In my article on the Kiplinger Advisor Collective, I discuss the unprecedented number of major natural disasters that have occurred in the United States in 2023. It provides ten steps for individuals and families to recover from a natural disaster, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health, documenting damage for insurance claims, applying for FEMA assistance, reducing expenses, seeking help from nonprofit organizations, finding new income sources, and fortifying against future disasters through building an emergency fund and reviewing insurance policies. It concludes by highlighting the need for time, perseverance, and knowledge to overcome the financial impact of a natural disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize your physical and mental well-being after a natural disaster, as it is crucial for recovery.
- Document and communicate the damage to your property to ensure fair reimbursement from insurance companies.
- Take proactive steps to fortify yourself financially against future disasters, such as building an emergency fund and reviewing insurance coverage.
The year isn’t over, but an unprecedented number of major natural disasters have struck America this year.
Hurricane Idalia in Florida. The wildfires in Hawaii. Flooding across California.Hail storms throughout Texas, Minnesota and the Rockies.And these are just a sampling of Mother Nature’s fury.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, as of Oct. 10, there were a record 24 weather or climate disaster events with losses topping $1 billion each in the U.S. this year.
Sadly, this year’s disasters claimed the lives of hundreds of people. Moreover, countless homes, businesses, cars and other personal property were ruined.
If you or your family has been hit by one of these severe climate events, it can seem daunting to recover and regain your footing — both financially and emotionally.
Fortunately, there are some smart steps you can take to navigate your way back to normalcy and make yourself more disaster-proof in the future.
Here are 10 steps to follow to bounce back from any natural disaster.
Read Lynnette Khalfani-Cox’s article – How to Bounce Back From a Natural Disaster on Kiplinger Advisor Collective.
