Unsure of what to do after a disaster? 

Natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes surround the country all year round. In 2018 alone, the United States experienced 14 disasters with damages worth $91 billion.

To start your recovery, it’s best to have an idea of what to do next. Otherwise, you might end up unable to financially recover.

In this guide, we’ll help you prevent the worst. Keep reading to find out three things you should do after a natural disaster hits your home. 

Reach Out to Relevant Agencies

After a natural disaster hits your home, call for agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It’s the agency responsible for mitigating the after-effect of certain events. It includes terror attacks, man-made incidents, and recent natural disasters. 

Contact your insurance company responsible for your situation. For example, your earthquake insurance company or flood insurance company. Either way, contact them and let them know of your situation. 

If you’re still paying for a mortgage, contact your lending institution. Ask for their payment policy in your current situation. Gathering information from these agencies will determine your next steps. 

Look Up Aid Applicable to Your Situation

Three possible aids help with natural disaster survival. These are the SBA loans, FEMA, and the Federal Housing Administration program. 

The Small Business Administration offers loans with favorable terms. It allows you to repair or replace damages the worst natural disasters brought upon your home. 

SBA allows you to borrow up to $200,000 to cover your home renovation or construction costs. They’ll also let you have $40,000 to replace personal properties you lost due to a natural disaster. It applies to both renters and homeowners. 

Meanwhile, FEMA gives grants as high as $35,000. It helps fill in gaps between insurance payouts and loans. You can also use these to cover basic home repairs your insurance company doesn’t cover. 

The Federal Housing Administration has a program aiming to help rebuild or buy homes for disaster survivors. Under the program, you won’t have to make a down payment when you borrow money. 

Call for Legal Help 

After getting your facts straight and looking up aids applicable for your situation, it’s now time to ask for legal help. It’s especially when your insurance company denies, underpays, or wrongfully delays your insurance money. 

From lawsuits to the complex litigation process, contacting legal professionals like shochet.legal is fruitful. 

Start Recovering from a Natural Disaster Today!

Informing concerned parties about your situation and understanding applicable policies can help your recovery after a natural disaster. In times of conflict, never hesitate to call for legal help from reputable legal firms. It will help ensure someone will address your perceived injustices from concerned parties. 

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