Prepare for Disasters

Your life can change in the blink of an eye.

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?”

Arizona home insurance costs are soaring, and a growing number of homeowners near wildfire risk areas can’t even get insurance. Wildfires are a big driver behind the state’s growing home insurance problems.

The Southern California fires make it clear wildfires are no longer seasonal, and the devastated area’s losses likely mean higher rates for Arizona property owners.

With more than $40 billion in insured losses due to wildfire in just the past three years, understanding wildfire threats to homes and families is vital. This episode offers an in-depth conversation about the continuing toll of wildfire losses across the United States, making it clear that there is STILL more to do. You can do your part by participating in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, on Saturday, May 4.

Thanks to the generous support from National Wildfire Preparedness Day sponsor State Farm, 150 communities received project funding awards to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property, and natural resources to wildfire.

Please join me and my guest Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). We discuss the new Outthink Wildfire Initiative, wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and the importance of wildfire prevention.

Topics:

  • Vis-a-vis Nature: How and where to build before paying for development and disasters (3:20)
  • Firewise: Dependent on Forest Service grants, now partners for preparedness campaign (5:20)
  • Typical Wildfires: What does and doesn’t make wildfire a risk? (7:09)
  • Embers Ignite: Dry leaves that accumulate and pile up in corners and gutters do damage (9:10)
  • Wildfire Mitigation: Protect your home before because nobody will be there with a hose (10:50)
  • Effective Measures: Make sure home envelope and exterior is ignition resistant (12:25)
  • What’s fuel?: Pine needles, leaves, trees, and homes – no fuel means no fire (16:46)
  • First Saturday in May: Wildfire Community Prep Day to spread awareness, reduce risk (22:46)
  • Outthink Wildfire Initiative: Wildfires are going to happen and will not be extinguished (24:51)
  • Mitigate Risk/Retrofit: Use and enforce sensible building codes and land use standards (29:37)
  • House/Structure Fire vs. Wildfire: 37% of fire responders are trained, only two-thirds have PPE (34:17)

I hope you enjoy this podcast episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:

Michele Steinberg on LinkedIn

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA Firewise Program

Wildfire Community Prep Day

Outthink Wildfire Initiative

Healthy Forest Restoration Act

FEMA

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

FLASH Videos

National Disaster Resilience Conference

Just in case you missed our previous Strong Homes, Safe Families! episodes:

  1. #HurricaneStrong and the 2020 Season feat. National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham
  2. The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
  3. Skills + Supplies Today = Safety and Survival Tomorrow feat. Sean Reilly, District Manager for Lowe’s along North and South Carolina coast-between Myrtle Beach and Morehead City
  4. #HurricaneStrong Home Hacks that Save Time and Money feat. Bill Ferimer, Lowe’s Store Manager in Wilmington, North Carolina
  5. Have an Insurance Checkup and Make Your Policy #HurricaneStrong feat. Amanda Chase, State Farm Insurance Agent in Winter Park, Florida
  6. Take Steps Today for a Smooth Hurricane Claim Process Tomorrow feat. Elizabeth Gulick, VP of Claims Operations for USAA
  7. Dr. Anne Cope on Science That Makes Us #HurricaneStrong feat. Anne Cope, Ph.D., PE, Chief Engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS)
  8. Ready, Set, ShakeOut! Feat. Mark Benthien, Director of Communication, Education, and Outreach at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)
  9. Ending the Season #HurricaneStrong, a Conversation with Dr. Rick Knabb, On-Air Hurricane Expert and Tropical Program Manager for The Weather Channel
  10. Building Codes Save Study with FEMA’s Ed Laatsch, Director – Safety, Planning, and Building Science Division of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Management Directorate – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  11. Top Ten Tips for Disaster Safety in 2021 feat. Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
  12. FEMA’s Amanda Siok on How Building Codes and Planning Can Create a Resilient Alaska, feat. Amanda Siok, Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Program Manager for FEMA Region X in Seattle
  13. WX Apps. Space Gadgets, and Tech Talk, feat. Mark Taylor, Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, MyRadar
  14. #TornadoStrong-How One Decision Saved a Family, feat. Kevin & Sarabeth Harrison FLASH Leadership Partners & Tornado Survivors

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.

Now in its 25th 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.

https://baronweather.com/weather-insights/adapt-to-extreme-weather/

Protecting your home’s eaves, gutters, soffits, and vents from wildfire is crucial to prevent wildfires. Evaluate and modify these building components to keep wildfire embers from entering and igniting your home.

What do I need to know?

