Dos:

• Do file a claim with their insurance company.
• Do register for FEMA disaster assistance. Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or VRS may call 800-621-3362.
• Do know that FEMA grants may help pay for a temporary place to stay, make essential repairs or replace certain damaged contents.
• Do inspect for structural damage before entering their home.
• Do report flood damage to local officials.
• Do throw away wet contents such as bedding, carpeting and furniture. These items may be a health hazard due to mold.
• Do take photographs of flood damage. The insurance company may want to see these.
• Do keep recovery-related receipts. FEMA or the insurance company may want to see these.
• Do return a completed application for a low-interest disaster loan if a FEMA registrant has been referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Returning the application is necessary for FEMA to consider them for certain grants.                                                                                                           
• Do remember that FEMA grants do not need to be repaid, are not taxed and do not affect other government benefits.

Don’ts:

• Don’t submit more than one registration per household.
• Don’t wait for visits from FEMA or insurance adjusters before cleaning up flood damage and starting repairs.
• Don’t wait for an insurance settlement to register.
• Don’t worry that federal disaster assistance is taking money away from someone else. FEMA provides assistance to all eligible applicants.
• Don’t assume only homeowners can apply for help. Renters may qualify for assistance too.