What to Do in Your Home After a Disaster

Disasters are unpredictable, but this fact is predictable: If it happens to you, you’ll need to be prepared. No one expects a disaster to strike at their home, but unfortunately, it does happen. Here’s what you can do to protect your home and your loved ones in the event of a catastrophe.

Check for damage: Using a flashlight (not anything with an open flame!), inspect gas, water, and electrical lines for possible leaks and damage. Also check all major appliances. If there’s any indication of a gas leak, immediately open windows and doors and switch off the gas. Call a professional for help, and wait to turn anything on in the house until the system has been evaluated. Turn the power off if necessary. If the power went out on its own, prevent damage from electricity spikes by unplugging valuable items (e.g., computer, TV). Also check the roof and other areas for holes that may cause water to enter the house. (However, do not take unnecessary safety risks, such as climbing on the roof.)

Food and water: Don’t drink or prepare food with tap water until you’ve been notified that it’s safe to drink (or you can boil it before drinking). If your home has been flooded, don’t eat any food that may have come into contact with flood waters. Public safety officials advise you to keep two days’ supply of clean water and non-perishable food as a precaution. 

Prevent further damage: Once you’ve taken necessary safety measures, survey the house and see if there are any temporary repairs you can make (e.g., patch holes in the roof, replace or board up windows, soak up standing water).

Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance representative and ask what you should do next. They may also be able to help with emergency repair services, such as water removal, if needed.

Take stock: Typically, your insurance company will suggest that you make a list of any damaged items including the age of the items, quantity, and a description. Notify your representative before you throw away any damaged items that you might include on your claim. Be sure to check your refrigerator as well, and list any food that has been spoiled or contaminated (some policies cover damaged food).

Clean up: Take pictures of all damage before you start cleaning up. As you clean up the mess, make note of the tasks you’ve completed and the hours you’ve spent. Also, if you need to use cleaning services for your belongings, be sure to save your receipts. Your policy may cover these services.

Can You Live in Your Home?

Your insurance agent will ask you if you can continue to live in the house. If not, depending on your policy, you could be eligible for a living allowance until the damage is repaired. Remember to save any living expense receipts.

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