Eaves, Overhangs, and Soffits
Eaves, overhangs, and soffits are not typically fabricated with fire-resistant materials. That is why they pose a potential hazard in wildfire-prone areas. These critical home components, including those made with thin metal, untreated wood panels, and vinyl material, are highly vulnerable to wildfire because they melt or ignite, allowing the fire to spread onto the roof, into the attic, or onto and through the exterior wall.
Overhangs and the top part of exterior walls can trap windborne embers, convective heat, and radiant heat, so it is critical to construct overhangs and walls using noncombustible or fire-resistant materials.

Vents
There are various types of vents in a home, including vents for attics; ventilated cathedral ceilings; crawlspaces; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. During a wildfire, embers and hot gasses can enter vent openings and attic spaces, crawlspaces, and ductwork, spreading fire to the interior of your home. Dust, lint, and other debris collected at vent openings can also catch fire.

Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts fabricated with plastic can melt during a wildfire.
Branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris and vegetation trapped in gutters can catch ignite, create a fuel path, and spread wildfire to the roof.

Where do I start?

  1. Remove debris from your gutters, soffits, and vents, such as leaves, twigs, and branches.
  2. Install fine mesh screens over your vents, gutters, soffits, fireplace chimneys, and the underside of above-ground decks to keep embers out. Use non-combustible mesh no larger than 1/8 inch in size.
  3. Enclose eaves, fascia, and soffits with noncombustible materials to reduce the size of the vents or openings to prevent firebrands from entering the structure.
  4. Do not use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl siding; they can melt in a wildfire and allow embers to enter the attic space.
  5. Consider a home design without or with minimal overhangs to avoid the potential fire risks with soffits and the potential for trapping embers and hot gases. If you have a roof overhang or large overhang, take the following steps:
    • Use soffits rated for minimum one-hour fire resistance. This will help stop embers and hot gases from making contact with the joists, rafters, trusses, or the underside of the roof decking.
    • Use flat, horizontal soffits instead of attaching the soffits to the sloped joists.
    • Use noncombustible or fire-resistant fascia materials.
  6. Seal any gaps or cracks around your eaves, soffits, and vents with a fire-resistant sealant. This will prevent embers from entering your home through these openings.
  7. Use fire-resistant materials for eaves, soffits, and vents. Metal, cement, or stucco can be good choices.
  8. Use noncombustible materials for gutters and downspouts, as those fabricated from galvanized steel, copper, and aluminum will not ignite.
  9. Install non-combustible leaf guards over gutters, including metal-mesh screens and hood types. As debris can still accumulate on top of the leaf guards, clean them regularly and remove all debris.
  10. Never plant trees under your roof overhangs. Trim back any existing trees and branches that drape over your roof and eaves.
  11. Keep a defensible space around your home by clearing any ignitable materials, such as dry leaves or branches, within 30 feet of your home.
    Take all these steps to protect your eaves, gutters, soffits, and vents, and you will reduce the risk of your home igniting during a wildfire.

Resources and References

FEMA P-737 Home Builders’ Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
FEMA Rebuilding After a Wildfire
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Readyforwildfire.org

Why does it matter?

Wildfire-resistant roofing refers to using building materials and construction techniques designed to minimize the risk of fire damage to roofs and homes during a wildfire. This is especially important in areas prone to wildfires, where traditional roofing materials such as wood shingles or asphalt may be vulnerable to ignition.
Embers, or firebrands, are small particles of combustible building material, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that ignite during a wildfire. Windborne embers can fly up to two miles ahead of a wildfire perimeter and cause the ignition to 90% of destroyed homes.

Flying embers can land on or near your home, especially your roof, so it is critical to have a fire-resistant roof and reduce the chances of your home catching fire.

What do I need to know?

One common type of wildfire-resistant roofing is metal roofing, which is highly resistant to flames and flying embers. Metal roofing is typically more expensive than traditional roofing materials but can provide excellent protection against fire. Metal roofs can be made of various materials, such as aluminum, steel, or copper. They can be installed in shingle, tile, or standing seam configurations.

Another option is using fire-resistant shingles, typically made of asphalt or fiberglass, and treated with fire retardants to make them less flammable. These shingles can be slightly more expensive than traditional shingles. Still, they are highly effective in reducing the risk of fire damage.

Additionally, installing a fire-resistant underlayment beneath the roofing material can provide extra protection against embers and flames. This underlayment is typically made of non-combustible fiberglass or mineral wool.
Understanding roof classification differences is essential for choosing a wildfire-resistant covering.
• Class A roofs are preferred as they are the most fire-resistant roof covering type. They include asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, flat/barrel-shaped clay and cementitious tiles, and some metal materials.

• Class B roofs include treated wood shake roofs but are not allowed or recommended in most wildfire-risk locations.

