With the 2025 destructive spring tornado season underway, and Hurricane Season approaching the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® is offering the Strong Homes Scale (Scale), a groundbreaking new tool designed to help homeowners assess their home’s ability to withstand six natural disasters.

On March 25, 2025 the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® launched Strong Homes Scale (Scale), a groundbreaking new tool designed to help homeowners assess their home’s ability to withstand six natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms. The Scale and new tools are part of the enhanced InspectToProtect.org platform that empowers users with information to answer the questions, “How will my home hold up in a disaster?” and “How can I make it stronger?”

The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) invites experts to submit presentations for consideration by the National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC24) committee. Set to take place from November 20 to 22, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Florida, the conference seeks to explore innovative approaches and programs that drive advancements in resilience policy, practice, science, and engineering.

Preparing for potential disasters is crucial no matter where you call home. Families can enhance their safety and home resilience by using these free and low-cost ways to strengthen their homes against a variety of perils. From earthquakes and extreme heat to floods, hail, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires, these top mitigation strategies are accessible on the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) website FLASH.org.

In an effort to enhance earthquake preparedness and resilience among businesses and organizations, FEMA, San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, and the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) are pleased to announce registration is open for the free QuakeSmart Preparedness Workshop.

Now in its 25^th year, the event will bring together private and public sector leaders, nationally- recognized engineers, meteorologists, practitioners, risk communicators, scientists, and trade professionals to share best practices and create innovative solutions.

Reduce injury and death during earthquakes by learning how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter.

If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows).

Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts.

No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Why do they matter?

Masonry fireplaces and chimneys in earthquake-prone regions are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage. Build or retrofit your home with a fireplace and chimney appropriate for an earthquake-prone area.

What do I need to know?

• Unreinforced masonry (URM) chimneys are highly vulnerable to earthquake damage; their behavior is a common consideration of seismic intensity as in the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale.   
• Masonry fireplaces and chimneys can be heavy and rigid, and existing chimneys are often brittle.
• Your home and the fireplace and chimney may have significantly different responses to earthquake ground motions, creating the potential for damage to both the house and the fireplace and chimney. 
• Even without signs of damage from an earthquake, the masonry or flue liner may have cracked, so it is vital to have them inspected before reuse.
• Factory-built fireplaces and flues within light-frame fireplace enclosures and chimneys can be used due to their typically good performance during earthquakes. However, you must pay special attention to the detailing of framing anchorage and adhere to the installation instructions specifications for combustible wood framing clearances. 
• Restoring the outside surface of deteriorated mortar joints (repointing) or patching isolated masonry cracks are aesthetic repairs and regular chimney maintenance. However, they are insufficient reinforcement to increase performance during an earthquake. 

Where do I start?

• Constructing or retrofitting a chimney and fireplace requires expertise, so a licensed contractor should perform this type of work to ensure it is done safely and meets the building code requirements.

More Resources:

FEMA 232, Homebuilders’ Guide to Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction

FEMA. Repair of Earthquake-Damaged Masonry Fireplace Chimneys: South Napa Earthquake Recovery Advisory.

Why does it matter?

Deadly and destructive fires frequently follow earthquakes. In 1906, the infamous 7.8 magnitude San Francisco earthquake and ensuing fire killed 3,000 and razed large city sections, making it the most deadly in U.S. history. In modern times, severed gas lines are often the source of ignition, so it is essential to plan for and mitigate against the threat of fire.

One of the most effective ways to reduce fire risk after an earthquake is to locate your gas supply and understand how to interrupt the flow.

What do I need to know?

• Install an automatic gas shutoff valve that activates when sensors register ground shaking or an increased gas flow. 
• If you do not have an automatic system, purchase a wrench and locate the valve to ensure you can manually turn off the gas supply to prevent a fire or explosion after an earthquake.
• Store the wrench near your gas supply valve, and ensure you and your family know how to use it. 

Where do I start?

• Contact your gas utility provider for more information about how to have a shutoff valve installed.
• Learn how to turn off the gas supply after an earthquake, as well as how to have your gas turned back on once the danger has passed. 

Why do they matter?

Strong foundations keep your house stable during earthquakes by resisting seismic forces that pass underneath it. A house with strong wall-to-foundation anchorage will help prevent your home from sliding or moving during an earthquake.

Your strong home foundation is one of the essential parts of your resilient home. 

What do I need to know?

