Emergency Recovery Resources

If you have been affected by a disaster, we are here to help. Below is a guide to assist you in navigating the next steps after an emergency.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Register for Assistance

✅ Red Cross – Register immediately for emergency assistance. Visit Red Cross
✅ FEMA – If the event is declared a FEMA disaster, apply for aid. Visit FEMA
✅ CARE (Community Assisting Recovery, Inc.) – Provides valuable recovery resources. Call 888-216-8264 or visit carehelp.org

2. Organize Important Documents & Expenses

💼 Create a filing system – Use a binder, portable file box, or digital folders to track:

Insurance claims & policy documents
Housing & temporary living expenses
FEMA and other assistance applications
Receipts for essential purchases
Lost documents that need replacing (IDs, deeds, passports, birth certificates)

📌 Tip: Keep all receipts for emergency expenses—some may be reimbursed separately from your insurance claim.

3. Housing & Temporary Living Arrangements

🏠 Housing Assistance Options:

Insurance Coverage (ALE – Additional Living Expenses):
- One year of rental assistance for non-FEMA disasters
- Two years if declared a FEMA disaster
Real Estate Agents & Community Help:
- Contact local agents—many match empty vacation homes with displaced families
- Craigslist or local community housing boards may have options
Red Cross & Local Nonprofits:
- Some organizations compile rental housing lists and can assist with placement

📌 Tip: Ask local businesses if they offer discounts for fire/disaster victims—many require proof of Red Cross registration.

4. Insurance & Claims Process

📞 Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible
🚗 Vehicle Loss: Contact your auto insurer and request a claims adjuster to assess damages.
🏠 Homeowners/Renters Insurance: Request a copy of your policy from your agent if you don’t have one.

📸 Document Damage:

Take photos/videos of your home inside and out.
Open drawers, closets, and storage spaces to capture contents.
📄 Claim Process: Request an adjuster to assess damage before beginning cleanup or moving items.

5. Utilities & Address Updates

🔌 Cancel or Transfer Services: Water, electricity, garbage, phone, cable, internet
📬 Mail Forwarding: Obtain a PO Box for secure mail delivery if you’ll be displaced for a while.
✉️ Change of Address: Notify:

Banks, credit cards, IRS
Insurance (home, auto, business, health, umbrella)
Doctors, dentists, schools
Subscriptions & memberships

📌 Tip: File separate address change forms for different last names in your household to ensure all mail is forwarded correctly.

6. Rebuilding & Financial Considerations

🏗️ Planning to Rebuild?

Obtain property records from your city.
Get quotes for demolition and rebuilding.
Check if your city is offering streamlined permit processing for disaster victims.
Review your insurance policy for coverage on code upgrades.

💰 Tax Considerations

Disaster losses may be tax-deductible—consult a CPA with experience in FEMA vs. non-FEMA disaster claims.
Keep receipts for emergency supplies & dining—these may be reimbursed separately from content loss claims.

📌 Tip: Consult with a tax professional on how to report losses on past and future tax returns.

7. Mental & Emotional Well-Being

💙 This is a marathon, not a sprint. Recovering from a disaster is overwhelming—expect to feel exhausted, disoriented, and emotional. Prioritize your well-being:

Lean on your support system—friends, family, and community groups.
Seek professional support if needed—disaster relief programs often provide counseling services.
Take breaks & breathe—this process takes time, and taking care of yourself is just as important as managing logistics.

Need Help? Tower Insurance Is Here for You.

📞 Contact us at 310-837-6101
📧 Email us at customerservie@insurewithtower.com

We’re committed to helping you navigate this process. Please reach out with any questions or if you need assistance with your insurance claim.