1. Paulding County Disaster Relief Action Plan and List of Resources
There are many ways to get assistance after a natural disaster. The following steps will explain how to search
for assistance you may qualify for from agencies and from organizations.
Step 1 - Get Assistance - Contact West Ridge Church Disaster Relief Hotline: 678-792-4488
West Ridge Church is coordinating volunteers and many agencies are gathering and distributing donations of
clothing and food, offer help with debris removal, support, and encouragement for Storm Victims. A list of
agencies offer a variety of assistance – see back page for Resource List.
If there is a Federal Disaster Declaration for the state of Georgia, you will need to contact FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/news/disasters.fema
Online Registration: http:// Phone Registration: TTY 1-800-462-7585
www.fema.gov/ 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (speech & hearing impaired)
Help After Disaster booklet – http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf
Step 2 - Within 24 hours, file a Homeowners, Renters, and/or Auto Insurance claim.
● Request a copy of your policy to assist you with understanding your coverages
● As a homeowner, your insurance company expects you to prevent further damage to your dwelling and
property. Keep track of hours spent and materials used to secure your property against further damage.
These expenses and efforts can apply towards your deductible or in some cases be reimbursed. Ask the
insurance adjuster if they can cut a check to cover the cost of debris removal and supplies (such as tarps,
etc.) to secure your home from further damage. Talk to your adjuster for specifics related to your policy.
● If your house is deemed uninhabitable by the insurance company and you have to relocate ask
about “Additional Living Expense” coverage to provide upfront money for relocation costs. Be sure to keep
a record of all expenses with receipts.
● If you have “Replacement Cost” coverage, items should be replaced with the new version of that item.
● As work is done on rebuilding your home all work should be covered to bring up to code per the “ordinance
of law” and is part of all homeowner policies.
● If your house is a total loss you should receive 100% of the face value of your homeowner policy plus a
minimum of 50% of the face value for contents
● If a vehicle is totaled, search for a like, kind and quality vehicle: same year make, model, and features on
eBay, Craigslist, AutoTrader.com, and local newspapers. Print and send copies to your claims adjuster if
they are not offering a reasonable amount to replace vehicle or ask for them to replace vehicle with exact
duplicate.
● If you have any questions about policy coverage, reimbursement, or about any documents you are asked
to sign, contact the Insurance Commission - 404-656-2070 http://www.inscomm.state.ga.us/
Step 3 - Contact your Utility Companies - Report power outages, damage to meters, down wires, leaks, or if
you have had to relocate out of your home due to damages. Inquire about assistance programs with utility
bills for storm victims. Paulding County Water System (770) 445-2761, Atlanta Gas Light 770-994-1946, City of
Dallas Water 770-443-8110, Carroll County EMC 770-832-3552, Cobb EMC 770-429-2100, GA Power 1-888-660-
5890. Greystone 770-942-6576, GA Natural/Atlanta Gas - 770-850-6200, Scana Energy 770-907-4231
Step 4 - Contact your Mortgage Company - Inform them that you have filed a homeowners insurance
claim and ask if payments can be deferred or added to the end of the mortgage, if you can pay interest only
payments for a specified time, or if they will spread any past due amounts over the next few months.
To volunteer and make donations to help storm victims please call 678-792-4488
Copyright 2012 - www.thelifeboat.info - Rev A - 02.08.12 - Permission to copy and distribute.