The First Hour (First Aid)
"The Big 3" are which trio of common injuries?
What are Severe Bleeding, Difficulty Breathing, and Unresponsiveness?
Before starting any recovery efforts, you must ensure these individuals have declared the area safe.
Who are local authorities?
You should record one of these by walking through the property and narrating what you see.
What is a video walkthrough?
Most standard homeowners policies do not cover earthquakes or this specific water-based natural disaster unless added as a separate policy.
What are floods?
This local "one-stop-shop" provides critical government services for impacted residents to replace vital documents.
What is a Local Assistance Center (LAC)?
Most post-earthquake injuries are lacerations to this body part, so immediately put on thick-soled shoes.
What are the feet?
If you smell this utility, get out and turn it off, but never turn it back on yourself.
What is gas?
Photograph the labels on the back of appliances because insurance adjusters need these numbers to determine replacement value.
What are serial numbers (or model numbers)?
You should keep this specific number and the adjuster's direct contact info at the top of every document.
What is the claim number?
This program provides a month's worth of benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to meet temporary nutritional needs.
What is Disaster CalFresh (or D-SNAP)?
In a high-stress event, check for this phenomenon where your body fills with cortisol and you might not feel a severe injury for 20 minutes.
What is "adrenaline masking"?
You should use plywood or heavy-duty tarps to do this to broken windows or roof holes to keep out rain and pests.
What is "button up" (or cover openings)?
Track the miles driven for disaster-related errands using one of these.
What is a mileage log?
This is the only part of a car insurance policy that pays for damage from "Acts of God," such as a tree falling on a car.
What is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?
This federal program provides temporary benefits to people who lost or had their employment interrupted by a major disaster.
What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)?
To help someone with difficulty breathing, you should put them in this position by helping them sit up and lean forward with their hands on their knees.
What is the Tripod position?
During a flood cleanup, be aware that dirty water may have left dangerous materials behind, and problems can follow if this fungal growth is disturbed.
What is mold?
To argue against an insurance company that only wants to pay for a patch, you should save these in writing from contractors who state a roof cannot be repaired.
What are the "No's"?
In California, earthquake insurance is often handled through this specific authority.
What is the California Earthquake Authority (CEA)?
Used for losses not covered by insurance or FEMA, this administration provides disaster loans for both personal and business expenses.
What is the Small Business Association (SBA)?
If someone shows signs of this internal injury state—indicated by cold, clammy, and pale skin—you should lay them flat, elevate their legs, and give them nothing by mouth.
What is shock?
You should set up motion-sensor lights or battery-powered lanterns at night to deter these types of individuals.
Who are looters or trespassers?
If physical receipts are gone, you can look for digital trails like Amazon order histories or old family photos to establish this.
What is proof of ownership?
The front page of your insurance binder, which contains a 24/7 claims hotline, is known by this term.
What is the Policy Declaration Page?
Unlike the "Response" or "Rehabilitation" phases, this final phase involves reconstructing permanent infrastructure and can last years.
What is the Recovery phase?