1) Safety first.
Your treasures are your family and pets. Your material possessions including your home can be replaced. Secure lodging for your family.
2) Count your blessings. If you and your family are safe, remember those that have died in the flood. If you and your family have secured lodging, remember those who are homeless as a result of the flood. If you have flood insurance, you will likely receive money for your insured structure and contents which will help you recover.
3) File your insurance claim, register with FEMA, and apply for any other assistance.
Filing your insurance claim and registering with FEMA are separate actions.
www.disasterassistance.gov
4) When it is safe to return to your home take photos and/or videos before you throw any items away.
5) Obtain an independent estimate for your damages. You will need an independent estimate in the event that you want to object to any insurance settlement offer and/or to compare any contractors' estimate to repair your home.
6) File your proof of loss. A proof of loss is a policyholder's statement of the amount of money being requested, signed to and sworn to by the policyholder with documentation to support the amount requested. The complete Proof of Loss must be sent to the
NFIP servicing agent or NFIP insurer within 60 days after the date of loss or within any extensions of that deadline. The insurance adjuster may provide a POL to the policy holder and might help complete it but this is only a courtesy. It is policyholder duty to submit the complete pol within the required time period.
www.fema.gov/media-library