• A house with a stem wall foundation has a wood-framed first floor on a raised concrete perimeter made from reinforced masonry (CMU or cinder blocks).
• You can anchor and reinforce a stem wall foundation using foundation bolts or foundation plates.

Where do I start?

• Consult your contractor or professional engineer when considering earthquake retrofitting options for your existing home.

More Resources:

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: Concrete Construction Edition

Why do they matter?

Strong foundations help stabilize your house during earthquakes, floods, high winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes. They resist hydrostatic forces of water, carry wind forces down to the ground, and resist seismic forces as they pass underneath your home. A house with strong wall-to-foundation anchorage and connections will help prevent your home from collapsing, moving, sinking, sliding, tipping, or overturning during disasters.

A strong home foundation is one of the essential parts of your resilient home. 

What do I need to know?

House design, budget, climate, location, soil conditions, and moisture are the main factors used when selecting a foundation type for your home. Three main types of foundations are commonly used for residential and single-family homes.

• Poured concrete or “slab-on-grade” foundations are the most common type used for houses, especially in climates that do not experience winter freezes. This foundation is constructed by pouring concrete into a steel-reinforced mold on a framed gravel bed. You can adapt this foundation for use in colder climates with insulation and by adding concrete footings that extend into the ground below the expected frost line.
• Permanent wood foundations are less common than poured concrete but offer lightweight, high-strength, durable options for home construction. These foundations are constructed using treated, moisture-and decay-resistant lumber or engineered wood. The advantages of this type of foundation are that they are simple to build, insulate, and weatherproof. The disadvantage may be that this foundation cannot handle the heaviest loads.

• Raised Foundations are common along the coast and in flood-prone regions, as they can support the home while resisting moisture conditions. There are two main types of raised foundations, stem wall and pier-and-beam. Note: Pier-and-beam is sometimes called post-and-beam, but generally, pier refers to concrete, and post refers to wood.

A house with a stem wall foundation has a wood-framed first floor attached to a raised concrete perimeter made from reinforced masonry (CMU or cinder blocks.) A pier-and-beam foundation is a system of vertical pillars or piers extended into the ground on footers. The piers support the joist system that holds up your home’s floor.

Retrofitting wood and raised foundations to strengthen their performance in disasters is cost-effective and relatively simple. Retrofitting poured concrete foundations may be more costly as it could require some drywall removal to create access.

Where do I start?

• Consult a contractor or professional engineer whether designing a foundation for your new home or retrofitting an existing home. However, some retrofitting grant programs provide pre-approved plans with prescribed strengthening and anchoring methods.

More Resources:

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: High Wind Wood Frame Construction Edition

FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: Concrete Construction Edition

Why do they matter?

Cripple (or crawl space) walls are relatively short frame walls that extend from the top of your home’s foundation to the bottom of the first floor. These walls typically enclose a crawl space or are part of a stepped foundation when a home is on a slope or uneven ground. During an earthquake, these walls become stressed and can fail, leading to severe building damage.

What do I need to know?

• Cripple walls are the most highly vulnerable of all light-frame walls because they must resist the shaking forces that act on the entire house during an earthquake.
• Older homes with cripple walls constructed without modern seismic building codes have weak connections between the wall and foundation because of the weaker sheathing type and inadequate attachment methods.
• Houses with stepped concrete or masonry foundation walls with unbraced cripple walls often fail in earthquake shaking.
• Decay, rot, and termite damage can also affect the cripple wall strength.
• Cripple walls are highly susceptible to earthquake damage; however, they are also one of the least expensive and easiest parts of your house to retrofit for improved seismic performance.  

Where do I start?

• Before beginning your retrofitting project, inspect the existing cripple walls for rot, decay, or termite damage. Have all damage repaired and replace framing materials in areas where moisture is present or in contact with the foundation. Use pressure-treated lumber and decay-resistant materials.
• Anchor the base of the cripple wall (foundation sill plate) to the foundation, and anchor the top to the first-floor framing above.
• Cover, or sheath, the cripple wall with wood structural panels on the exterior or interior side of the crawl space walls.
• In general, cripple walls should not be higher than four feet in houses with crawl spaces or basements.

FEMA. Brace Cripple Walls.

FEMA DR-4193-RA2. Earthquake Strengthening of Cripple Walls in Wood-Frame Dwellings. 

Why does it matter?

