California E&S Insurance

What to do if your home is destroyed in a natural disaster or fire (US) There are many financial challenges to navigate in the wake of a disaster. While personal finance shouldn't be your first priority in an emergency, it is definitely a pressing concern for people after a disaster. I wanted to put together a brief guide considering how many people have been impacted recently. Some parts of this guide are more specific to natural disaster situations (e.g., the FEMA step), but I've tried to make it somewhat more broadly helpful. # What to do 1. **Be safe.** Please follow official recommendations on evacuations, do not return to your home before allowed, and prioritize the safety of your loved ones and yourself above your home and your personal belongings. Once you are safe, [let your loved ones know you are "safe and well".](https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php) You can also send out an email or make a post on social media letting people know you're okay. 2. If you need immediate help, **[contact your local Red Cross chapter](https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html)** or **[find a local shelter](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html)**. Another good resource is **[calling 211](http://www.211.org/)** to find local services and get help. If you or a loved one are having a difficult time emotionally or mentally, you can call the National Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990. It's available 24/7. You can also call the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline](http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) at 1-800-273-8255. Finally, you can text "HOME" to 741741 to communicate with a Crisis Text Line volunteer at any time of day to speak about any crisis. 3. **Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible to start a claim ([source](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-do-if-my-house-is-destroyed-in-a-natural-disaster-en-1521/)).** - If you don't have a copy of your policy, request one. - Request an advance from your insurer if you need it. - Pictures of the damage may be helpful. - If possible, don't dispose of damaged property until after an adjuster has visited you. - [Prepare a list of damaged and lost items. Be as detailed and thorough as possible.](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/43iyip/our_family_of_5_lost_everything_in_a_fire/cziljy3/) (This comment by /u/1020304050 was so popular it's likely that someone will link it in the comments before reading this post.) - Keep copies of everything that you submit. **[Here are some additional tips on filing claims.](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/dealing-with-insurance-after-disaster-29640-2.html)** 4. **If your county is declared eligible for FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance, [contact FEMA and apply for assistance](https://www.disasterassistance.gov).** FEMA assistance can include: - Rental payments for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable - Grants for home repairs, replacing lost items, medical care, and more - Unemployment benefits and re-employment services if you are unemployed as a result of a major disaster and ineligible for regular unemployment benefits - Low interest loans to cover losses not covered by insurance as well as loans for affected small businesses, non-profits, etc. - Crisis counseling services, assistance with filing claims, and other forms of help navigating a disaster 4. Also make sure you inform your employer, [update subscriptions, mail delivery, contact your landlord or mortgage company, and replace important documents as needed.](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/9xc2x3/my_apartment_burnt_down_in_the_california_fires/e9rdrsw/) 5. Recovering financially will be a long process, but the American Red Cross has a great **[Guide on Recovering Financially](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-financially.html)**. It has a lot of helpful advice on many of these steps and more. # If you haven't been affected If you're reading this and you haven't had this happen to you, now is a good time **[audit your insurance coverage](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/9t98wj/30day_challenge_11_audit_your_insurance_coverage/)**, especially if you haven't done this in the last year. If you want to donate to help others, please consider donating money first and goods second and please [donate wisely](https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/how-donate-wisely-after-disaster). # Other resources - [American Red Cross: Disaster Relief & Recovery Services](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html) - [DisasterAssistance.gov](https://www.disasterassistance.gov/)

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