Living in the Sunshine State is a pleasure containing many benefits and a responsibility bearing many potential difficulties related to weather extremes. Disaster recovery concerns all Florida residents throughout the year but particularly during the summer and fall hurricane season. Floods and tornadoes during the summer rainy season and wild fires year round make life in Florida difficult at times. As a homeowner it is highly imperative that you be prepared for Florida disaster relief.
Preparation for Florida disaster recovery enables homeowners to recover more quickly from a disaster. Carrying homeowners insurance is a must. Know what is covered under your policy and what is not. For example, flooding is typically not covered in a standard homeowners plan. You'll need to obtain separate flood insurance if you live in a flood plain.
Being caught without homeowners insurance is not an option you want to encounter. But if disaster strikes and you don't have coverage, you have a few options at your disposal. First, check with neighbors, friends and family to see how they may be able to assist you. Next, see what local organizations such as churches are providing the community in terms of disaster relief. Finally, for major disasters, state and federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Association, or FEMA, will arrive on the situation to provide additional support. Be careful with FEMA though. Some of their assistance comes in the form of loans rather than handouts.
For the majority of homeowners who have insurance, your first move is to contact your insurance agent regarding the extent of the damage to your home. A claim will be filed immediately that will initiate a payment of funds to you. The agent will send out appropriate appraisers and assessors to determine what the level of damage is to your home and how much of that damage is covered under your policy. Once he or she turns that report in and it is processed then you'll hear from your insurer about funds that will be made available to you. The amount of funds depends upon your deductible, your coverage levels, and your history of claims with the company.
Your disaster relief options with your insurance company are limited. That is why you need to be aware of what is covered under your policy ahead of time. If you do feel that your insurance company is short-changing you, tell them so. If the company disagrees and you think you have a legitimate claim for additional funding, you can contact the state insurance commissioner's office to file a complaint against the insurer.
Your baseline response for disaster recovery needs to be one of calm and wisdom. Stay calm to secure your property from vandals and to ensure that no further damage occurs. Be wise in your decisions of who to contact and when. Keep your head - you will make it through the difficult situation. Florida disaster recovery is a way of life for Floridians who benefit from sun and ocean year round.