1. Protect your home

Board up windows, tarp the roof, and hire security personnel if necessary.

2. Locate temporary lodging.

Check into a hotel or stay with family.

3. Remove valuable items.

Remove any jewelry, bonds, stocks, monies, firearms, check books, etc.

4. Pick out clothing you will need the first week.

Pick out clothing for a specialty cleaner to process for you, such as work or church attire, sports uniforms, shoes, belts, purses, undergarments, and socks.

5. Report your loss to your insurance company.

Contact your Insurance agents or insurance carrier to obtain a loss notice.

6. Contact your mortgage company.

Contact your mortgage company to report your loss.

7. Contact community outreach groups for support.

Contact your church, the Red Cross, counselors or other community outreach groups