HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF UPDATE
Bottom Line: Here’s What to Do
If your house was damaged by Hurricane Harvey, you may be unsure of what to do next. Here’s a list of steps to take that will help make the impact a bit smoother as you move forward:
- Contact your mortgage servicer
* This is the company that you make your monthly mortgage payments
* Notify them of your condition and whereabouts for future correspondence
* Most Houston Area mortgage servicers can be found here
- Call your insurance company and find out your benefits as many hazard policies cover alternative living expenses such as temporary housing and meals
- Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance (even if you’re insured)
* Waiting to file will cause you to miss the deadline
* Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621- 3362
* Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application required
- Document the damage and secure the property once you can safely return
* Insurers will want to see documentation through many photos
* Keep all receipts for purchases after the storm
- Be alert for post-disaster scams
* Watch out for phony contractors or fake offers from state/federal aid
* Suspicions of scams and fraud can be reported to FEMA at 866-720-5721