RECOVERING LOST DOCUMENTS
Disaster survivors may be asked to prove identity or provide documents when they’ve lost everything. See the State Bar’s thorough guide for how to get/who to contact for copies of documents, including your insurance policy, ID, benefits cards, etc.
f you have lost access to your mail, set up an alternative location for mail delivery, like a PO Box, to provide to your mortgage servicer, bank, employer, IRS, the county tax assessor, insurance companies, etc.
FILE INSURANCE CLAIMS
- Start by accessing a copy of your policy and documenting losses. File claims as soon as you can Depending on the degree of loss, some entitlements may be automatic, while others may require proof.
- Some first steps include taking photos of losses and keep receipts or notes of ongoing expenses and calls with insurers. This may apply for a total loss of a home or for smoke damage/partial loss.
- United Policyholders has user-friendly guides about claims related to disasters https://uphelp.org/claim-guidance-publications/
- An alternative source of coverage for personal property may be credit cards with Purchase Protection policies for items (eg. Clothes, electronics) bought in the last 90-120 days.
PUBLIC DISASTER ASSISTANCE
FEMA funds are now open to survivors at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
FEMA funds are generally dedicated to meet basic needs rather than to make someone whole from disaster losses, and can include individual assistance, temporary housing and property damage assistance for people who were uninsured, underinsured, or where insurance claims are denied. FEMA may also help with removal of debris from your home.
The deadline to apply will be March 9, 2025 (60 days from the Presidential Declaration) unless extended. If you are denied FEMA assistance, you have 60 days to appeal. Other forms of state and local government assistance may be announced.
TRAUMA RESPONSE
Going through a traumatic event can affect memory, concentration and ability to complete tasks. It’s normal to feel numb or unlike yourself. Avoid conversations where you need to advocate for yourself when you are emotional. Give yourself and others time and grace, and seek help from trusted sources, including mental health professionals.
BEWARE OF SCAMS/PREDATORY CONDCUCT
Scammers prey on disasters to offer fraudulent services or deals. If it seems too good to be true it probably is. Price gouging (more than 10% increase) on regular goods and services is also prohibited. Verify the identity of people who offer help by phone, text, email or mail and avoid providing your personal information to except to verified or trusted service providers.
