SURVIVING AFTERMATH OF A DISASTER
The wildfire, quake or flood has ravaged your neighborhood, and you’re lucky to be alive and intact. That’s the most important thing. But the danger is not necessarily over, and your next steps will be trying. Here’s what experts advise:
If your house is livable, stay with it even if the utilities are out because shelters might become overcrowded. This is where your survival kit will prove its worth, for food, water, first aid and the rest.
You may have turned off your gas, but if you smell or suspect a leak don’t use matches, candles or turn on any light switches (turning on any electric switch can cause a spark) until you’re sure the gas danger is over.
If you’re outside, never touch a downed power line.
If your home is unlivable and a hotel or staying with relatives is not an option, go to an emergency shelter quickly so you can get situated, start reconnecting with family or work and begin applying for aid and get in contact with your home insurance agent.
If you rent or decide not to replace your house, prepare yourself for months of relocation arrangements — signing a new lease, getting new furniture or other belongings, applying for insurance payments or governmental emergency assistance. If you are moving back into an apartment that was only partially damaged, the landlord is responsible for making it fit to live in again — but not for the loss of your personal property.
Take care of yourself. Consider counseling, stay healthy through exercise and good diet, stay current with your friends — in other words, recognize you’ve gone through an emotional wringer, and let yourself process the grief. Remember: To some extent, you will be rebuilding your life, and that comes one slow step at a time.