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Disaster Recovery Planning Checklist

A disaster can turn life upside down with little warning, leaving behind a path of physical destruction and emotional damage. Though nothing can prevent Mother Nature from wreaking havoc, preparing ahead of time can lessen the impact of natural disasters and emergencies. In addition to planning for possible evacuations and preparing emergency supplies, put in place an action plan to help spur recovery.

  1. Immediate Action

    • Locate family members immediately after a disaster to ensure they all are safe and accounted for. For assistance with locating separated family members, contact the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), by calling 800-588-9822. Find food, water and shelter. Organizations like the American Red Cross help individuals displaced by disasters and can assist with providing these basics if needed. Apply for relief assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 800-621-3362.

    Returning Home

    • Before returning home, ensure authorities declare the area safe. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the damage, receive assistance and schedule an inspection. Be aware that animals may have entered the house before you go inside. Check the foundation, walls, steps and attached structures for damage. Do not enter the house if it appears unsafe or extensively damaged. Wait for emergency personnel and your insurance company. Inspect the house for water damage, damaged pipes and frayed electrical wires before restoring electricity. Discard damaged or spoiled food.

    Additional Considerations

    • Include necessary arrangements in your recovery plan for those with special needs, such as the elderly, children and pets. Children may need additional help handling emotional stress and grief related to emergency and disaster situations. Elderly members of the family may have special health needs that require time away from the home during inspection and repair. Arrange counseling and therapy as necessary. Create a plan for the future and include a list of contact numbers for agencies that help disaster victims, such as the American Red Cross and FEMA.

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