What To Do First After a Disaster
After a disaster, your first jobs are simple: stay safe, check your property carefully before going inside, then start two paperwork tracks at the same time — your insurance claim and, if it applies to your area, a FEMA application. Recovery is usually a gradual process, and doing things in the right order helps you avoid injuries, scams, and paperwork mistakes that slow down your claim.
This guide walks through re-entry safety, how to document damage, how insurance and FEMA assistance work together, and what to expect at each step.
Warning Signs: Do Not Enter Your Home If You See These
Check these before you walk in the door. If any apply, stay out and call the number listed.
- You smell gas or hear hissing. Leave immediately and call the fire department or gas company from a safe distance.
- Floodwater is still around or inside the building. Wait until it recedes and officials confirm it is safe.
- Local officials have not declared the area safe to enter. Follow their instructions, even if your home looks fine from the outside.
- You see downed power lines, foundation cracks, or major structural damage. Have a qualified building inspector or structural engineer check the home before anyone goes in.
- Ceilings or floors look sagged or bulging. Trapped water can make them unsafe to walk on.
If none of these apply and officials have cleared the area, you can move to a careful walk-through.
Re-Entry Safety Checklist
- Walk around the outside first. Look for loose power lines, gas leaks, and visible structural damage before going near the building.
- Turn off the main electrical power and water supply until you or a professional confirms they are safe.
- Never turn power on or off, or use an electrical tool or appliance, while standing in water.
- Watch for snakes, rodents, and insects that may have moved into debris or the home itself. Use a stick to check through debris rather than your hands.
- Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes.
- Report hazards you find — chemical spills, downed lines, washed-out roads, dead animals — to local authorities.
Your family emergency plan and household supply kit should already cover the basics you’ll want on hand during this walk-through, like flashlights, work gloves, and a battery-powered radio for updates. If you’re running on backup power while you sort out damage, review your backup power and generator safety practices before plugging anything in.
Documenting the Damage Before You Touch Anything
Photos and video are your strongest tool for both your insurance claim and a FEMA application. Do this before you start any cleanup or repairs.
- Photograph and video every room, including damaged walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.
- Keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make to prevent further damage, such as covering a broken window.
- Keep a written log of dates, repair costs, and who you spoke with at each step.
- Don’t throw away damaged items until your insurance adjuster or a FEMA inspector has had a chance to see them, unless local health officials say the items are a safety hazard.
If flooding reached your kitchen or pantry, check your food and water safety guidance before deciding what to keep and what to throw out.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company as soon as it’s safe to do so. Ask what your policy covers, what your deductible is, and what documentation they need. Most companies want your damage photos, a list of affected items, and any repair estimates you’ve collected.
A few things to keep in mind while working with contractors during this stage:
- Get written estimates before agreeing to any repair work.
- Verify a contractor’s license and insurance before signing anything.
- Be cautious of anyone demanding cash-only payment or pressuring you to sign on the spot — this is a common scam pattern after disasters.
- If you suspect fraud, your state insurance department and FEMA’s fraud resources both take reports.
Applying for FEMA Individual Assistance
FEMA assistance is only available after a major disaster gets a presidential disaster declaration, and it only applies in the counties or areas named in that declaration. FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides money and direct services to people whose insurance doesn’t cover all their disaster-caused needs — it is not a substitute for insurance and won’t replace every loss.
Basic Eligibility
- FEMA can confirm your identity.
- Your losses are tied to a presidentially declared disaster.
- Your insurance or other assistance doesn’t cover the full cost of your needs.
- Most help is limited to damage at your primary home.
- You’ll need to confirm citizenship or immigration status, identity, and proof you own or occupy the property.
How to Apply
- Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Apply by phone through the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
- Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center — use the DRC locator on FEMA’s site to find one near you.
- Apply through the FEMA mobile app.
After you apply, FEMA reviews your application, may schedule a home inspection, and will let you know what documentation they still need. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you have the right to appeal — FEMA’s site outlines the appeal steps and deadlines for your specific case.
Important: you must tell FEMA about any insurance coverage you have. If you’re insured, you’ll need to provide your insurance settlement paperwork or a denial letter before FEMA can determine what it can help with.
Insurance vs. FEMA Assistance: How They Work Together
Homeowners or Renters Insurance
- Available to anyone with an active policy, regardless of location.
- Covers the damage and losses defined in your specific policy.
- File this first, or at the same time as any FEMA application.
- Start by calling your insurance company directly.
FEMA Individual Assistance
- Only available to residents in a presidentially declared disaster area.
- Covers basic unmet needs that insurance doesn’t — it does not duplicate what insurance already paid.
- Start by applying at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, at a Disaster Recovery Center, or through the FEMA app.
FEMA needs to know what your insurance has already covered or denied before it can calculate what it can offer, so don’t wait on one process to start the other.
Extra Care for Vulnerable Household Members
Children, older adults, and people with disabilities or access and functional needs often face added risk during disaster recovery. Watch for signs of stress in kids, keep familiar routines going where possible, and make sure anyone with mobility limits, medical equipment, or prescription needs has a clear plan for follow-up care. If someone in your household needs extra help applying for assistance or communicating with officials, let FEMA know — they’re required to provide equal access to disaster recovery resources.
Evidence Limits
Disaster declarations, program rules, and specific dollar amounts change often and vary by disaster and location. Always confirm current details directly with your insurance company and at DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA Helpline before making decisions, since this guide can’t reflect requirements for every individual disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a presidential disaster declaration to get FEMA help?
Yes. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program only applies in areas included in a presidential disaster declaration. Check DisasterAssistance.gov to see if your area qualifies.
Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I already have insurance?
Yes, but you must report your insurance coverage when you apply. FEMA needs your settlement information or a denial letter to figure out what unmet needs it can help cover.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Timelines vary by disaster and case. After applying, watch for a home inspection request and check your application status online, by phone, or at a Disaster Recovery Center.
What if I disagree with FEMA’s decision?
You can file an appeal. FEMA’s site outlines the appeal process and deadlines, which can vary depending on your specific disaster and case.
This article is for general education and is not personalized legal, insurance, or financial advice. Program rules, eligibility, and deadlines change and vary by disaster — confirm current details with your insurance provider and directly through DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 before making decisions about your specific situation.