>. </strong></li>

<li>Never give out PII via text, and be cautious of suspicious hyperlinks or unfamiliar hyperlinks.</li>

<li>If a survivor is missing a VA benefits payment, identifies a discrepancy in payments, or finds suspicious activity with a direct deposit account, contact VA immediately at 800-827-1000.</li>