NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Streams of evacuees are stuck again in a familiar evacuation limbo. While out of harm's way, the return to normalcy is nowhere in sight.

What should you be doing while you're forced to wait out the storm? In today's top 5 tips, we're going to tell you.

If you find yourself without much cash in your wallet, you can call the Red Cross's financial assistance hotline at 800-975-7585. If you qualify, you can get a pre-paid debit card from $350 to $1565 to use at local retailers, depending on the number of people in your family. This card can also be used at ATM machines. The cards cannot be reloaded. And they don't let you buy alcohol, tobacco or weapons.

You can apply for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). And if you do qualify for FEMA assistance, you can still apply for the Red Cross's program.

If you need medicine immediately, but don't have your prescription on hand, consider going to local pharmacies. Some well-known pharmacies like Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Wal-Green's, CVS and Kroger's have flexed the rules quite a bit.

Often people will come in with an empty prescription bottle, said RiteAid spokeswoman Jody Cook. Even if you're not a regular customer of the store or if you do not have enough money, they may dispense emergency prescriptions free.

If you or your family is need of medical care, your first point of contact should be your family doctor. If that's not possible, look for medical attention from the Red Cross. The agency has dispatched nurses who will be able to help you with basic medical needs. They may also be able to get you in touch with local medical services.

"If you aren't near a Red Cross shelter, stop by any fire department, police station or a medical center," says Keith Robertory of the American Red Cross. Some drug companies have also donated medication and supplies to the Red Cross, so some essential medicines like Insulin will be available.

If you are unsure where some family members have been displaced, you can call the Red Cross reconnection hotline at 1-877-loved1s. If you have Internet access, you can go to www.katrinasafe.org.

Keep in mind, this database can also be used for displaced people from Hurricane Rita as well. The Red Cross normally has a reconnection registry in case of disaster, called the familylinks registry at www.familylinks.icrc.org.

One big problem evacuees have is access to their mail. They can obtain a change of address form at any post office and arrange to have their mail forwarded.

The U.S. Postal Service has also set up a special change of address site for Katrina victims, or evacuees can call 1-800/275-8777 or 1800 ASK UPS. After Katrina, the Post Office also set up postal facilities for people stranded in evacuation centers.

"The best way for people to get their mail is to make sure they let the post office know about address changes," says Dave Partenheimer of the US Postal Service.

Be on the lookout for scam artists claiming to be government officials. After hearing reports of impersonation in the Gulf region, the Federal Trade Commission issued a warning earlier this month.

Often these posers will offer to help you qualify for disaster relief payments for a "processing fee." Other scammers say they can get you FEMA funds for a fee. FEMA, along with any other governmental agencies, does not charge application fees.

Make sure the person who wants to sell you a low interest loan is who they say they are. To report suspicious activity, go to www.ftc.gov.

Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News and the host for Open House. E-mail comments to 5tips@cnn.com.