It is essential to strengthen soft and weak-story homes with first-floor open areas or parking underneath, such as garage apartments. This type of condition is especially vulnerable to collapse in earthquakes because the strength of the bottom story is substantially less than the stories above it.

What do I need to know?

• Garages with living space above are among the most common examples of residential soft stories.
• Two-story homes can also exhibit soft-story weakness if the first floor has relatively large window and door openings with fewer supporting interior walls than the floors above.

• Soft story conditions can exist when perimeter cripple walls have no inside face sheathing and under-floor basement areas have few or no interior walls to provide interior support.
• Any story can become a soft story if earthquake loading exceeds the design strength of that story.

Where do I start?

• Consult a licensed engineer to determine the most effective way to upgrade and increase the strength and stiffness of your first story if you have a weak or soft story condition.

Where to explore and more:

FEMA 232, Homebuilders’ Guide to Earthquake-Resistant Design and Construction 

If your home is damaged or destroyed in a storm or natural disaster, you can take steps to protect your family’s safety, comfort, and financial stability during recovery.

Seek guidance from reliable sources, including emergency management officials, local government leaders, insurance company representatives, and nonprofit organizations that specialize in disaster response and recovery. Determine if your disaster-affected community has formed a long-term recovery task force and follow task force news to learn about relevant resources, services, and deadlines.

You may never forget your disaster experience, but you can recover and bounce back with the physical, emotional, and financial support available after the worst happens.

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Be aware that certain disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, may not be covered by standard homeowners policies.

Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage, like placing blue tarps over roof damage or broken windows. Save your receipts for any materials you use, and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Document your loss, and preserve damaged items until your adjuster has visited your home or your company advises that you may dispose of the items. Take photos and use videos to prepare a home inventory to document your claim. Assemble copies of receipts from damaged items.

You may have coverage for lodging and other living expenses while you are displaced from your damaged home, so be sure to include those receipts in your claim documentation.

For more information about insurance considerations during a disaster, check out our guide to homeowners insurance to find out more about filing a claim.

Explore available disaster assistance.

Throughout recovery, stay up-to-date and monitor local radio, television, and other information sources about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance. Check out options for how to stay informed.

Post-disaster economic assistance programs may be available for individuals under certain circumstances. Direct assistance of food, shelter, supplies, and cleanup may come from any number of organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and others. The federal government may help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling, loans and grants, and other assistance. There are also programs to help small businesses and farmers.

Look into options for housing assistance.

FEMA provides housing assistance for qualifying disaster victims. Homeowners within a designated federal disaster area can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register.

Applicants should be prepared to describe losses and provide their Social Security Number, financial information, and the location of the damaged property.

Practice coping with disaster.

Disasters can have an emotional toll, and adults may need crisis counseling or stress management assistance. Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and people who speak English as a second language may be especially at risk for emotional distress post-disaster.

Seek crisis counseling if you or a family member is experiencing disaster-related stress. Local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, or professional counselors can provide counsel and advice. FEMA, state, and local government agencies may also provide crisis counseling assistance.

Make sure you understand the personal effects of a disaster, recognize signs of disaster-related stress, and are familiar with how to manage that stress.

Avoid disaster-related fraud and scams.

If in doubt, do not give out your personal information. Report to local authorities anyone claiming to be a government worker. Safeguard against disaster-related fraud by taking these precautions:

• Ask for an official laminated photo ID. Agency shirts or jackets are not enough to verify a representative’s identity.
• Be cautious when providing personal information. FEMA inspectors never require Social Security or bank account numbers. Applicants choosing direct deposit are asked for bank account information after they call or go online to apply. During a follow-up call, a FEMA representative may ask only for the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
• Beware of people going door-to-door or telephone calls claiming to be building contractors. These could be scam artists, especially if they solicit financial information.
• FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams distribute flyers that mention personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers. These teams will not ask for personal information from applicants. They only tell applicants what to have on hand when they call or go online to apply for help.
• Federal representatives do not solicit or accept money and never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or help filling out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damage; they do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.
• Report suspicious activity to local authorities online or via the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

More Resources

• FLASH and The Actuarial Foundation. If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters.
• FEMA Ready. Coping with Disaster.
• FEMA. Are You Ready?

When returning home after a natural disaster, there are ways to make sure you and your family are safe. There may be immediate dangers like contaminated water and wild animals or less obvious threats like structural damage to your home.

Follow these safety tips when re-entering your home.

