08/31/2017
Hi my Rainbow family, I would like to pass along to all of you some information my employer shared regarding what to do next after the hurricane. Hope this helps! PLEASE SHARE WITH THOSE WHO MAY NEED IT, THANKS AND TAKE CARE!
We have received a number of phone calls from friends and former clients asking about what to do in light of damage to their homes and businesses caused by Harvey. Since we have handled claims against insurance companies, I wanted to send the following brief set of FAQs to help folks as they move forward from the damage caused this past week. We sincerely hope you have not been impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, but if you know someone who has please feel free to pass along this information.
My home flooded. What should I do?
Before doing anything, contact your flood insurance company both by phone and in writing, and advise them what has happened. Before the insurance company will pay for your losses, it will send an adjuster to your house to inspect and estimate the damages. Insurers often handle claims on a first-come, first-serve basis. The faster you advise your carrier in writing and make your claim, the sooner an adjuster will come to inspect the damage. Whatever you do, keep good records. Take notes documenting every contact with your insurer, including who you spoke with, when, and what was said. Those details can be important if you later have any difficulty with your claim, or need to file a complaint.
May I begin cleaning my home?
After you return to your home and once you have notified your insurance company, you may begin to clean your house. Before you do so, document the damage you sustained!! Take detailed photographs to prove what you have been through. You can never have enough photos. You will definitely want photos showing your home from the outside and the outside water line; your home's inside walls and where the water line was inside the house; and all internal home damage. Also, take photos of all personal property that was damaged. If the property has a serial number, take a photo of the serial number, in case there is a dispute about the quality of the product.
What should I do with the damaged parts of my home?
You can tear out wet drywall or Sheetrock, remove wet carpet and get wet and damaged items out of the home. However, you should never dispose of any damaged items before the insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect the damage, unless you have written permission from your flood insurance company to do so. Oral permission from your adjuster is not sufficient.
My business is closed. May I recover my economic loss for the time it is shut down?
Many business’s insurance policies cover what is called business interruption”. These provisions provide for reimbursement of economic loss due to damage done by a hurricane or other flood event. You should review your policy to see if you have that coverage.
Should I register with FEMA?
If you are a homeowner affected by Hurricane Harvey (whether you have flood insurance or not), you may register with FEMA and apply for disaster assistance by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Does FEMA require you to pay back disaster assistance money?
Most disaster assistance disseminated by FEMA is through grants and will not need to be repaid. This includes grants for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses. However, there is a loan program through the Small Business Administration (SBA) that does require repayment. Research the specific type of assistance you are eligible for to know your individual obligations.
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all those who have been affected by this disaster.
With kindest regards,
Richard Schechter | vCard
LAW OFFICE OF RICHARD SCHECHTER, P.C.
One Greenway Plaza, Suite 740
Houston TX 77046
713-623-8919
713-622-1680/Fax
[email protected]
Access to Disaster Help and Resources
