What Now? 8 Steps To Start The Hurricane Recovery Process
Last Updated: 26 Oct 2020
Disaster Relief & Emergency Services
If you have been affected by a hurricane, we would like to offer our deepest condolences— experiencing any kind of natural disaster can be profoundly traumatic and life-altering.
We’re here to remind you that plenty of organizations are standing by to help, comfort, and connect you to resources.
For anyone whose home or living situation was impacted by hurricane-related damage, this blog is for you— we’ve compiled a list of 8 steps that should get you started down the road to recovery.
-
Return home (safely)
When the weather has calmed, and your local news outlets officially say it’s safe to return, make your way carefully to your neighborhood. We recommend being extra cautious about subsequent flooding, debris, and road closures. As you assess the damage, beware of loose or dangling power lines, avoid drinking tap water until you’re sure it’s safe, and wear protective gear while cleaning up the mess.
-
Take inventory & replace lost documents
While it’s important to record all lost or damaged items, we recommend starting with any destroyed official documents. As you go through various insurance processes, it will be crucial that you have proper documentation and credit sources. Go about getting a new driver’s license, social security card, debit card, EBT card, birth certificate, etc. as soon as possible.
-
Contact your insurance
Next, it’s time to start the process of contacting your insurance company. We recommend reading a copy of your policy, calling your agent, and going over it together. Write deadlines down in your calendar, take photos and videos of property damage, keep receipts for any expenses, and be sure you fully understand the claim process before you begin.
-
Check to see if you qualify for FEMA aid
If you don’t have insurance or have trouble meeting your deductible, you may be eligible for government-sponsored assistance. Head to DisasterAssistance.gov and enter your zip code. If you qualify, you could qualify for housing-related expenses such as temporary rental costs, repairs, and costs towards a replacement home.
-
Contact us to see if you qualify for Disaster Case Management (DCM).
If you don’t qualify for FEMA aid or still have unmet needs, Endeavors’ Disaster Case Management may help. DCM is a service that assists people who have suffered as a result of an emergency. Endeavors will assign individuals in need of assistance from a caseworker who will find resources for you and your family. No matter how big or small your needs are, Endeavors will do its best to connect you with a case manager to help you get back on your feet. Currently, our DCM services are available in North Carolina and Texas.
- North Carolina: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne, and Wilson
- Texas: Chambers, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Jefferson, Orange, Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy.
-
Avoid home repair fraud
As you go about working with contractors to repair your home, you must watch out for home repair scams and fraud! Watch out for contractors that show up uninvited to your doorstep and offer “special deals” on repair work. We recommend getting several estimates from at least three different contractors. Ask for references, and get a written contract that you fully understand before working with someone. You should also always wait to pay the full amount until work is complete to your satisfaction.
-
Know your rights as a renter.
If you don’t own the rented home, it’s essential to know that you should be able to get out of your lease if any part of your home is no longer livable. You can cancel your lease by giving your landlord a formal written notice. Be sure to ask in writing for a refund of your security deposit and any prepaid rent.
-
Keep your kids in school.
If you have to move to a new part of town while your home is under construction, it’s important to get your kids enrolled in a nearby school as soon as possible. Whether you live in a shelter, motel, campground, or with friends and family, your child still has the right to attend school— just provide proof that you are living in the area. Sending your child back to school as soon as possible is a helpful sense of normalcy as you start the path towards recovery.
We are passionate about serving vulnerable people in crisis, improving their quality of life in innovative, personal ways. Click here to learn more about the Endeavors Disaster Case Management program and how it can help you.
About Endeavors
Endeavors is a longstanding national nonprofit that provides an array of programs and services supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.