Begin Recovery
If your home is damaged in a disaster, contact your insurance company right away. They'll help you learn the value of your home and property.
Ask what to do about immediate needs, including pumping out water and covering doors, windows, and other openings.
Check to see if your policy will cover payment for a deposit and/or the first month's rent on a rental unit.
You'll also want to get in touch with your landlord or mortgage lender as soon as possible.
Document Your Losses
Insurance companies oftentimes will require documentation of what has been lost.
They'll want info like:
- Amount of the loss
- Supporting documentation (receipts, photos, videos)
- Date and cause of the loss
Save Your Receipts
Save all your receipts showing any money you spend toward recovery. These will be needed by your insurance company and to prove losses claimed via tax return.
Home Damaged? Here's What To Do
Always document damage before beginning repairs. This way, you don't lose out on possible reimbursements.
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1
Call insurance
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2
Document losses
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3
Take pictures
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4
Start repairs
Cleaning Up
There are companies that specialize in cleaning or restoring personal items. Ask your insurance company for names of companies you can trust.
Volunteers often help after a major disaster. Pay attention to local, county, and state officials for available resources.
Cleanup Guidance
Your city and/or county officials will have more information on:
- How to dispose of damaged property
- If dumpsters are available and how to get one
- A list of items that aren't salvageable, such as mattresses
- Steps to follow in cleaning and sanitizing your home
- Guidelines for safe cleanup procedures
- Anything else you might need to consider
Replacing Important Documents
Your documents may have been lost or destroyed in the disaster. Here's where to go to replace them:
| Document | Where to Replace |
|---|---|
| Animal registration | American Kennel Club or breeder |
| Banking documents, such as checkbooks | Your financial institution |
| Birth and death certificates | Pennsylvania Department of Health |
| Citizenship papers | U.S. Department of State |
| Credit cards | Issuing bank |
| Marriage licenses and divorce papers | Clerk of Courts where they were issued (located at county courthouse) |
| Driver's license, ID cards, auto registration, and titles | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation |
| Income tax records | Internal Revenue Service |
| Insurance policies | Your insurance broker/company |
| Medical records | Medical provider's office |
| Military discharge papers | County Veterans Affairs office |
| Mortgage papers | Lending institution or county Recorder of Deeds |
| Passport | U.S. Department of State |
| Prepaid burial contract | Funeral director or interment site |
| Social Security or Medicare cards | Social Security Administration |
| Stocks and bonds | Issuing broker |
| Titles to deeds | Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located |
| Warranties | Product manufacturer or their website |
| Wills | Preparing attorney's office |
