Step 1 – Prepare For the Worst
- For personal safety, identify what storm shelter is available to you and make your evacuation plan. Choose two places to meet: one right outside your home in a sudden emergency such as a fire and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
- Make sure you have bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery powered radio, non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies, and a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks.
Step 2 – Take an Inventory of Your Property
- It’s always a good idea to take photos or videos of your home before a disaster strikes to properly record the condition of the home. If you use a digital camera, e-mail the photos to yourself, a friend or relative or store them on a Web site.
Step 3 – Review Your Insurance Coverage
- Review your insurance coverage. What does your insurance policy cover? What does it exclude?
- The standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Check if your policy covers debris removal and sewer back-up.
- Find out if your policy covers additional living expenses to reimburse you for the cost of living in a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home.
Step 4 – After Disaster Strikes And Your Home Is Damaged
- Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms, and data you'll need to file a claim. Keep a diary of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors, or relief agencies.
- Take photographs/video of the damage.
- Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Don’t have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
