How to Salvage Your Belongings After a Disaster

When a disaster strikes, the first thing you should do is assess the damage to your home and belongings. If your home is structurally unsound, do not enter. If you can safely enter your home, be aware that there may be hidden damage, such as gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call the gas company.

Once you have determined it is safe to enter your home, begin salvaging your belongings. If possible, create a list of damaged or destroyed items as you go. This will be helpful for insurance purposes. If possible, take photos or video of the damage.

If your belongings are wet, try to dry them as soon as possible. Wet items can develop mold and mildew, which can cause further damage. If possible, place wet items in a sunny spot or use a fan to speed up the drying process.

If your belongings are covered in debris, gently brush or vacuum the debris off. Do not use any harsh chemicals, as these can damage your belongings further.

Once you have salvaged what you can, contact your insurance company and begin the claims process.

3 relevant source links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_9_salvaging_your_belongings.pdf

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood/after-a-flood.html

https://www.ready.gov/clean-up