You see them on the grounds of a catastrophe; firemen, policemen, the Red Cross, FEMA and other individuals to adhere to the affected area. They help create a safe environment and show extreme urgency to assist those in need. During a wildfire, evacuations are arranged to protect those in the vicinity and living accommodations are arranged. After a tornado or hurricane, first responders are there to assess the damage and offer assistance to those affected.
An important but often overlooked first responder is the temporary housing vendor. Before, during and after a catastrophe, the temporary housing vendor provides one of the most important needs: shelter. Using countless resources, the vendor will provide an emergency hotel and even longer term housing for those who have been displaced from their home due to evacuation or loss. From pipe bursts to natural disasters, using a temporary housing vendor from your insurance provider can alleviate stress and additional out of pocket expenses.
Photo credit: Rob Swystun via Visual hunt / CC BY
When working with a temporary housing vendor, it is important to stay in constant contact with your insurance provider and consider the following:
Accommodations
During a catastrophe, availability can be limited and certain areas will not be available to you. Understanding the severity of the situation and accepting the facts not all accommodations are attainable, will help ease the stress that you are not going through this alone. In fact, during a catastrophe, hundreds of people can be displaced at one time. Calling a temporary housing vendor immediately after a loss can help you settle in a safe place quicker than doing so on your own.
The time-line
Assess the damage of your property and keep in constant contact with the restoration company. “How long will repairs take? If it’s over 4 weeks, would a longer term housing be more accommodating? Are there certain amenities you can live without for the time of the repairs?” Knowing the answer to these questions and communicating with your temporary housing vendor and insurance provider will allow for a more seamless process while you are displaced.
Stay knowledgeable
Speak to your insurance provider about Additional Living Expenses, your home contents and your policy coverage. Knowing these things before a catastrophe will help you with all aspects in a property loss claim.
No one expects to be displaced from their home, but if it does happen, it’s imperative to be as prepared as possible.