• Class C roofs made from recycled plastic, rubber, or aluminum are treated with fire-resistant coating and installed with fire-resistant materials such as an additional fireproof layer. Still, the coatings can wear out over time due to weather and exposure.

Where do I start?

Installing a fire-resistant roof is an important safety measure that can help protect your home and property from fire damage. Here are some steps to follow when installing a fire-resistant roof:

  1. Choose fire-resistant roofing materials: Several types of roofing materials are naturally fire-resistant, including metal, clay, and concrete tiles. Some other materials, such as asphalt shingles, can be treated with fire-resistant coatings. Be sure to select roofing materials with a Class A fire rating, which is the highest level of fire resistance.
  2. Install fire-resistant underlayment: Underlayment is a layer of material installed underneath the roofing material to provide additional protection against water and weather. Fire-resistant underlayment is made of materials such as fiberglass or mineral wool and can help prevent fire from spreading through the roof.
  3. Use fire-resistant flashing: Flashing is a thin piece of material installed around roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water from seeping in. Fire-resistant flashing is made of copper, aluminum, or stainless steel and can help prevent fire from spreading through roof penetrations.
  4. Install fire-resistant sheathing: The sheathing is the layer that covers the roof deck and provides a base for the roofing material. The fire-resistant sheathing is made of gypsum or fiber cement and can help prevent fire from spreading from the roof deck into the attic.
  5. Install a fire-resistant ridge vent: A ridge vent is a type of ventilation system installed along the ridge of the roof to allow hot air to escape from the attic. Fire-resistant ridge vents are made of materials such as metal or ceramic. They can help prevent fire from spreading through the ventilation system.
  6. Ensure proper installation: It is essential to have the roof installed by a professional experienced in installing fire-resistant roofing materials. Correct installation ensures that the roof provides maximum protection against fire.
  7. Keep your roof clear of debris at all times.

More Resources:

FLASH Buyers Guide to Resilient Homes – Wildfire Checklist
FEMA P-737, Home Builders’ Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
FEMA How to Prepare for a Wildfire
FEMA Rebuilding After a Wildfire

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.

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

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

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.

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Why do they matter?

Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers in your home can make the difference between life and death because they will alert you when toxic fumes and dangerous fires are present and help you put out a fire.

What do I need to know?

  • According to the National Fire Protection Association, 60 percent of home fire deaths happen when smoke alarms don’t work correctly due to dead batteries or lack of periodic cleaning and testing. Thirty-eight percent of home fire deaths happen in homes without smoke alarms.
  • The risk of dying in a home fire is reduced by half in homes with working smoke alarms.
  • Carbon monoxide is known as an invisible killer because it is an odorless, colorless gas created when the fuels we use around our homes (charcoal, coal, gasoline, wood, kerosene, methane, natural gas, propane, and oil) burn incompletely.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning often occurs during power outages after natural disasters when portable generators are not adequately ventilated or placed incorrectly, such as in the garage or too near a porch or soffit vent.
  • Cars running inside a garage can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Where do I start?

Smoke Alarms

  • Place smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on your walls inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area and on every level of your home. Ensure that your alarms are interconnected so that when one alerts, all alert.
  • Test your alarms monthly, and change the batteries at least every six months. If your smoke alarms get power from your home’s electrical system (hardwired), make sure the backup battery is replaced at least once a year so your alarms will work during a power outage.
  • Clean your alarms with a soft vacuum brush and compressed air every month. Never use water or cleaning chemicals on your device.
  • Read the manufacturer’s specifications to determine your alarm’s expiration date as even though the batteries may still work, the sensors may not.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of your home to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
  • Place your carbon monoxide detectors at least five feet above the floor on walls or ceilings as carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and may combine with warm, rising air.
  • Identify potential sources for carbon monoxide and make sure you have adequate ventilation. Focus on charcoal grills, clothes dryers, fireplaces, gas cooktops, home heating systems, kerosene space heaters, portable generators, or vehicles running in enclosed spaces like garages.
  • Test your detectors every month, and change the batteries at least every six months.
  • Clean your detectors with a soft vacuum brush and compressed air every month. Never use water or cleaning chemicals on your device.
  • Read the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the expiration date for your detectors.

Fire Extinguishers

  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand and ensure everyone in your home knows how to use them.
  • Place your extinguishers near potential fire ignition zones in the kitchen and your outdoor grill.
  • Remember that fire extinguishers can lose their charge over time, so check its gauge to ensure it is still operable.

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Having the right amount and type of insurance for your car, home, boat, and other high-value possessions will ensure that you will have the money you need to recover after disaster strikes.