• Return to your home only once local authorities say it’s safe. After a flood, don’t return until the water recedes. Check for announcements and instructions concerning the affected area, medical aid, and other forms of assistance, such as food, water, ice, and shelter. Get tips on staying up to date.
• If you expect minimal damage, inspect the area around your home before entering. Walk carefully outside your home and look for damaged power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
• If you are concerned that your home isn’t safe, or if there is significant damage and debris, leave the area immediately. Request an inspection by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering your house. Don’t enter your home if you smell gas or see flood waters around the building. If your home was damaged by fire and hasn’t been declared safe by qualified officials, don’t enter.
• Flooding poses the risk of waterborne bacterial contaminations, so avoid floodwater.
• If it is safe to enter, use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect your home. Turn on the flashlight before entering. Turn on the flashlight before entering. NEVER use candles or lighters.

Check for threats outside your home.

• After an earthquake:

• Look around your entire house for signs of collapse or movement off the foundation.
• Examine the ground for fissures or shifts in the ground. Look for breaks in fence lines or other indications of nearby damage.

• After a wildfire:

• Look out for ash pits (holes resulting from burned tree roots filled with hot ash), charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. Mark them, and warn others to stay clear. There may be heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
• Check the outside of your home, roof, and gutters. Wet them down to put out any smoldering sparks or embers. Call 911 if you see fire.
• Wear a respirator dust mask and wet down debris to minimize breathing in dust particles.

Check for threats inside your home.

Be careful when entering your home. Wear leather gloves and solid, thick-soled shoes with steel toes. Look out for loose boards and slippery floors.

• Pests: Watch out for pests, such as mice, rats, insects, or snakes, especially after flooding. Disasters and life-threatening situations will intensify the unpredictable nature of wild animals. Contact your local animal control, wildlife agency, emergency management office, or health department for specific information.
• Natural gas: Open a window and immediately leave if you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound. If possible, turn off the main gas valve from the outside. Call the gas company. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, only a professional should turn it back on. Don’t smoke or use fire inside until you’re sure gas is no longer present.
• Sparks and broken or frayed wires: Assess the electrical system if you aren’t wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If the situation is unsafe, leave immediately and call for help. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Only turn on the lights when you are sure they are safe to use. You may want an electrician to inspect your wiring. Look out for power poles that may be unstable. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911 or the utility company’s emergency number.
• Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks: Immediately leave if there are any signs that the building may collapse. Look for cracks in the chimney’s mortar, which can pose a fire hazard or let in carbon monoxide. A certified chimney inspector can evaluate your chimney. Look out for any signs of damage, like exposed or cracked beams, roof leaks, and foundation cracks.
• Drywall, stucco, or plaster: After an earthquake, look for new or more significant cracks in the drywall, stucco, or plaster, including “stair step” cracks.
• Floor: Bouncy, soggy, or mushy floors can mean damage underneath.
• Attic: If your home has experienced a wildfire, check the attic. If you see smoke or fire, get out of the house and call 911.
• Stairs: Look for changes in the stability of staircases and whether the banister and supporting columns are secure.
• Windows and doors: See if any windows or doors are newly jammed or blocked. After an earthquake, look closely around windows and door frames for radiating cracks.
• Appliances: If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Unplug appliances and allow them to dry. Have the appliances and the electrical system inspected by an electrician before turning the power back on. After an earthquake, make sure your furnace and water heater connections are tight and not leaking.
• Water and sewage systems: Turn off the main water valve if any pipes are damaged. Ask local authorities before using any water. Pump out wells and have the water tested before drinking. Unless authorities have announced that it’s safe, assume that the tap water is not safe, and use properly stored water or boil your tap water. Do not flush toilets until you are certain that sewage lines are intact.
• Food and supplies: Carefully inspect all food and drinks. See more information about food safety in a power outage.
• Basements: If your basement is flooded, pump it out gradually (about one-third of the water per day). Do not pump the basement while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged, as the walls may collapse and the floor may buckle. After an earthquake, cracks and bulges in the basement floor and exterior walls can indicate severe problems.
• Cabinets: Be alert as you open cabinets for objects that may fall.
• Household chemical spills: Clean up and disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals.

Clean up debris responsibly.

Any kind of cleanup work can be hazardous, but cleaning up after a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, or other natural disaster requires special care and attention. If your home is damaged and your yard is littered with debris after a disaster, there are ways to ensure that cleanup is safe and environmentally friendly.

