As global temperatures rise, disaster recovery budgets are ballooning, making it vital for communities to track how funds are spent. This article outlines strategies for residents to monitor disaster spending effectively. Key recommendations include attending local government meetings to stay informed about funding priorities, reviewing contracts to identify which companies are involved in recovery efforts, and utilizing data from FEMA and other public sources to understand funding flows. Additionally, it highlights the challenges of tracking private spending by nonprofits and suggests examining their tax forms and annual reports. Engaging directly with organizations and utilizing social media can also provide insights into how funds are being utilized. Overall, the article stresses the importance of accountability in disaster recovery.