What to Do After a Disaster

• Make sure your loved ones and pets are safe. Contact your insurance company immediately to report the loss (see more below). 
• Once you’ve started the insurance claims process, contact your mortgage company (More info: Settling your claim) 
•  Before you go back into your home, make sure the structure is safe to enter and electricity is shut off. 
•  Do not start cleanup until you take pictures or video to document the extent of the damage. Use those photos and video for your home inventory.  
• Avoid throwing anything out right way (with the exception of perishable food) until you meet with the insurance adjuster. They will help determine what can be discarded. 
• Make temporary inexpensive repairs to prevent further damage to your property, such as boarding up broken windows or throwing a tarp over a leaky roof. Keep receipts for materials you buy, so you can be reimbursed by insurance. 

Filing a claim 

• Contact your insurance company immediately to report the loss and follow the instructions given to you by claims personnel. 
• Keep your insurance policy and claim number handy. This will help the claims process go faster. 
• Make your home inventory. If you don’t already have a home inventory, make a list of as many items as you can remember. 
• Wait for the insurance company’s adjuster to arrive. Do not repair or throw items out without first getting instructions from the adjuster. Your insurer’s visual inspection of your loss may be necessary before repairs are made.  
• Take notes. Keep a log of who you spoke to and when: include a summary of the conversation and ask questions if you don’t understand the instructions.