When a natural disaster strikes your home, it’s tough to understand the best course of action. Usually, the best outcomes are from homeowners who make preparations and have a plan of action in place. The aftermath of a flood, storm, or fire are best taken care of through careful planning.

To help your household prepare for a natural disaster, follow these helpful steps:

Important Documents

Keep pertinent receipts and any other important documents you may need out of harm’s way. Some homeowners choose to purchase a fireproof or floodproof safe to store their valuables. Another option is to store them in a separate, secure location, such as at your place of work or in a security deposit box.

Create an Emergency Kit

After many natural disasters or fires, it can be downright unsafe to stay in your home. in these instances, have an emergency kit prepared. Fill this kit with the essentials you might need for a few days, including toiletries, batteries, phone chargers, a few changes of clothes, etc.

Have a Relocation Plan

Again, if it is not safe for you to return home, finding a hotel at the last minute might be a costly choice. Family members or nearby friends are always a good choice if you have them available. It’s a good idea to talk to your friends and family about these ideas before disaster strikes to prevent pressure or feelings of desperation. You should also think about any pets that you may need to relocate. For example, if you plan on staying with a family member, but that family member has a bad allergy, Mittens and Fido might need to find a suitable alternative.

Practice Fire Safety

Preventative safety measures and alert systems are standard necessities for any home owner, it’s important to regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they installed and working correctly. In the cooler months, keep space heaters away from flammable furniture. When using candles, keep them in a safe space and store them properly when finished.

Build up an Emergency Fund

If an emergency should arise, have an emergency fund available so that you can pay off any additional living expenses. Even if you have insurance coverage to replace things that are lost in a fire, flood, or natural disaster, it can take some time before you receive payments or reimbursements. Having extra cash on hand right away can make the transition much smoother.

Take Inventory of any Damage

Take pictures of the damage to your home, property, or possessions. Make an inventory list of everything that was damaged by the disaster. If you were required to leave your home and experienced a break-in, report anything stolen or vandalized to the police.

Contact your Insurance Company

Finally, after any natural disaster, you’ll want to file a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible. The sooner damages are recorded and appraised, the sooner you can get your living space back to normal. Royal Renovations offers continuing education courses on disaster insurance coverage and instructed by a certified instructor. While these classes are designed for insurance agents, they are open to the public.

Royal Renovations makes it easier to get back to normal when you’re dealing with all the other factors that come with a natural disaster. Contact us today to learn more.