Florida Disaster Help: What You Can Do After a Catastrophe

A category five hurricane can cause disastrous damages such as the destruction of framed houses, total roof failure, and fallen trees. Even a lower category hurricane has tornadoes and other wind-related events with it and can uproot trees and take down power lines. 

If your home happens to be affected by catastrophic weather, then you may find yourself struggling to recover from your insurance company afterwards.

Here's your guide to Florida disaster help and recovery after a hurricane. 

Assess Storm and Flood Damage

The first thing you should do after a natural disaster is assess your home for damages. Look around for any potential hazards such as stray nails or loose wiring. Avoid standing water, as it may act as a conduit for electricity or cause an infection if you have open wounds. 

Photograph all damages as seen immediately.  Also, document the damage to your home and any items you have that are damaged and which should be covered by insurance. Florida policyholders must also file insurance claims within one year of the incident as of 2023. Previously, it was two years. 

If you can return to your home safely, make sure to clean and disinfect what you can. Dry wet areas and remove soaked items as part of your flood recovery, after documenting and photographing same.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Assuming the damage is covered by your policy, you'll need to contact your insurance company. This is recommended even if you aren't sure about your coverage. You can call your agent or your carrier’s claim department to start the claim process, and they'll send an adjuster to inspect the damages. 

If your insurance takes too long to process your claim, you may need to contact an attorney. You'll also need an experienced insurance attorney if your claim has been denied. 

Adhere to Your Evacuation Plan

If your property is no longer livable, then you'll need to stick to your evacuation plan. This plan should include things like a place to stay during the storm and items you'll need to bring for at least a few days. 

Stay at a hotel or a family member's house and keep copies of any hotel bills or items you pay for to assist you at this time.  Be cautious while the contractors work on your home. Make sure the contractors are state-licensed so you know they'll provide professional assistance. Also, make sure to get at least three written estimates if possible so you have more options. 

Get Florida Disaster Help

Florida disaster help is available for any homeowner who has been affected by a natural disaster. This may be private adjusters to attorneys, which can assist you with your insurance provider. Make sure to create a disaster preparedness plan in advance of Hurricane season so you know what you need to do if your property gets damaged. 

Knoerr Law Group provides hands-on cooperation with you for your insurance claim, across the State of Florida. If your home or business has suffered damage in a storm or event, we can help. Contact us at either our Coral Springs or West Coast location to tell us more about your issue.