"When disaster strikes your home or business, all you want to do is get your life back to normal...fast," says Pete Duncanson, director of training and technical support for ServiceMaster Clean. "And our local service technicians are trained to respond immediately, because damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours."

As the experts in disaster restoration, the professionals from ServiceMaster Clean recommend doing the following after hurricane or tropical storms:

CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR HOME IS SAFE

Make sure your home is structurally safe, and be extremely careful inside your home. Debris may be hazardous, and the potential for collapse may exist. If your home is unlivable, find out what living expenses your policy may cover. 

BE VERY CAREFUL WITH POWER

Do not turn the power on if there is flooding in the home. Be sure to have a professional electrician check the property first. And do not light any matches until gas lines are checked for leaks. It is best to have plenty of flashlights and fresh batteries upon your return. 

STORE AWAY IMPORTANT ITEMS

Keep in a waterproof container such important items as your current identification (passport, driver's license, Social Security card, etc.), insurance policies, financial information, wills, checkbook, keys and cash. You may need a photo ID to pass through checkpoints before being allowed access to your home/neighborhood.

REPORT PROPERTY DAMAGE

Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent in order to get the recovery process started.

DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

Videotape or take photos of the damaged areas and prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Canceled checks, invoices, receipts or other papers will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property. Be sure to have two copies of everything - one for yourself and one for the adjuster. 

REPAIR WHAT YOU CAN

Make whatever repairs are possible to protect from further damage. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save all receipts for supplies and materials you purchase, as your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable temporary fixes. 

WATCH OUT FOR SCAM ARTISTS

Beware of fly-by-night inspectors and repairmen. Be sure that the people you are considering to check gas lines, uprooted trees and plumbing are properly licensed. You can also see whether any complaints have been filed against your prospects through the Better Business Bureau.

LET CREDITORS KNOW IF YOU CAN'T PAY

If your home is unlivable, be sure to inform your local utility so it will not bill you. Also inform credit card companies and other creditors if you are unable to pay in order to work out a reasonable plan for both parties. 

ASSIST THE CLAIMS ADJUSTER

Be prepared to respond as timely as possible to the adjuster assigned to your case. For smaller losses, the claims process should go faster than for situations where there are extensive damages. 

LOOK FOR TAX BREAKS

Enlist a trusted tax expert to help identify breaks you may be entitled to because of your losses.