First 24 hours after a disaster:

1. Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 for immediate danger.
2. Follow evacuation, shelter-in-place and re-entry instructions.
3. Contact the appropriate utility or public agency for downed lines, gas leaks, water emergencies, sewer backups or unsafe roads.
4. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
5. Photograph and video damage before cleanup when it is safe.
6. Prevent additional damage only when safe, and keep receipts.
7. Register with active disaster programs before deadlines.
8. Write down every case, claim, report and confirmation number.

Damage documentation:

• ✓Photograph every room, wall, floor, ceiling, roof area and exterior side.
• ✓Record waterlines, smoke, mold, structural cracks and damaged utilities.
• ✓Photograph appliances and serial numbers.
• ✓Create an inventory of damaged and missing property.
• ✓Save damaged items until the insurer approves disposal, unless they create a hazard.
• ✓Keep cleanup, hotel, meal, transportation, medication and repair receipts.
• ✓Request written estimates and keep copies of all correspondence.

Keep these numbers together:

• ✓Insurance policy and claim number
• ✓911, 311, MSD, utility and water-company report numbers
• ✓Red Cross, FEMA, SBA, KYEM and cleanup case numbers
• ✓Contractor names, estimates, licenses and insurance information
• ✓Dates, names and notes from every telephone call
• ✓Photographs, videos, damage inventory, receipts and estimates

FEMA & SBA application — gather in advance:

Identification, Social Security numbers, damaged-property address, current mailing address, telephone numbers, insurance information, banking information for direct deposit, household occupants, annual income information, photographs and repair estimates. Keep your FEMA registration number and SBA application number. Respond promptly to document requests and appeal before the deadline when appropriate.

⚠️ Contractor safety checklist:

• !Verify identity, business address, insurance and required licensing.
• !Get multiple written estimates when possible.
• !Require a written contract with materials, labor, price and completion dates.
• !Do not pay the full amount up front.
• !Avoid cash-only demands and high-pressure sales tactics.
• !Do not sign over an insurance check.
• !Report suspected disaster fraud to the Kentucky Attorney General: 502-696-5485.

Basic 72-Hour Emergency Kit

Family Emergency Communication Plan

Choose an out-of-area contact, two family meeting places, evacuation routes and a backup transportation plan. Write down school, work, medical, pharmacy, utility, insurance and pet contacts. Plan for household members who use oxygen, powered medical equipment, mobility devices, communication supports, refrigerated medications or service animals. Keep vehicles fueled during severe weather and maintain at least a seven-day supply of essential medications when possible.

• ✓Keep all FEMA, SBA, insurance, legal, housing and cleanup case numbers.
• ✓Maintain a written list of unmet needs that remain after insurance and government aid.
• ✓Record accessibility, transportation, language, medical and caregiving needs.
• ✓Ask whether a local long-term recovery group or disaster case manager has been activated.
• ✓Do not duplicate benefits or accept assistance that conflicts with an insurance or grant requirement.
• ✓Keep receipts, estimates, denial letters, appeal deadlines and photographs together.

Households using oxygen, powered medical equipment, refrigerated medication, mobility devices, communication supports, personal-care attendants or service animals should identify backup power, transportation, accessible shelter, medication replacement and communication options before an emergency.

Ask agencies for an interpreter or translated documents. Do not rely on a child to interpret legal, medical or financial information. Keep copies of identification, immigration documents, insurance papers and prescriptions in a protected portable folder. Verify that emergency alerts are available in the household's preferred language.

This guide is informational and does not guarantee service, eligibility, funding, shelter space or volunteer availability. Addresses, hours and programs can change. Confirm details directly with the organization before traveling. During an active incident, follow instructions from emergency officials and local news alerts.