Use these checklists to guide your plan of action for recovery.

For Your Family

• List your available financial resources
• Identify other sources of financial assistance
• Make a list of things you will need to replace
• Take photos of damage that has occurred
• Stay in touch with family and friends
• Consider joining a support group (or start one of your own)
• Return to normal routines as soon as possible
• Talk about your feelings

For Your Children

• Give lots of reassuring hugs
• Provide factual information about the disaster
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings- and be honest about your own
• Spend extra time with them at bedtime
• Return to regular schedules for work, play, school and rest
• Involve your children in the recovery with specific chores
• Praise responsible behavior

For Yourself

• Eat properly and drink plenty of liquid
• Exercise helps reduce stress- take a brisk walk
• Don't take on too much as you begin to rebuild
• Get plenty of rest - nap if you can't sleep
• Talk about your fears and concerns
• Consider talking with a counselor who can help you manage your stress
• Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it

For Your Home or Apartment

• Contact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
• Be sure your residence is safe before you return
• Contact your insurance agent- don't guess at your coverage
• Get more than one estimate for repairs
• Set up a safe place to keep receipts for all your expenses
• Determine what you can do by yourself
• Determine what you can do with the help of a few friends
• Determine what requires an expert (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
• Check references carefully
• Check contractor and repair firms with the Better Business Bureau