When a natural disaster strikes, Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate. Hundreds of thousands are affected each and every year by disasters in the U.S. In fact, in 2017 alone, natural disasters caused over $306 billion in damages. If you or your loved ones have recently been affected by a natural disaster, it’s important to know what steps to take to assess the damage and the options available to help you rebuild and recover.
Before you head home
First and foremost, it’s important to keep you and your family safe and healthy. If you had to evacuate your home, you’re likely anxious to return and see what happened to your property but it’s important to hold tight until local officials declare your area is safe again.
If you already know the damage is too extensive to return home, you may qualify for the Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program which helps evacuees pay for a hotel as they look for long-term housing. You can find a list of qualifying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hotels by state here.
Returning home to assess damage
Once local officials have given the okay for you to return home, carefully inspect the exterior of your home before entering and take extra caution as you assess damage. Keep an eye out for loose power lines, gas leaks and any structural damage.
Don’t enter your home if you smell gas or if floodwaters surround it, as floodwater commonly contains hazardous materials. Watch out for wildlife too, like poisonous snakes, and use a stick to poke through any debris. If you have hesitations about the safety of your home, the Department of Homeland Security recommends contacting a building inspector or structural engineer for an inspection before entering.
When you decide enter your home, again, be careful as you explore. Turn off your electricity via the main fuse box or circuit break and use a battery-powered flash light to investigate. Be sure to turn on the flashlight before you enter the property, in case natural gas is present. Watch out for loose boards, slippery floors and potential cracks in the home.
Call your insurance agent and make sure you take photos immediately to document the extent of the damage. Taking photos not only helps from an insurance perspective but can also help you receive tax credits or an expedited tax refund, known as a .intuit.com/tax-tips/tax-relief/tax-credits-for-those-affected-by-natural-disasters/L7Xcggyfp” rel=”noopener”>casualty loss deduction, from the IRS.
Home loans and other assistance programs to help rebuild
If your area has been declared a national disaster, you may be eligible for an FHA 203(h) loan. Created to help individuals whose homes were destroyed or damaged to a point where replacement is necessary, this government-insured loan requires zero down payment and is 100 percent financed. Generally speaking, displaced homeowners and even renters may qualify with FICO scores of 580 or above. This loan also gives borrowers the option to rebuild or purchase a new home anywhere. The application process for 203(h) loans is only open one year from the date a natural disaster is first declared, so it’s important to apply as soon as you can.
If your home was impacted by a natural disaster but isn’t in a nationally declared disaster area, a renovation loan, like a FHA 230(k), allows borrowers to refinance their home to make repairs or remodel. Contact your local Motto Mortgage office to learn more about what loan might work best for your situation.
Job loss is another all-too-common effect of natural disasters. The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program helps individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of a major disaster. DUA benefits begin the first day of the week following the disaster and can continue for up to 6 months. If you’re not really sure where to turn or feeling overwhelmed, FEMA and other government organizations offer various individual disaster assistance programs and resources to help begin rebuilding post-disaster, like temporary housing, child care support and coverage of medical expenses.
Listen to your body as you rebuild
Rebuilding, both emotionally and materially, takes time. The emotional toll of a disaster can often feel much heavier than the financial burden of replacing damaged homes or physical possessions. The reality is everyone copes with disaster differently. That’s why it’s so important to constantly check in on your loved ones’, and your own, well-being as you go through the recovery process. Children and older adults in particular should be monitored closely for signs of disaster-related stress.
FEMA offers counseling through the Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) for anyone affected by a natural disaster. Talking to someone can be incredibly helpful to move forward so don’t be afraid to contact local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies or professional counselors if you’re struggling or need help mitigating the stress.
Published on September 27, 2019
