Recovering from a disaster at home can be one of the most difficult things to do. Whether you have experienced a flood, fire, or break in, there are a few things you need to do to minimize disruption to your family and protect the things you have left. The below tips may not apply to every disaster, but you can certainly use some of them to get a better outcome. Take a look and see what you can do:
- Come Up With A Plan In Advance
If possible, come up with a plan in advance to deal with disasters. You should still do this, even if you have already experienced disaster. Don’t just assume that this won’t happen again. A plan will give your whole family peace of mind. Ensure you have semi-regular family meetings to ensure everybody is on the same page. You can discuss any upcoming weather warnings in your family meetings, as well as financial concerns, upcoming events, and anything else that could be beneficial for you to discuss.
If you can begin to set up an emergency fund, this can help you in the event of an emergency. Emergencies can have a huge impact on your finances, so the more prepared you can be, the better. Having 6 months or more of your living expenses saved up can be massively beneficial.
- Set Up A Meeting Point
Having a meeting point set up and agreed upon with your family can help to ensure you know who is missing should something happen. Ensure everybody knows how to make it there, wherever they may be inside or outside of the home.
- Call The Professionals In ASAP
Don’t wait to call in the professionals for help, whether you need to call the authorities or a company that deals with bio-hazard restoration. Getting help straight away could minimize the damage and ensure things are dealt with properly.
- Turn Off Your Water/Electricity if Safe To Do So
You may have been given advice on the phone after calling a pro – in which case, listen to this advice. If they tell you to stay away until they get there, make sure you follow instructions. In some instances, they may tell you to turn off your water or electricity if it is safe to do so, as this could minimize issues. You should never put yourself at risk, however.
- Don’t Ignore The Psychological Trauma
Bear in mind that the psychological trauma that can occur from a disaster is not something you should ignore. Your family may need to speak to a professional to deal with these feelings and fears.
- Address Safety Concerns
How can you stop something similar from happening in the future? If this was a natural disaster, pay attention to government guidelines and warnings and ensure you put further precautions in place.
- Prepare To Stay Elsewhere If Possible
If you can, prepare to stay elsewhere while your home is dealt with. Staying with a family member or in a hotel can give you a safe place to sleep.
- Contact People Who Are Important To You
Make sure people know what has happened. They may offer you much needed support.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance provider ASAP with as much information as possible so that you can get any financial assistance you need and are entitled to.