AFTER Disaster Plan

After a disaster, expect the best and worst from people
Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up
Keep record of who you spoke to, ID numbers and when
The phone representatives are the experts and they are there to help you. When you feel yourself getting frustrated, hang up and speak to another representative. Keep in mind, if they can’t do something, they will tell you and you need to find an answer somewhere else or ask a different question. They really do want to help you as much as they are able when you speak to them.
Be patient, expect recovery to take years

Family
Contact your out of state and in state family members and notify them you are ok and how to reach you.
In a large scale disaster go the Red Cross website and register that you are safe and location at http://disastersafe.redcross.org/

Insurance
Contact your insurance company and file claim
Allstate 800-547-8676
Auto Club 800-672-5246
Farmers 800-435-7764 (24/7)
State Farm 800-732-5246
USAA 800-531-8222 (9-5 CST)
Find out if damage is covered under policy?
How long to file the claim?
Do claims exceed deductible?
How long to process claim?
Need an estimate of repairs?
Keep copies of all receipts (hotel, meal, clothing costs)
Provide inventory and pictures
Don't threaten to call your attorney. You won't win friends or get very far.
If safe to return, take steps to prevent further loss or damage such as use tarps to cover roof holes or moving objects away from flood waters

Employer
Call your employer and let them know what happened, when it happened and how soon you can be back to work. Do you qualify for FMLA (medical), do you have sick or vacation days to cover missed time, and will the employer accommodate time off?

FEMA
You need to register at the link or phone number below
http://www.disasteraid.fema.gov/IAC/displayPage.do?forward=home&
800-621-3362 TTY 800-462-7585
Social Security Number
Description of losses caused by disaster
Information
Directions to damaged property
A telephone number where you can be reached
State
Find out what state resources are available

IRS
If you have relocated, you need to update your address with Form 8822
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf

Disaster assistance inquires 866-562-5227
Personal taxes 800-829-1040

Post Office
http://moversguide.usps.com/ICOA;jsessionid=EF9351B3797A6D37385B9DAE55EB9A0D or visit local post office for change address kits

Utilities
Light
Water
Gas
Phone
Internet

Bills
Explain the situation and request hardship deferral
Bank/Credit Union
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Mortgage
Car Loans
Other Loans