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.