After a disaster

The days after are long. Doing things in the right order (safety, documentation, insurance, then aid) saves money and stress.

Start with safety, then document everything, then call your insurer. Federal aid comes only after a presidential disaster declaration, and it fills gaps insurance doesn't cover. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab) FEMA (opens source in a new tab)

First, stay safe

Don't go back until officials say it's safe, and don't enter a building if you smell gas or floodwater remains. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
Never run a generator indoors, including in a basement or garage. Keep it at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages. CDC (opens source in a new tab) Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
Dry out wet buildings within 24 to 48 hours. Wear an N95, goggles, heavy gloves, and waterproof boots; clean mold with 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water; and never mix bleach with ammonia. CDC (opens source in a new tab)

Photograph and list damage before you clean up, keep every receipt, and call your insurance agent to file a claim. Ready.gov (opens source in a new tab)
Hold off on permanent repairs until your insurer inspects. The Insurance guide covers claims in more detail. Utah Insurance Department (opens source in a new tab)

Red Cross shelters and service sites offer meals, first aid, prescription refills, emotional support, device charging, cleanup supplies, and caseworkers. Red Cross (opens source in a new tab)
FEMA individual assistance is available only after a presidential major disaster declaration that includes it; a governor's declaration alone doesn't qualify. FEMA (opens source in a new tab)
Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA covers needs insurance doesn't, and you can't get help for the same need from two sources. DisasterAssistance.gov (opens source in a new tab) FEMA (opens source in a new tab)
In declared disaster areas, SBA disaster loans lend homeowners up to $500,000 for repairs, and homeowners and renters up to $100,000 for belongings, for up to 30 years. SBA (opens source in a new tab)
211 Utah can connect you with local services: dial 2-1-1. 211 Utah (opens source in a new tab)

Get several written bids and a written contract that lists the contractor's license number, and never sign your insurance check over to a contractor. FTC (opens source in a new tab)
Don't pay by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency, or cash. FEMA doesn't charge application fees. FTC (opens source in a new tab)
Check a Utah contractor's license, and report scams to Utah's Division of Consumer Protection at (801) 530-6601. Utah DOPL (opens source in a new tab) Utah Division of Consumer Protection (opens source in a new tab)

Get a new birth certificate from the vital records office of the state where you were born and a new driver's license from your state's DMV. Report a lost passport before you apply for a new one. USAGov (opens source in a new tab)

The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and open 24/7: call or text 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish). SAMHSA (opens source in a new tab)