THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013
Were you or someone you know affected by the Camarillo Wildfires?
Here are some tips to help you deal with the after-math of a fire.
1. Call Your Insurance Company (KIAC)
Call your insurance company immediately. File your claim.
Report what has happened and the damages, if the full extent is known.
Your insurance company will help break down what to do next and whether or not
you are covered. You can also ask for an advance from your insurance company
to buy your basic essentials you may not have had time to grab: tooth brush, toothpaste,
clothing, etc.
2. Protect What Is Left
When it is safe, and you have been approved to do so, return back to your home.
Grab whatever belongings are left and are important to you. If structure is still standing,
board up what you can to prevent theft and crime. Quite often, after a natural disaster,
crime rates rise.
3. Record Your Expenses
Make sure to keep track of your expenses as your are enduring this disastrous time.
You will want to make note of each, even the smallest of purchases for your claim.
Dependent upon your policy, you may be reimbursed for most of your "loss of use"
purchases.
4. Breathe.
Everything will be okay. Natural disasters happen, nobody can prevent them, but we can
learn from them. If you were not properly covered by your insurance the first time, make
sure there isn't a next time by calling KIAC immediately to change your policy 760-471-2200.