Start with A Homeowners Guide to Natural Disasters for an introduction to basic mitigation and policy benefits, limitations, and opportunities to save with credits and discounts.

Then schedule a checkup with your insurance company or agent to ask critical questions like:

  • How do I get insurance for the perils my home faces?
  • What is my deductible?
  • How do I file a claim?

What Type of Insurance Policy Is Right for You?

Different types of insurance policies are available to cover various weather or geophysical perils, such as earthquakes. The most appropriate insurance product for your needs depends primarily on your type of dwelling.

Homeowners: If you own a home, there are two available policy forms: homeowners and dwelling forms. The main difference between these two types of forms is that a homeowners form combines property coverage with liability coverage, while the dwelling form only covers property losses. Additionally, a dwelling form is more commonly used for a dwelling that an insured person owns but does not live in or only lives in for part of the year. Both types of policy forms have various peril coverage options available for the dwelling and its contents.

Manufactured homeowners: There are policy forms specifically designed to insure manufactured homes. This type of policy covers both the dwelling and its contents and provides liability protection.

Condo owners: There are policy forms specifically designed to cover condominiums. This type of policy typically covers contents, such as your personal property and liability. A small amount of dwelling coverage is provided to cover the portions of the condominium that you are responsible for, as defined by the governing rules of the condominium association; this may include condominium common areas. You can purchase additional dwelling coverage if the protection included in the package is insufficient.

Renters: There are renter’s insurance policy forms specifically designed for you if you are renting and do not own your residence. These forms provide coverage for your contents and liability.

Farm homeowners: Farm owner’s policy forms are specifically designed to cover farms or ranches which may not qualify for standard homeowners insurance. This policy may be the most appropriate form to cover property losses to your home and other structures, such as barns and silos, from the damage of tornadoes, hail, and other perils. Farm owner’s policies also cover personal and commercial exposure of farms, along with liability coverage.

Two exceptions worth noting
Earthquake and flood policies typically need to be purchased separately or as additional endorsements to your standard policy, regardless of your dwelling type. The limits of these policies can match the homeowner’s or renter’s policy, or they can be set as separate limits.

Buying Insurance in the Voluntary Market

Generally, insurance may be purchased from property casualty insurance companies through the voluntary market, meaning that the insurance companies voluntarily provide coverage to customers who meet the underwriting requirements. Availability and types of coverage may vary across states and companies, so consumers should research property coverage for specific perils in their area.

There are four main distribution systems employed by property casualty insurance companies in the U.S.:

  • Independent Agency System: Independent contractors who typically represent multiple insurance companies.
  • Exclusive Agency System: Independent contractors who may only represent a single insurance company.
  • Direct Writer System: Sales agents who are employees of the insurance companies.
  • Direct Response System: No agents are used, and insurance is sold through direct mail, telephone, or the Internet.

Buying Insurance in the Shared Market

Involuntary market mechanisms (sometimes referred to as shared markets) provide coverage for entities that do not qualify for coverage in the voluntary market. There are many reasons why coverage may not be available through the voluntary market in a particular place. For example, living in a high-risk area, such as a designated wildfire zone, near a coastline, or in an area affected by a recent catastrophic event may lead to reduced availability of coverage.

The following kinds of property insurance market mechanisms exist in certain areas:

  • Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR Plans): Insurance pools that sell property insurance to people who cannot buy it in the voluntary market because of high risk over which they may have no control. Plans vary by state, but all require property insurers licensed in a state to participate in the pool and share in the profits and losses.
  • Joint Underwriting Associations (JUA): Insurers that join together to provide coverage for a particular type of risk or size of exposure when there are difficulties in obtaining coverage in the regular market, they may share in the profits and losses associated with the program.
  • Beach and Windstorm Plans: These plans exist in coastal states, in hurricane zones of the Gulf, and along the South Atlantic coast. Windstorm plans provide coverage that is often excluded from voluntary insurer policies. Each coastal state from Texas to North Carolina has a beach and windstorm pool to provide windstorm coverage in coastal areas. The way these plans are funded varies from state to state.
  • California Earthquake Authority: Although there is no truly involuntary market mechanism for earthquake coverage, the California Legislature established the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) as a privately financed, publicly managed risk bearer to help California residents obtain earthquake insurance. The CEA is California’s largest residential earthquake insurer.

Market conditions in some states have made it difficult for voluntary insurers to provide affordable coverage. Under those circumstances, coverage may be available through a FAIR plan. If you find that you are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market, your insurance agent may help you find coverage through the involuntary market, or you may be able to contact the plans directly. Because these entities vary greatly by locality, your state insurance department is likely the best source of information on how to obtain coverage through the involuntary market in your state.

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