Insurance

• Insurance representatives will be on the scene immediately following a major disaster to speed up the handling of claims.  Notify your insurance agent or broker of any losses-and leave word where you can be contacted. 

Take Steps to Protect your Property

• Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage or looting.  Use only reputable contractors (sometimes in the chaotic days following a disaster, unscrupulous operators will prey on the unsuspecting) - check the Better Business Bureau.  Keep all receipts for materials used.

Be Patient

• Hardship cases will be settled first by insurance representatives.  Don't assume your settlement will be the same as your neighbor's.  Policy forms differ and storm damage is often erratic.

It Takes a Team Effort

• Responsibility for the clean-up falls to numerous local, state, and federal agencies.  A local disaster coordinator/ director or his/ her representative will be on hand to help residents in this effort.