Hurricane Recovery Tips & Resources

You may have spent considerable time and effort preparing for a strong storm coming your way, but what should you do after the hurricane has passed? What follows are some hurricane recovery tips and resources that we hope you will find useful. We are always here to support you!

Your first priority: Keep yourself, property managers, and tenants safe by following the instructions given by local authorities regarding re-entry and any other emergency procedures.

Visit your affected property/properties as soon as safely possible: Take photographs of the damages. Please note that it is your obligation per the insurance policy to mitigate any further damage by taking all reasonable precautions to ensure the security of your property. Mitigation expenses you incur for a covered loss may be considered part of your claim. Such steps include water extraction, roof tarping, and securing the property.

In any type of loss, you will usually be required to:

Contact your insurance company in a timely manner to advise them of the loss.
Contact the authorities when appropriate.
File a police report if a crime has been committed.
In the event of a fire, file a fire report.
Take photos and/or videos of the damage.
Make any necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the property.
Set aside any damaged materials for the adjuster to examine.
Save all receipts from any temporary repairs made. These are usually considered a part of your claim.
Get an estimate from a reliable contractor. (Obtaining several is advisable.)

Clean-Up Tips from FEMA

Always wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves, and waterproof boots or shoes.
Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines, and other exterior damage.
Beware of snakes, insects, and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.
Take photos of your damage before you begin cleaning up and save repair receipts.
Your home may be contaminated with mold, which raises the health risk for those with asthma, allergies, and breathing conditions. Refer to the Center for Disease Control for more info on mold remediation.
Open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.
Turn off main electrical power and water systems and don’t use gas appliances until a professional can ensure they are safe.
Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage.
Throw out all foods, beverages, and medicines exposed to flood waters or mud including canned goods and containers with food or liquid.
Also, throw out any items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).
Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
Clean all hard surfaces (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, etc.) thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.
For more clean-up tips, visit the Ready.gov page on Returning Home and the CDC’s page on how to Clean Up Safely After a Disaster

FEMA & Other Government Resources

A wealth of resources can be found on the USA.gov Disasters and Emergencies page:

Safety tips for returning to your area and safely inspecting damage in your home
Address rumors circulating in the wake of a disaster and get accurate information
How to replace lost or destroyed vital records
Information on financial assistance for disaster relief
How to help others affected by a disaster

Download the FEMA Mobile App to receive alerts from the National Weather Service, get safety and survival tips, customize your emergency checklist, find your local shelter, and upload your disaster photos to help first responders.

Visit FEMA.gov for other helpful links and information.

NREIG is here to help

Coverage Questions

For questions about your NREIG coverage or if your property is damaged, call us at 888-741-8454 or e-mail your CSA with any questions or concerns.

Report a Claim

To formally initiate the claims process, please follow the steps here and give as much information as possible. A member of our Client Experience team will assist you in getting your claim submitted to the appropriate carrier.