Des Moines, Iowa – September is National Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to reminding Americans to stand ready should an unexpected disaster strike. Unexpected weather can occur at a moment’s notice, uprooting the lives and financial footing of hardworking Iowans. This National Preparedness Month, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) encourages Iowans to be prepared financially and at home should disaster strike.
Preparing financially
- Review your insurance coverage: It’s important to be up to date on your insurance policy. Review your policy and understand its coverage limits and deductibles. Consult your licensed insurance agent to review and talk through your options.
- Assess flood risks: Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in our state. Flood insurance is typically required if you live in a flood prone area through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Review your coverage to see if flooding is covered under your policy. Consult your state-licensed insurance agent and remember a typical flood policy takes 30 days to go into effect once activated.
- Gather essential documents: Make digital and physical copies of critical personal documents – insurance policies, medical and financial documents – should you lose them in the event of a disaster.
- Build an emergency fund: Create an emergency fund and have cash on hand to cover living expenses should a disaster force you to leave your home.
Preparing your home
- Complete a home inventory: Before a disaster strikes, review the Iowa Insurance Division’s post disaster guide and download the NAIC home inventory app to help you complete a home inventory and assist with filing any future insurance claims.
- Inspect and prepare your home: Fall is one of the best times of the year to inspect your home for needed repairs and possible hazards. Clear gutters, check your insulation, and cut branches and trees near your home, if you have advanced notice of a storm, secure loose objects and patio furniture.
- Build an emergency kit: Build a kit with the necessary materials in case a storm impacts your access to electricity. Keep nonperishable food and water handy throughout the winter in case your home gets snowed in. Additionally, have candles, matches, a flashlight, spare batteries, a snow shovel, extra blankets, firewood, a fire extinguisher, and a generator in the kit in the event you lose power.
What to do should disaster strike
- Check your health, then check your assets: First and foremost, prioritize the immediate safety of you and your family. Once you are safe, take steps to secure your property. Be sure to document all damage with photos and save all receipts from temporary repairs before beginning major cleanup.
- Familiarize yourself with your insurance: It’s important to be up to date on your insurance policy and aware of your coverage and deductible options. Contact your state-registered insurance agent immediately following a disaster to discuss your options for filing an insurance claim. They will inspect and provide you with an estimate of the repairs that are covered by your policy.
- Beware of scammers: After a disaster, scammers work to take advantage of hard-working Iowans. Be sure any contractors you consult or hire are legitimate. Search them online, cross check their filing with the Iowa Insurance Division, and determine if they fall within your insurance network. By getting a written estimate from at least three different contractors, you can rest assured that you will get the best price for your needs. Know the warning signs of non-reputable businesses, be cautious about signing an assignment of benefits, and never pay in full upfront.
What to do if a disaster proclamation is issued
- If a proclamation is issued at local and state levels: Following severe weather, county emergency management agencies will conduct damage assessments and coordinate local resources to respond to a disaster. If disaster response needs exceed local resources or affect a large portion of the population, local officials can request a Governor’s Disaster Proclamation that will activate the Disaster Case Advocacy and Individual Disaster Assistance Grant programs. To learn more about the state programs available, please visit the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.
- If damage exceeds state resources: If severe damage exceeds state resources, the state can apply for a Presidential Disaster Declaration through FEMA. Following a presidential declaration, FEMA assistance may be available for counties or areas significantly impacted by severe weather.
Please visit our post-disaster resources page for more information and how to protect yourself from scammers.