First protect people, property, and deadlines.
- Report the loss. Follow the policy's notice requirements.
- Prevent further damage. Make reasonable emergency repairs and keep records.
- Preserve evidence. Photograph conditions before cleanup when safe and lawful.
- Track expenses. Keep receipts for housing, food differences, travel, storage, and emergency work.
- Avoid premature disposal. Coordinate inspection before throwing damaged property away when possible.
Which professional?
A public adjuster may be useful when the central need is preparing inventories and damage estimates. An attorney may be the better first call when the insurer questions cause, coverage, cooperation, occupancy, valuation rules, or other legal obligations.
Contractors and estimators price work; they do not necessarily represent you on insurance or legal issues.