Once the disaster itself is over and the recovery and rebuilding processes begin, many disaster victims can feel like they are alone in their effort to rebuild. It is important that the victim realize that there are always agencies and organizations they can turn to for assistance in dealing with the aftermath of a disaster. Individualized services such as counseling are addressed in the Individual Assistance area of this section.

Individual Assistance

Disaster recovery assistance to individuals and households is provided through coordinated Federal, State, and County relief programs. If a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been made for your county, you may register for disaster assistance, by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). Specially trained operators at the National Processing Service Center will take your information and begin the application process. Your registration will be forwarded to the appropriate agency for follow-up with you. You can expect to receive printed materials in the mail that explain in detail the verifications that you must provide to complete the application process. In some instances, a federal inspector may also contact you by telephone or letter, to set up an appointment to physically view the damages to your property and personal effects.

For assistance during an SBA ONLY disaster declaration, watch local media for a telephone number to contact for additional information

All information obtained from you during the registration, application, and eligibility determination process is held in the strictest confidence. More...

Insurance Claim

• Be sure your insurance is up to date BEFORE the disaster strikes.
• Contact your insurance agent or company immediately and report the damage. Give your name, address, policy number and a telephone number where you can be reached, especially if you are unable to live in your home. You will also need to provide the date and time of your loss.
• Take pictures of the damage if possible BEFORE beginning repairs. Pictures can also be used as evidence for tax deductions. Protect your property from further damage or theft. Document what you spend to take these actions as they are typically reimbursable by your insurance company.
• KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS.
• A list of cleaning and repair bills, including materials, cost of rental equipment and depreciation of purchased equipment
• A list of any additional living expenses you incur if your home is damaged to the extent that you can't live in it. This includes hotel/motel bills, rental car expenses, restaurant bills, etc.
• A list of all actual losses, including furniture, appliances, clothing, paintings, food, etc., regardless of your intent to replace the objects. Photographs of ruined homes or objects are excellent evidence for later documentation.
• Try and document the value of each object lost. Bills of sale, canceled checks, charge account records and insurance evaluations are good evidence. If you have no such records, estimate the value and give the purchase date and location.
• Don't be in a hurry to settle your claim. While you may want to have your damage claim settled as quickly as possible, sometimes it is advisable to wait until all of the damage is discovered. This is frequently the case with earthquake and flood damage - sometimes additional damages are discovered after walls or other objects are removed. If you are dissatisfied with your settlement offer, talk things over with your agent and adjustor. Check your policy to see what settlement steps are outlined.

Community Efforts in Disaster Recovery

Providing a financial contribution to a voluntary agency involved in disaster relief is often the most sensible and the most efficient way of helping the people in need after a disaster. There are several voluntary agencies with considerable disaster relief experience. These organizations have disaster skills in many areas such as disaster needs assessment, disaster clean-up, mass feeding, mass shelter, first aid, crisis counseling, pastoral care, child-care, home repair, family casework, meeting "unmet needs" and many other areas. When the public supports these organizations with financial contributions it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.

VOLUNTEERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AFFILIATE WITH A VOLUNTARY AGENCY INVOLVED IN DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY.

Before the next disaster strikes, get some disaster training. You will be in a better position to find meaningful volunteer work at the time of a disaster. Volunteering through an organization also provides a better chance of insurance and liability protection. There are many tasks to do after a disaster - cleaning up and rebuilding are two of the biggest. Both voluntary agencies and the local government may be aware of opportunities for volunteer labor in the long and difficult recovery phase. Watch the local media carefully to see what volunteer coordination efforts are being organized. Often the Volunteer Center in the area is an excellent source of information about volunteer opportunities after a disaster.