disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

individuals after President declares a major disaster. FEMA can provide
more information at DRCs or call 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY: 1-800-462-
7585).
Canadian disaster - In the event of a large-scale disaster in Canada,
provincial or territorial government would pay out money to individuals
and communities in accordance with its provincial disaster assistance
program. (Federal assistance - called DFAA [Disaster Financial Assistance
Arrangements] - is paid direct to province or territory.)
Recovering financially - The American Red Cross and FEMA developed
the following list to help you minimize the financial impact of a disaster:
• First things first - 1) remove valuables only if residence is
safe to enter, 2) try to make temporary repairs to limit
further damage, and 3) notify your insurance company
immediately!
• Conduct inventory - make sure you get paid for items lost
• Reconstruct lost records - use catalogs, want ads, Blue
Books, court records, old tax forms from IRS, escrow
papers, etc. to help determine value of lost possessions
• Notify creditors and employers - let people you do business
with know what has happened
• File insurance claim - get all policy numbers; find out how
they are processing claims; identify your property with a
sign; file claims promptly, work with adjusters, etc.
• Obtain loans and grants - local media will announce
options available for emergency financial assistance
• Avoid contractor rip-offs - get several estimates; don’t
rush into anything; ask for proof of licenses, permits and
insurance; get contract in writing; never prepay; get signed
release of lien; check out contractors with local Better
Business Bureau, etc.
• Reduce your tax bite - you may be eligible for tax refunds
or deductions but realize they can be very complex so you
may want to ask an expert for advice
MITIGATION (REDUCING THE IMPACT FOR THE NEXT TIME)
The last thing you want to think about after a disaster is “what if it happens
again”! Before you spend a lot of time and money repairing your home
after a disaster, find ways to avoid or reduce the impact of the next one.
148 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325