In an ideal world, you’d never experience a natural disaster, but sometimes nature has other plans. Especially when it impacts your home, the aftermath can feel overwhelming—emotionally and financially. You don’t have to navigate the experience alone. In this blog, we’ll walk you through home disaster recovery resources, as well as natural disaster prep strategies to make your home more resilient going forward.
Home Disaster Recovery for Hurricanes Helene and Milton
On September 26 and October 9, 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall in the southeastern United States. Before we dive into our general disaster recovery information, you can find timely resources for ongoing hurricane recovery efforts below.
For those in need of assistance:
- Florida FEMA assistance
- North Carolina FEMA assistance
- South Carolina FEMA assistance
- Georgia FEMA assistance
- Tennessee FEMA assistance
- Virginia FEMA assistance
- Hillsborough County FL available resources
- Disaster unemployment benefits
For those looking to provide assistance:
- Donate supplies, blood, and more through ongoing drives
- Become an American Red Cross Disaster Volunteer
- Explore Asheville, NC volunteer opportunities
- Start training to become a certified Disaster Rebuild Team member through Habitat for Humanity
If you’ve been impacted by the latest hurricanes, we hope you’re staying safe and finding the aid you need to get back on your feet.
Homeowners Insurance
Your homeowner’s insurance is one of the most important tools you have when it comes to home disaster recovery. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage. Before making the call, take some time to review your insurance policy to understand what’s covered and any deductible you may need to pay.
When you’re ready to file a claim, give your insurance company all the necessary documentation, including photos and videos. Be as detailed as possible when explaining the damage. If your home is uninhabitable, your insurance may cover temporary housing. Ask about this when you contact your provider.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
If the disaster is declared a federal emergency, you may be eligible for FEMA aid. This can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other expenses. On FEMA’s website, you can apply for assistance, find Red Cross shelters and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) near you, and check to see if the disaster that impacted you has been declared a federal emergency. Keep in mind that you can only apply for FEMA assistance if your home was damaged during an officially declared federal emergency, and given the time it takes to apply, they are unable to provide immediate emergency services.
Local Non-Profits
If you don’t qualify for FEMA assistance or you need immediate aid while you wait for your FEMA application to process, your local non-profit organizations are a valuable resource. The exact services available to you will depend on your location, but most residential areas will have organizations of all kinds that are acutely aware of the area’s needs. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can search for non-profits in your area via GuideStar.
Local non-profits are all about helping the community, so even if the service they provide is not directly applicable to disaster relief, there’s a good chance that in the wake of a disaster, they’ll be organizing efforts to assist in whatever way they can. From cleaning supplies to temporary shelter, you may be able to find many of the things you need throughout the recovery process right in your community.
Speaking of community, much of the aid after a disaster comes not from any particular organization, but from your neighbors and your personal network. Don’t be afraid to ask people you know for help, and how you can help them in return. It takes a village.
Natural Disaster Cleanup Resources
Once you’ve contacted your insurance and received the go-ahead, you can begin cleaning up. Before you start, make sure you wear protective clothing like gloves and masks. In addition to safety gear, the following is a list of common supplies you’ll need to tackle clean-up. Many of these can be sourced through local non-profits or by starting a supply drive on social media. Amazon wish lists are also a great way to let people know exactly what you need and have it sent directly to you.
Home Disaster Recovery Cleanup Supplies
- Heavy-duty storage totes and buckets
- Wet vacuum
- Tarps
- Generators and fuel
- Wire brushes
- Shovels
- Brooms and mops
- Crowbars
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Flashlights and batteries
Rebuilding Resources
When it’s time to start rebuilding or repairing, it’s important to consider ways to make your home more resilient to future disasters. Talk to your contractor about using disaster-resistant materials like impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofing, or fire-resistant siding, depending on the type of disasters common in your area. If you’ve experienced flooding, consider raising electrical outlets, using water-resistant materials for walls and flooring, and installing sump pumps. Organizations like All Hands and Hearts specialize in rebuilding efforts post-disaster, and may be able to help you with repairs.
You may also qualify for an FHA 203(h) loan. This disaster relief home loan helps victims of major disasters recover by making it easier for them to obtain a mortgage or re-establish themselves as homeowners.
Natural Disaster Prep for the Future
After the dust has settled on your home disaster recovery, it’s important to start planning for the future. Disasters can happen at any time, so taking proactive steps now can save you time, money, and stress later. If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure it covers the types of natural disasters that are common in your area, from floods to fires to earthquakes.
An updated home inventory is also essential for faster and more accurate insurance claims. Go room by room and document everything you own that could be covered by insurance. This can be done through photos or videos, but be sure to save the inventory somewhere that can be recovered if your personal devices or physical files are damaged, like cloud storage.
No matter where you live, having an emergency kit on hand can make all the difference during a disaster. Stock it with essentials like:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Medications
- Important documents (stored in waterproof containers)
Home Disaster Recovery: Key Takeaways
Recovering from a natural disaster is never easy, but with the right steps and support, you can get back on your feet and rebuild stronger. As a homeowner, taking precautionary steps now can make future disasters less devastating. Take time to prepare your home, review your insurance, and create an emergency plan for your family. And when the worst happens, don’t hesitate to ask for help from all the people, organizations, and community networks at your disposal. Stay safe!
As a homeowner, taking precautionary steps now can make home disaster recovery easier in the future.
