Real estate Q&A: What should we do if our house is damaged by a hurricane?

Q: We are new to Florida and dealing with our first major storm. Many people are telling us how to prepare, but not the realities of dealing with damage to our new home, should it occur. What do we do if something happens? — Justin

A: Natural disasters can occur no matter where someone lives. For some people, it could be a hurricane; for others, it could be a flood, earthquake, tornado or blizzard. While laws vary from state to state, the guidelines for dealing with the cleanup are consistent.

Safety is always your priority, both during and after a storm or other disaster. While items and even homes can be replaced, people cannot.

Be careful of deep puddles, hanging power lines, and similar hazards. If you have to use an electrical generator, follow the safety guidelines.

After you get through the immediate emergency, dealing with the legal issues is similar to most other legal issues. Keep a journal of everything that happens and whom you speak with. Take lots of pictures of the damage and clean up. Before the storm, make an inventory of your possessions and take videos or pictures of your home so you can show its pre-disaster condition.

The next step is to reach out to your insurance company to start a claim. Some insurers offer an online option, while others require a phone call. You should expect long wait times and be patient. It’s essential to keep a detailed record of each step you take.

If you also have flood insurance, file a separate claim for it. As the claim process progresses, promptly submit all requested information. Continue to follow up, and then follow up again. Remember that the polite squeaky wheel typically gets oiled first.

Depending on how many claims your insurer receives from the disaster, they may take a long time to react to your claim. During this time, continue to protect your home from further damage, boarding broken windows, tarping the roof if needed, and doing what is necessary to prevent your home’s condition from worsening. Save your receipts for all supplies and repairs to get reimbursed later.

Finally, make sure to do your research when hiring contractors — finding someone local with a long track record is best whenever possible.