• Compile a list of dates, times and persons who you talk to concerning your claim.
• Get a copy of your insurance policy. This will define and determine your limits as well as your rights and responsibilities to and from your insurance company.
• Have a clear line of communication with your adjuster.
• Ask what the process is for listing and identifying the value of personal property.
• Ask about being reimbursed for any lost rent or interruption of business.
• Ask your adjuster for a sufficient monetary advance for purchases that are necessary. Include enough money to assist with your first month and security deposit for a temporary dwelling.
• Save all receipts for any and all meals, hotels, purchases, toiletries, vitamins, cosmetics, etc.
• Remember that it is your choice who the restoration company will be, not the adjuster’s.
• If you feel that you are being pressured to choose a certain company, you can contact your local Attorney General’s Office to file a complaint.
• Check reference, for any and all companies that you retain to perform work on your behalf.

From FEMA Emergency Response – Rapid Recovery Service can assist with Recovery Services on your structure, personal contents restoration and deal with your insurance provider.

• Alert any staff to potential hazards.
• Work in pairs.
• Look for areas with loose or downed power lines; avoid those areas and report to local authorities.
• Look for electrical sparks, broken or frayed wires or smell of burning insulation.
• Turn off electricity at main switch if you can without risk.
• Shut off water.
• If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing, open a window and immediately leave the building.
• Turn off gas at main valve if trained to do so.
• Do not re-enter the building until declared safe by security or emergency management.
• Create a secure salvage area for supplies such as fans, tables, shelves, plastic sheeting, drying materials and clean water.
• Notify emergency officials concerning the extent of the damage.
• The building may be contaminated so do not enter without current tetanus shots, Hepatitis shots, protective gloves/clothing, hardhat and NIOSH-approved respiratory masks.
• If possible, reduce temperature and relative humidity to prevent mold outbreak.
• Cover broken windows with plastic.
• Do not turn on heat unless truly necessary.
• Remove any standing water and empty items containing water; remove wet carpets and furnishings.
• If everything is soaked, use commercial dehumidification.
• Do not move objects or collections without documenting their condition.
• Photograph or videotape conditions of collections and structure; make notes to go along with the photos or videotape.
• Make notes of each step of the salvage process.
• If nothing in the house is dry, cover everything with loose plastic sheeting.
• Separate damaged and undamaged items.
• Label and retrieve all broken items.
• Isolate items with mold and check every day for new mold growth.
• Make a rough estimate of materials affected and the extent of the damage.

Sources:

• Begal Enterprises, Inc.
• FEMA