Disasters create legal issues, but many of these problems can be prevented.
**Check out our Disaster Community Outreach page to learn about our community presentations and find one happening near you!**
Taking small steps to prepare legal matters before a disaster strikes can help you do things like:
If you’re renting your home, you need to know that you cannot be evicted without reason. Know that a landlord can only make you move by giving you a notice telling you to get out by a certain date and then filing a lawsuit after that date. If your lease is expired, your landlord may be able to force you to move by giving you a 30-day notice. If your landlord locks you out and refuses to give you a key, you may file an action in court to gain re-entry. Click here for more information on renter’s rights.
Many disaster assistance programs require proof of home ownership before they can help you. Making sure your home title is in your name can help you get the assistance you need and prevent significant delays to your recovery. Click here to learn how to prevent home title issues.
3. Be aware of common scams after disasters and know how to avoid them.
Sadly, there are people who try to take advantage of others after disasters. A few of the most common scams include imposter scams, insurance scams, home repair scams, and charity scams. Click here to learn more types of common scams and steps you can take to avoid them. (Avoiding Scams and Frauds After a Disaster/During a Pandemic – United Way of Connecticut – 211 and eLibrary (211ct.org)
Finding a contractor that you trust before disasters strike can help you protect your finances and personal information from scam artists. Always check with family and friends to see who they have used before choosing your contractor. Click here to learn more tips about how to choose a contractor and avoid common home repair scams.
Having a will is vital to making sure that your possessions are handled the way that you want and that your loved ones receive everything that you want to leave them. Did you know that there are certain ways a will can be done? Click here to learn more about why having a will is important and how you can create one.
Having up-to-date images of your home and belongings can help with your insurance claim. Reasons for this is to show that new damage to your home was due to the disaster and not deferred maintenance. Click here to learn more insurance tips for after a disaster.
Important documents can get scattered or damaged during disasters. Keeping electronic copies of these documents (your insurance policy, social security card, green card, driver’s license, etc.) can help your recovery so you will not have to take the time to replace them before being able to apply for disaster assistance programs. Click here to learn more types of documents that you should protect and steps you can take to do that.
Did you know that SBA loans are for homeowners and renters too? SBA Loans have been vital for many disaster survivors when they are needing help with rebuilding their homes and replacing personal belongings. Learn more about how you can use these low interest loan options to recover from a disaster.
You may qualify for disaster unemployment benefits and disaster snap benefits even if you would not normally qualify for these programs outside of a disaster. Did you lose your job or become unable to work after the disaster? Follow the link here and learn more on these programs. (Link to content page)
Did you know FEMA does not respond to every disaster? Learn when FEMA responds, how they can help you, tips for your application process and much more (link to content page)
Links to partner resources on this topic:
Home Page – LSC Disaster Website: LSC Disaster Website (ladrc.org)
Disaster Preparedness – National Disaster Legal Aid
General Preparedness by type of disaster:
