DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

individuals after President declares a major disaster. FEMA can providemore 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 individualsand communities in accordance with its provincial disaster assistanceprogram. (Federal assistance - called DFAA [Disaster Financial AssistanceArrangements] - is paid direct to province or territory.)Recovering financially - The American Red Cross and FEMA developedthe following list to help you minimize the financial impact of a disaster:• First things first - 1) remove valuables only if residence issafe to enter, 2) try to make temporary repairs to limitfurther damage, and 3) notify your insurance companyimmediately!• Conduct inventory - make sure you get paid for items lost• Reconstruct lost records - use catalogs, want ads, BlueBooks, court records, old tax forms from IRS, escrowpapers, etc. to help determine value of lost possessions• Notify creditors and employers - let people you do businesswith know what has happened• File insurance claim - get all policy numbers; find out howthey are processing claims; identify your property with asign; file claims promptly, work with adjusters, etc.• Obtain loans and grants - local media will announceoptions available for emergency financial assistance• Avoid contractor rip-offs - get several estimates; don’trush into anything; ask for proof of licenses, permits andinsurance; get contract in writing; never prepay; get signedrelease of lien; check out contractors with local BetterBusiness Bureau, etc.• Reduce your tax bite - you may be eligible for tax refundsor deductions but realize they can be very complex so youmay want to ask an expert for adviceMITIGATION (REDUCING THE IMPACT FOR THE NEXT TIME)The last thing you want to think about after a disaster is “what if it happensagain”?! Before you spend a lot of time and money repairing your homeafter a disaster, find ways to avoid or reduce the impact of the next one.148 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325