Check with your local government for cleanup procedures before disposing of debris.

You can expedite cleanup by separating debris:

• Yard debris like branches and downed trees
• Building debris like fences, roof materials, screens, windows, carpets, etc.)
• Regular garbage and trash

Put debris at your curbside, away from fire hydrants, trees, power lines, mailboxes, valves, or other items that could be damaged or make collection difficult.

Yard Debris

• Cut fallen tree limbs into sections of 4 feet or less (if you have experience and can do so safely).
• Stack material neatly at the curbside, separated from garbage.
• Put smaller or loose items (limbs, leaves, etc.) into sealed containers like garbage cans or clear plastic bags.
• Bundle piles of small branches and secure them with twine. Containers or bundles should weigh 50 pounds or less.

Home Debris

Keep building debris and building contents separate from vegetative material and regular garbage. Check for special requirements like designated disposal sites other than curbside.

Start cleanup once you know you can safely enter your home, and follow this checklist to ensure your safety.

• Wear protective gear like safety goggles, work gloves, hard hats, and thick-soled shoes.
• Consider other safety equipment the cleanup may require. You may need to wear a respirator after a wildfire. After a flood, wear protective boots to avoid contaminated water.
• Wash your hands and face often using soap and drinking-quality water.
• Don’t remove heavy debris by yourself.
• Downed or damaged trees might have power lines that could electrocute you. Don’t touch wet electrical equipment or any electrical equipment if you are standing in water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if it’s safe.
• Take photos and video to record home damage before any repairs. Get more information about what to do if your home is damaged or destroyed.

Regular garbage and trash

Attempting to dry out the contents of your home can take several weeks, and if the humidity remains high, microorganisms may continue to grow. If the house and its contents are not properly dried out and you notice musty odors, consider throwing out the wet materials.

• Dispose of food that has come into direct contact with floodwaters or wildfire.
• Throw away canned or other packaged foods or drinks that appear dented or damaged.

Safety tips for debris cleanup

• Make sure debris doesn’t block storm drains, fire hydrants, the right-of-way, or pedestrian traffic.
• Keep children away from debris piles. They can be full of broken glass, nails, jagged wood, and other sharp items, as well as rodents, bugs, or other animals.
• Watch children carefully around heavy equipment and debris removal operations. Equipment operators may not easily see small children.
• Move your vehicles away from debris piles to make it easier for equipment operators to pick up the materials and reduce the possibility of damage.
• Drive carefully when behind trucks loaded with debris. Materials can fly out, causing an accident or driving hazard, so maintain a safe distance.
• Keep open flames, cigarettes, or other ignition sources away from debris piles, as they may contain flammable materials.

Remember your homeowners insurance.

• Contact your insurance company. Get more information on how to file a homeowners insurance claim after a disaster.
• Protect against further damage, like covering broken windows to prevent water intrusion.
• Take photos and video of any damage to your home before attempting any repairs.
• Keep records of repairs and cleaning costs.

More Resources

• FEMA Ready. Returning Home.
• FEMA. Helpful Hints on How to Spot Earthquake Damage.
• FEMA Ready. Hurricanes.

Damage to your home can have a significant impact on you, your family, and your friends. It’s best to have a plan for how to re-enter your home safely before a hurricane, tornado, flood, or other storm strikes.

The greatest threat to personal safety exists during a storm and in the immediate aftermath. Use this checklist for what to do after the storm to minimize potential harm.

Stay up-to-date.

• Monitor weather conditions, damage updates, and announcements from local authorities concerning the affected area, medical aid, and other forms of assistance, such as food, water, and shelter.

Return safely after evacuation.

• Return to the area only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Communicate with family and friends about your travel plans and alert them upon arrival.
• Expect and prepare for disruptions to daily activities.

Consider access to your home.

• Follow the guidance of local authorities to determine if it is safe to access your home.
• Plan and follow a safe route. Avoid driving as roads may be blocked, power lines could be down, and people may be trapped and in need of assistance.
• Carry current identification, as you may have to pass through checkpoints before getting access to your home or neighborhood.

Follow health and safety guidelines.

• Familiarize yourself with where to access medical aid, how to maintain health, and how to identify safety issues after a disaster.
• Tell local authorities about any health and safety issues, including chemical spills, deceased animals, downed power lines, smoldering insulation, and washed-out roads.
• Maintain your health, and be aware of exhaustion by setting priorities, pacing yourself and taking breaks. Don’t try to do too much at once.
• Drink plenty of water, and eat well.
• Wear sturdy work boots and gloves when removing debris, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Follow first aid protocol.

