• Start preparing a list of damage. Take still photographs and video. Be ready to hand it to an adjuster. This will expedite your claim. Try to get receipts or at least keep track of the money you spend for repair supplies, food, hotel, etc. Your insurance may reimburse much of that.

• You'll be inundated by people offering to clean up or do repairs. It's often impractical to check them out, so a good rule of thumb is to pay one-third up front, one-third halfway through the job and one-third when work is complete to your satisfaction.