Actions to be taken:-

Know your insurance policy.

Read your insurance policy until you get an understanding as to how you are covered.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Discuss with your Insurance Consultant in detail about the various things that are covered and more so which are not covered.

Don't Rush: You will be presented with life changing decisions you never thought about before. Even most lawyers do not know insurance law, nor do most insurance agents know about large homeowner's claims. We suggest you to not go for quick settlements. There is no required time frame for you to make decisions.  Take your time.  Do not let anyone rush you.  Stop and learn.

Get Organized:Get a notebook and start writing everything down.  This is especially helpful for your insurance claims.  After a disaster most people have so many things to remember, it's hard to remember them all.  Forgetfulness is normal.  Notebooks and other information will be helpful when going through the process.  Document every contact you make including the date, time, person's name, phone number and what was discussed.  

Look for independent expert advice:  Right after a disaster, everyone wants to "help".  Many of them also want to get paid. First, look for non-profit organizations that are truly there to help before resorting to paying someone.

There are even non-profit insurance education organizations that can help Know your expert:  Do not take advice of someone who is an expert in a different field than the advice you are seeking. For example, don't ask a business attorney about a homeowner's insurance claim. Take the money:  If anyone wants to give you money with no release attached, take it!  Put large sums of money in an interest bearing account. The interest will add up quickly.

Actions not to be taken:--

Do not sign a release:   You are not required to sign a release for money that is rightfully yours under an insurance policy. If you are being asked to sign a release, ask an attorney who is familiar with insurance claims to review it.

Grieve for your loss:   It might not be the loss of a loved one but don't let that stop you from realizing that a big part of your life is gone. Your life will never be the same. Pick up the pieces and begin to move on.