1. Take pictures of what remains to help trigger memory for filing claims
2. Cancel or pause all utilities, internet, cable, satellite etc.
3. Reach out to American Red Cross or Salvation Army for immediate financial assistance.
4. Call Mortgage company and ask if you can defer payments for 6 months and add it to the back end of the loan.
5. Call Auto Loan company and ask for 1-3 month deferral
6. Ask USPS to hold mail for up to 6 months. They should do this at no cost allowing you to go get your mail without paying for a post office box.
7. Check with area Realtors Association to see if they can help with 1 months’ rent or mortgage.
8. Check insurance policy for “Other Structures” clause that will cover cost of removing the remains of your home, scraping your property to remove debris embedded in the ground, and paying to re-seed or sod your property. This may also cover the cost to remove the driveway and sidewalk which can get damaged from heavy trucks removing debris.
9. Insist on ONE adjuster for the dwelling and ONE adjuster for personal property.
10. If you have to temporarily live in a rental or out of town and now have to take your children to school because the bus won’t go that far, ask the school district to reimburse you for mileage/gas cost.
11. Be careful of SCAMMERS!! Check all builder’s license and reviews. Have banks, insurance companies and realtors help with reputable contractors.
12. Gift cards are ALWAYS the best donations. Types of gift cards
- Walmart
- Target
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- Grocery Stores
- Gas cards
- Hotel
- Restaurant
- Walgreens/CVS Pharmacy
