Climate change has resulted in a rise in natural disasters globally. In 2022, South Africa witnessed devasting floods and a mudslide, which took the lives of many and rendered thousands homeless. The United States of America has also seen several floodings and storms this year, destroying properties worth billions of dollars. Many other countries have had their share of such disasters; according to experts’ predictions, more are to come.

The aftermaths of natural disasters can be very devastating and dealing with it can be overwhelming and challenging. Aside from the destruction of properties, and financial losses, disasters can be stressful and traumatic for the aged and children. Despite these challenges, always remain calm and take immediate action. Here are some coping mechanisms and actions to take after a catastrophic disaster.

Get to safety

Disasters like heavy storms, hurricanes, flooding, or landslide can turn your home upside down. In such situations, your immediate priority should be to ensure your safety and that of others. While doing this, be cautious of potential risks like electric shocks from downed power lines, collapse of damaged structures, etc. Always follow instructions from emergency services to avoid falling into danger.

Check for injuries

After a destructive disaster, there is a high probability of sustaining injuries. After getting to safety, check yourself and other dependents for injuries. If any, administer first aid, by attending to the seriously injured first. Ensure that everyone is in good condition or out of danger if possible.

Call for help

After a disaster, your first call for help should be the emergency services, especially when there are serious injuries. They will come in to provide the necessary care and attention and also convey the injured to the hospital. Even if there aren’t injuries, the emergency services provide useful information, guidance, and support during and after disasters. Such information can help you know your next step to avoid danger.

Seek temporal shelter

As already stated, some natural disasters can be very catastrophic, destroying everything that comes their way. Your property can be badly damaged as a result, rendering you homeless. In the meantime, find a safe place to stay. You can join a temporal shelter offered by the local authorities, or lodge in a hotel. If possible, join family and friends until your home is repaired.

Assess the damages

When things are finally calm, visit your home, and assess the extent of damage to your property and belongings. Document everything by taking photos and videos of the destruction. This will serve as proof during insurance claims or any kind of disaster assistance.

Contact your insurance company

If you have homeowners insurance, notify your insurance company about your losses and start the claim process. You can do the same with your home appliance warranty company if there are damages to your home appliances. You need to provide supporting documents, including the pictures and videos you took to make your claim legit. Ensure that you file your claims within time to avoid being denied.

Contact an attorney

Filing for claims after a natural disaster or destruction by a hurricane can be challenging, requiring expert advice and help. According to a hurricane lawyer in New Orleans, your insurer must carter for you after a powerful storm damages your home or business. However, some insurance companies try unacceptable tactics to deny or devalue claims, causing victims financial difficulties. Hiring a lawyer will save you all the stress relating to your claims. Being an expert, the lawyer will help file your claim on time and follow through with the process.

Disaster coping mechanisms

Seek assistance

With all the challenges that come with a disaster, you will need assistance to cope with the situation. Your first point of assistance should be the local authority or aid providers like the national disaster relief organizations. They can help you with food, clothing, shelter, and other necessary supplies.

Seek emotional support

Losing your family members, property, and other belongings in just a day can be very distressing. The mental and emotional stress that comes with it can have a toll on your health. As such, it is advisable to seek support from a mental health professional, or community organizations.

Conclusion

Dealing with a disaster can be overwhelming and traumatic, looking at the lives lost, damages to your property, financial loss, etc. But in the heat of even, you should remain calm, and think straight instead of panicking. Get to safety, apply first-aid if necessary, and call the emergency service for help. When things are finally calm, assess the level of destruction and file for insurance claims with the help of your attorney.