Insurance Restoration and Disaster Recovery (PART 1)
Disaster strikes and you need to put your life back together again. Here is a step by step approach that concentrates on you and your family first and then works diligently rebuilding your home.
STEP ONE : TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMI LY
It is important to take care of you and your family as a first priority. Living through the shock of a disastrous event is a daunting task and it will take some time to get your life back in order. The key ingredient in this phase is to realize that you have a dedicated team of professionals behind you working on your home while you are working on getting your family settled.
Some kind words from friends and neighbours go along way to start cheering you up. But, you must think of yourself as well as your family. It is important that you manage your schedule and not take on too many things at once. Eat as you would normally do and maintain healthy rest periods as you pick up the pieces. Remember things will get done in a short period of time and your life will soon be back to normal
To get yourself and your family back on track, talk about what’s happened. Talking is sometimes the best for the family to work through there problems. As the days go by, knowing it is normal to have various feelings about the disaster, will help you and your family recover from the loss. The burden does not have to lie on your shoulder, there are many resources in your community that will provide you with the support you need as your work through the emotional part of your loss.
STEP TWO: Get a place to Stay.
Contact your insurance company to get your claim underway . Many policies cover the cost of shelter, food and clothing for the reasonable time needed to repair or rebuild your residency up to policy limits. In times of extreme emergency, temporary housing may be made available by your local government or and aid agency.
STEP THREE: Take care of your things.
When you have been given permission from you emergency services department or fire department remove your valuables, essential legal documents, identification, medicines and items of sentimental value.
Secure the property. It’s your responsibility to make sure the house is secured against further damage. If you rent, the landlord or property manager should be responsible for this contacting us. If you own the home, here’s what you should do:
- Board up broken windows and smashed doors.
- Cover holes in roof and walls.
- In the winter, drain water lines if the house won’t be heated for awhile.
In some cases, the Fire Department will secure the property for you, or the municipal housing department will do it. Your insurance policy may pay reasonable expenses incurred in preserving insured property.
If your property is looted, contact the police immediately. Tell them what was stolen. This report may be needed to file an insurance claim for theft, distinct from any disaster damage claim.
Pets can get very frightened in an emergency, if you have lost one, contact your local SPCA or Humane society and your neighbours so they can keep an eye out for your pet.
Notify Canada Post if you require your mail to be forwarded.
Notify your mortgage company. about the results of the disaster and to keep them informed about what’s being done to restore the property. They may have forms for you to fill out, and they may want to inspect the property.
STEP FOUR : RE - ENTERING YOUR HOME
Once you have received the go ahead to reenter your home, proceed with caution, your safety is more important than your things. Some useful things to bring with you include a flashlight, camera, garbage bags, gloves and safety boots. If your home was flooded you will need mops, pails, wet dry vacuum.
It is wise to err on the side of caution. Before you enter your home check the outside of your home. Stay away if you see downed electrical lines or notice the “rotten egg” smell of leaking gas.
Keep track of your expenses and time in cleaning up. Keep all receipts from cleaning supplies, rental equipment and any cleaning firms you hire. Record the number of hours you and your family or friends spend cleaning up the property each day. These records will be useful if you are making an insurance claim or applying for disaster financial assistance.
Steps 5 - 8 coming soon…