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Recovering from the storms that brought deadly tornados and severe flooding from the South to the Midwest will take time and patience. If you’ve been displaced by a weather emergency, or your home or business was damaged, you’re probably trying to figure out what to do next. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

  • Find out what your home, business, health, or other insurance policies will pay for. Some will cover costs for temporary shelter, clothing, and other items.
  • Contact creditors, landlords, and utilities right away. Explain how the storms have affected you. In times of disaster, they may be willing to defer your payments, waive late fees, and offer other ways to help you regain financial stability.
  • Replace lost or damaged legal documents misplaced or left behind. This chart will help if you’re unsure of where to go for what.  

When you’re ready to start rebuilding or making repairs to your home or business, know how to spot scammers:

  • Don’t hire anyone who shows up claiming to offer recovery services but demanding cash or advance payments up front. If they won’t give you copies of their license, insurance, or a contract in writing, that’s a red flag and a good time to walk away.
  • Never pay to get government assistance. FEMA does not charge application fees and anyone who wants you to pay to get money or a grant from FEMA is a scammer. Instead, download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information.
  • Learn more about how to spot and avoid other disaster-related scams at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies.

Spot a scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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