Disaster Preparedness and Recovery: Understanding Insurance and Aid Options

As the photos and videos of the recent California wildfires show, natural disasters can cause widespread wreckage. Fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, and other natural disasters do not care whose lives they upend; they simply destroy everything in their path.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise, therefore, that Americans across the country are asking themselves if they are prepared to weather a natural disaster themselves. According to George Hooker, insurance claims defense attorney and partner in the Miami office of preeminent law firm Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A., here’s what homeowners need to know.

Safety is number one

For Hooker, homeowners’ number one priority should be safety for themselves and their family members. “The safety of your family has to be guaranteed,” he says. “If there’s danger, then pack up and leave. Go to a safe place and wait for it to pass.”

This advice applies to wildfires and any other major emergency. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a flood, hurricane, or any other disaster: your safety should come first,” Hooker says.

Return to the affected area only once local officials have deemed it safe. Conditions on the ground might still be challenging, however. Only go back into the disaster zone with an ample supply of necessities like gas, water, and food.

Wear protective gear and be cautious as you explore the site, looking out for unstable ground, structures that could collapse, and wildlife that may have moved in.

If you find that your property has been damaged, it’s time to record the destruction, not race to fix it.

Document the damage

“Take photos and videos of the damage, as this evidence is useful for your insurance claim,” Hooker says. “Document the site’s condition in detail. Don’t make repairs before your insurer has assessed the damage, as it may void your coverage.”

Hooker advises calling your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. “Inform them of the damage and ask them when you can expect them to come and assist you,” he explains. “Some insurers offer emergency response services to help you secure your property and avoid further damage.”

In particular, he emphasizes the importance of getting your claim number. “You will need this to follow up on the status of your claim, so be sure to record it,” he says. “It’s normal to be stressed and frightened in the aftermath of a disaster, but this is a ball you don’t want to drop.”

Gaining help through insurance

According to Hooker, it’s also important to follow the process that your insurance company has in place for making a claim. As the process unfolds, the insurance adjuster will assess the damage and determine how much the company will give you to fix it.

In addition, Hooker warns that this kind of disaster can affect whether you will receive an insurance payout.

“Standard homeowners’ insurance policies usually do not cover flood damage, so it’s useful to check on the type of coverage you have,” he says. “Insurance of this kind is typically an additional rider or even a separate policy.”

In addition, he advises turning to FEMA for help. 

Support from other sources

“You can apply for disaster recovery funds right through the FEMA website or by phone,” Hooker says. “They will assess your situation to decide what kind of assistance you’re eligible for — whether it’s temporary housing, home repairs, or replacing lost personal property.”

Local governments also sometimes have resources for those who have been affected. “With major disasters like hurricanes, some counties and states also offer emergency assistance programs,” he points out.

Since receiving assistance can take a long time, he urges people to apply as soon as possible. “Be prepared with all necessary documentation — proof of damage and personal identification — to avoid delays,” he counsels.

Furthermore, Hooker advises those the disaster has hit to avail themselves of resources on the ground. “The American Red Cross and other non-profit organizations frequently provide immediate support like water, food, and shelter,” he says. “Local community organizations and faith-based groups can also take an active role in disaster relief.”

Be proactive

Hooker also recommends being proactive and beefing up one’s insurance policies long before a threat appears on the horizon. 

“If you are potentially in the path of a hurricane, then check your insurance policy to make sure it includes wind storm and flooding insurance,” he says. “If an earthquake could happen, then you should have earthquake insurance. Assess your particular level of threat, depending on where you live, and take out the appropriate policies given your situation.”

Another proactive thing he advises homeowners to do is to document the state of their property while it’s in good condition before disaster strikes.

“Take your phone, hit record, and start going through the entire building, both inside and outside,” he says. “Also, make sure to go through your possessions one by one. In particular, don’t forget to document those major items that cost a lot of money.”

Protect your family from risk

No one wants to contemplate the possibility of being struck by a natural disaster. Yet, no one is absolutely safe. For this reason, it’s crucial to understand how to protect yourself in advance and handle a crisis if one does occur. By following Hooker’s advice, you can strengthen your family’s resilience and give yourself peace of mind.