A disaster can change everything you know and love in an instant. When a home disaster strikes, it may be an isolated situation or a widespread emergency. No matter the source or the circumstances, your life will never be the same.
Disasters don’t just damage your things, they can cause physical, emotional, and mental harm. In the aftermath of a storm or isolated event, center your immediate response using these tips. When you do, you’ll be able to secure what matters most.
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1. Ensure Safety for All
Get everyone out of the house safely and check for injuries. Scan for visible harm but be attentive for less obvious indicators like smoke inhalation.
Pay extra attention to children and the elderly, as they may be less likely to articulate their condition.
Avoid re-entering the home until you can confirm that it’s safe to do so. You may be tempted to retrieve treasured heirlooms, especially if you’re unsure if your flood insurance will cover it.
Remember, the most important thing in the wake of a disaster is your safety.
2. Take Stock of the Damage
After you’ve confirmed that your home is safe to enter, brace yourself for what you may see. Begin this task with plenty of time allotted, as documenting the damage may take hours.
Bring your phone or camera and a notebook and pen to write down and photograph each room of your home.
Begin this process by photographing the entire room, each wall, ceiling, and its components. If you’ve experienced a basement flood, you may first only be able to do so from the stairs.
Document what you can before disturbing the aftermath with cleanup efforts, as each image will help tell the story.
Create a folder on your phone to organize the photos and take notes that align with them. Try to recall the contents of the room and any specifications of key items.
If you have electronic copies of receipts or documents relating to damaged items, collate them now.
3. Notify Your Insurers
Your insurance provider is always on standby to assist you in the aftermath of a disaster. Call your insurers main disaster response line to begin the notification process.
They’ll ask you a series of questions to help understand what happened and open up a claim.
You’ll be assigned a primary contact for your claim, and they will help guide you through the process.
Follow all of their instructions with regard to documenting the damage and whether to touch anything or not.
Generally, they’ll want to get someone on site and preserving the scene will help them process your claim efficiently.
If you need to stop further damage by tarping your roof or boarding broken windows, let them know.
They can help you find a contractor or they may send out someone on your behalf. Try not to do it yourself, for your safety sake, and to not negatively impact your claim.
4. Secure What Remains
After you’ve communicated with your insurance provider, secure your home and its contents.
If you are in an area where a disaster has hit, it’s not uncommon to have challenges. Your home may be vulnerable to break-ins, especially as others are dealing with their own disasters.
Secure your home so that its interior is protected from the elements and bad actors. If it is safe to enter, remove heirlooms or treasured possessions like photographs and irreplaceable items.
Transport these items to a secure place, but try to do so within reason. Only take what you’re cleared to remove and be mindful of what you can store for an extended period.
5. Find Temporary Housing and Transportation
If you’ve been displaced, you’ll need to find a place to call home while restoration efforts are underway.
Coordinate with your insurance provider to determine what coverage you have and for how long after a disaster. Oftentimes, they can assist you with finding temporary housing that meets this criteria.
Initially, you may need to stay with a friend or family member while you figure out your options.
If both your home and automobile were damaged in the disaster, you may be dealing with two separate claims. Keep both parties in the loop of what the others’ status is to avoid delays in obtaining temporary solutions.
Track your expenditures for housing and transportation as well as replacement for key items. You’ll need to report these to your insurance provider if they’re reimbursable under your coverage.
6. Inform Your Loved Ones and Employer
Reach out to your loved ones to let them know that you are safe and what’s happened. You’re already dealing with a lot, but those who love you want to be there for you.
They may have access to resources and may be willing to host you if you need temporary housing.
Accept their help as you have a long road ahead of you as you restore your normalcy. Let your employer know what you’re dealing with too, so you can take time away from work responsibilities.
They may also have resources to help associates dealing with a home disaster. If you’re concerned about having enough time off from work, many employers have an emergency time off fund to help.
Begin the Recovery Process With a Plan
Recovering from a disaster takes a toll on everyone involved. The process can take months or years to resolve and the experience will likely impact your life forever.
Do what you can to detach from the emotional side of the disaster, especially in the immediate response.
Be methodical, documenting the reality of your situation so your insurers can help make you whole.
Take the time you need away from work and accept help from others. When you do, you’ll rebuild your life, your sense of safety, and a new normal after a disaster.