• Administer first aid and seek medical attention for injured people. Don’t move them unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if injured people aren’t breathing or don’t have a pulse. Clear their airway and begin chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
• Maintain their body temperature with blankets, but ensure they don’t become overheated. Never give liquids to an unconscious person.

Keep these other tips in mind.

• Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through flood waters. Flooded areas may contain dangerous debris and be electrically charged. Don’t allow children near high water, storm drains, or ditches. Check out Turn Around Don’t Drown!® for more information.
• Avoid sight-seeing or entering a storm-ravaged area unnecessarily. You could be mistaken for a looter.
• Avoid downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines that may be live with electricity. Stay away from metal objects near downed lines, and immediately report them to your power or utility company.
• Don’t use matches until all gas lines are checked for leaks. In the case of a power outage, keep flashlights and batteries in your disaster kit.
• Avoid injury from debris, contaminated water, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrocution. Use caution inside damaged buildings and infrastructure. Seek professional inspection of structures that have been flooded before entering.

More Resources

• FEMA Ready. Health & Safety Guidelines.

If your home is damaged by a covered peril, you will need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. All companies have toll-free telephone numbers for claims reporting, and most have company websites and app with online claims reporting options.

An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, so there are rules and procedures that you and your insurer must follow. The best way to understand your role is to read your insurance policy.

• If you are the victim of a theft or your home has been vandalized or burglarized, report it to the police. Get the case number and share it with your company insurance adjuster.
• Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims, so always report promptly. Ask these questions: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my deductible? How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
• Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend, and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• You are going to need to substantiate your loss. Preserve damaged items until your adjuster has visited your home as reasonable and safe. Photograph or videotape the damage, and prepare a home inventory for your adjuster, along with copies of receipts from damaged items.
• If your home is severely damaged and you need to find other accommodations while repairs are being made, keep records of all additional expenses incurred. Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the “loss of use” of their home. Be aware that many policies do NOT provide coverage for the additional living expense if a mandatory evacuation is ordered and there is no loss to your home.
• Once you have notified your insurance company about your claim, the company is required to send the necessary claim forms to you by the end of a specified time period. (The time period varies from state to state.) Return the properly filled-out forms as soon as possible in order to avoid delays.
• Your insurance company will arrange for an adjuster to work with you to handle your claim either online, through the telephone, or by visiting your home, depending on the size of your loss. Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that you are sent payment promptly. In most cases, your claim will be processed quickly.

More Resources

• If you have any questions about the claim filing laws in your state, call your insurance agent or your state insurance department.
• If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters.

Are you in the dark about what your insurance policy will provide after a disaster? For example, you may have coverage for food that spoils when the power fails, even if your home isn’t damaged. And that food spoilage coverage may be deductible-free.

Did you know that a special, separate policy is required to cover some perils? For example, flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, and coverage limits may or may not provide enough to repair and rebuild your home after flood damage.

These are the kinds of questions you can answer during an annual insurance checkup to keep your policy current and keep you in the know before disaster strikes.

Contact your home insurance company or agent and request a policy review. Ask these questions to make sure you have the right financial resources to rebuild, recover, and bounce back from any disaster.

Coverages – Know the Basics

1. What type of insurance policy do I have? Is it the right kind for me?
2. Is my home insured for actual cash value or replacement cost?
3. If my home is uninhabitable, will my policy provide temporary living expenses? What is the time limit?
4. What liability coverage limits should I choose?
5. Are my personal belongings covered? How is the limit established?
6. Do I need individual policies for high-value personal items? What are some examples?
7. How do I cover flood losses if they’re not part of my homeowner’s policy?

Deductibles and Claims

1. What is my deductible? What are my options?
2. How is a hurricane deductible different? How much savings should I have in reserve to meet my deductible?
3. What are my responsibilities to prevent further destruction if damage occurs?
4. What can I do to make processing my claim efficient?
5. What is the best way to document damage?

Discounts and Incentives

1. Does my community’s building code affect my rates?
2. Are discounts available for crime and fire prevention, lightning protection, safety, water loss detection, or wind mitigation?
3. How can I save on flood insurance?
4. How can I qualify for policy discounts each year?

More Resources

• Check out A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters to learn more about homeowners insurance for all kinds of perils.