8 Ways to Recover Faster From a Disaster

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Those assets include email, financial, utility, insurance, e-commerce, subscription and social media accounts; personal websites, blogs and file-sharing accounts; and cloud storage, which may contain your treasured music and photos. Don’t forget your physician, dentist, Social Security, Medicare and tax preparation accounts. In an emergency, the ability to access these important sites via your laptop, tablet or smartphone may be essential.

3. Kept abreast of your insurance

Make sure you’re clear about the insurance coverage you have, and the deductibles. Sorensen recommends reviewing your coverage at least twice a year. Include your health, auto, home and flood insurance, if you have it. “Knowing what you are covered for and how to go through the process will help ease the stress you feel after a disaster strikes,” he says. “I was in a rental vehicle less than 12 hours after the tornado hit because I knew the process I needed to go through because I stayed aware of what my insurance provided.”

Kevin Lum, a CFP at Foundry Financial in Los Angeles, says aid from FEMA and other agencies is typically available only for major disasters and may not cover all, if any, of your expenses. “So, you want to make sure you have proper insurance coverage.”

Another reason to review your coverage is the effect inflation has had on the cost of materials and repairs, says Mike Martinez, president and CEO of M Martinez & Associates in Metairie, Louisiana, who has been through several natural disasters. Otherwise, you may come up short when you file a claim. “You could be left paying out-of-pocket expenses that could’ve been covered by insurance,” he says.

4. Take an inventory of your possessions

Next, create proof of your possessions. For your home and its contents, insurance carriers recommend using a video camera or your phone or tablet to document each room, zooming in closely, and adding narration to describe items of the highest value. You can also make a list on a spreadsheet, if you wish. Or use an inventory app such as Itemtopia or the NAIC Home Inventory.

Whichever method you use, be sure to review and revise it every year, or anytime you do a significant remodel to your home or make a major purchase. You might also want to register expensive products such as electronics and appliances for any insurance or warranty claims. Don’t forget to include this inventory in your grab-and-go bag.

5. List phone numbers of local officials and insurers

When a storm or flood hits, what should you do first? Assuming that you don’t need first aid or more extensive medical attention, you’ll want to quickly let local officials know the damage you’ve incurred and what immediate assistance you need. Make sure you have these important numbers on your phone and in your grab-and-go bag.

Unfortunately, some people will take advantage of those who need help, so be alert to scammers and price gougers, says Chuck Czajka, a certified estate planner and founder of Macro Money Concepts in Stuart, Florida. “Also, document everything and communicate with your insurance providers to understand what they will cover and what you will need to pay out of pocket,” he says. “Be patient, as a natural disaster typically impacts many people. Recovery and repair times may take days, weeks or even months.”

6. Have a rainy day fund to tide you over

It’s always important to have a cash stash to cover unexpected bills so you’re not forced to raid your retirement fund to cover living expenses. But that’s especially true in the event of a calamity, Martinez says. If your home is damaged or gone, you’ll need money for a place to live, among other things. “After a disaster, the cost of water, food, hotel stays, transportation, etc., will need to come out of an emergency fund.”

Insurance companies can take weeks to help, Sorensen says: “Having the funds available to cover that waiting period will feel like a lifesaver at a terrible time.” The same is true for FEMA and other government agencies, Lum says: “While aid is available, it may take time to receive it. People should be prepared to rely on their own resources in the meantime.”

7. Be ready with a stash of essentials

Are there disaster preparation efforts in your area? If so, Czajka recommends participating. Florida, for example, has Hurricane Preparedness Week, which encourages residents to plan for a hurricane or other disaster.

“When it comes to food and water, anticipate needing at least a week’s worth,” Czajka says. Medications should be up to date and refilled. You should also have flashlights and batteries, a backup battery for your phone, and some cash in case there’s a power outage. Credit cards and ATMs may not be usable. “Your home may be unlivable in the event of a natural disaster, so having a backup plan for shelter and food is critical.”

8. Take care of yourself and your loved ones

Finally, Lum says to prioritize self-care and seek emotional support as needed, in a time of great distress: “Recovering from a disaster can be stressful and overwhelming, and it's important to take care of oneself during the process. Maybe take some time and visit family.”