When a natural disaster strikes, the last thing you want to worry about is your finances. But the truth is, taking a few key financial steps in the aftermath can help you recover faster and protect yourself from additional stress down the road.

If you’ve recently been impacted by a natural disaster, you’re probably dealing with a lot right now. The good news? There are concrete actions you can take to limit the damage and get back on solid financial ground. Let’s walk through them together.

1. Call Your Insurance Companies Right Away

As soon as it’s safe to do so, reach out to all relevant insurers—homeowners, renters, flood, auto, and any other coverage you have. Don’t wait for them to contact you.

When you call, make sure you ask:
– What’s actually covered under your policy?
– Are you eligible for temporary housing or living expense reimbursement?
– What documentation do you need to gather?
– How long is the claims process expected to take?
– What’s your claim number?

Having these details upfront will keep you organized as you move through recovery.

2. Document Everything (Photos, Videos, Lists)

In the chaos after a disaster, it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve lost or damaged. Start documenting immediately:
– Take photos and videos of all damage
– Create a detailed list of lost or damaged items
– Gather footage from security cameras or doorbell cameras if available
– Email copies to yourself and send them to your insurer

This documentation is your evidence for claims and reimbursement.

3. Pause Services You’re Not Using

If your home is uninhabitable or your car is unusable, don’t keep paying for services connected to them. Temporarily suspend or cancel:
– Cable and internet
– Utilities (water, electricity, gas)
– Garbage service
– Car insurance (if the vehicle is totaled or unusable)

Every dollar counts during recovery, so trim what you don’t need right now.

4. Contact Your Creditors Before You Miss Payments

If the disaster has affected your ability to pay bills, don’t hide from your creditors—reach out proactively. Call before a payment is due.

Let them know:
– How the disaster has impacted your finances
– Whether special assistance programs are available for disaster victims
– How you can avoid late fees or get them waived

If you do end up with negative marks on your credit report, you can add a 100-word statement to your credit file explaining the circumstances. While this won’t immediately fix your score, it can help lenders understand your situation when you apply for future credit.

5. Get Your Hands on Cash

Depending on the type of disaster, electronic payments may not work everywhere. ATMs could be down due to power outages, and local businesses might only accept cash.

Locate any cash you have at home and retrieve it safely from any hiding spots before it’s damaged by water, fire, or other hazards. Having physical cash on hand gives you flexibility when things aren’t running normally.

6. Look Into Disaster Assistance Programs

You’re not alone in this. After a natural disaster, various agencies step up to help:
– Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
– American Red Cross
– Salvation Army
– Volunteers of America
– The Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable)

Also contact your local state and county emergency preparedness offices to see what additional support is available in your area.

7. Stay Alert for Scams

Unfortunately, scammers know that disaster-affected areas are vulnerable. In the stress and confusion of recovery, your guard might be down—which is exactly what they’re counting on.

Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or visitors offering disaster recovery services. Always verify credentials, never pay upfront for assistance, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

Natural disasters are disruptive and stressful, but taking these financial steps early can help you recover faster and avoid making things harder on yourself. You’ve got this—and resources are available to help you through it.