Here’s what you can do immediately:
1. List yourself and your family as safe on the American Red Cross website. You may also want to check in on social media platforms you use, letting concerned friends and family members know you’re okay.
2. Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
3. Go to FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov website or call 800-621-3362 to apply for assistance.
4. Keep receipts for items purchased when you’re not able to access your home, including toiletries, clothing, food and temporary housing. These expenses may be reimbursed under your insurance policy.
5. Check with your local post office to confirm that they’ll hold mail for impacted homes. If you are unable to get to your home, set up a post office box and have your mail forwarded to it.
6. When you are able to return in your home, access your property, thoroughly document the damage with photos and notes, and take steps to prevent any further damage if it’s safe to do so.
7. Be thoughtful about what you throw away. If it’s safe to do so, keep damaged items until your insurance company representative has assessed the damage and made a claim report. If you can, have your home inventory ready to help with your claim.