Returning to your property can be...awful. These important on site steps will help you stay safe, document the damage, and prepare for cleanup.

On Site To Dos.

On Site
To Dos.

YOUR DISASTER PLAYBOOK

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Seeing your property for the first time can be difficult. Take your time, follow all local safety instructions, and do not begin cleaning up simply because you feel pressure to move forward.

The next moves in our Disaster Playbook focus on creating a complete record of the damage, identifying environmental risks, protecting the site, and preparing for debris removal.

Before Anything
is Moved.

Before Anything is Moved.

Your ON SITE MOVES

Do not enter the property until local officials say it is safe. Watch for unstable structures, exposed utilities, sharp debris, contaminated water, ash, and other hazards. Wear appropriate protective equipment and avoid disturbing damaged materials.

1) Make Sure It's Safe.

Photograph and record the property before anything is moved, cleaned, repaired, or removed. Capture wide views, individual rooms, structural damage, damaged belongings, exterior areas, and anything that may help show the full extent of the loss. Our FREE Document the Damage Tool can help you create an organized record.

2) Document Everything.

Arrange for appropriate environmental testing before cleanup begins, including testing for asbestos, lead, mold, smoke residue, contaminated water, or other hazards. Keep every inspection and report, then use our FREE Environmental Insights Tool to better understand the findings.

3) Test for Hazards.

Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as securing openings, covering exposed areas, shutting off utilities, or installing temporary fencing. Photograph the property before and after any emergency work, and save all estimates, invoices, and receipts.

4) Protect What Remains.

Understand the debris removal options available in your community before signing contracts or allowing materials to be removed. Confirm who will perform the work, what insurance may cover, how hazardous materials will be handled, and what documentation should be preserved before cleanup begins.

5) Plan Debris Removal.

The Carrier’s Preferred Vendor

Your carrier may recommend companies to secure the site, perform environmental testing, or remove debris. Ask yourself whether those vendors were selected to provide the most complete work or the lowest cost to the insurance company.

Before authorizing anything, understand what will be tested, documented, removed, stored, or destroyed. Incomplete testing and rushed cleanup can erase evidence, miss hazardous materials, and create expensive problems later.

The cheapest option is rarely the best protection for your recovery.

Insurance Red Flag:

Feel free to give us a call

888-488-LOTI (5684)

A 6 Star, Hassle-Free Experience.

Our licensed public adjusters simplify the complex claim process with trusted expertise, modern tools, and ongoing support through every stage of your recovery.

This is what a truly hassle free claim experience looks like.

To get started, we've gathered a few helpful AI enabled tools & articles, but feel free to reach out to us directly for immediate help.

Free AI Tools & Articles.

DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

Turn scattered photos into a structured, organized record of your loss. Our AI sorts images by room, adds descriptions, and creates a clean report that is easy to share with your insurance carrier.

Document Damage Clearly.

ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHTS

DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHTS

Use this AI enabled tool to understand your environmental tests and reports, including asbestos, lead, and other contaminants. See how these findings may impact your rebuild, timelines, and insurance claim.

Understanding Environmental Tests.

Turn scattered photos into a structured, organized record of your loss. Our AI sorts images by room, adds descriptions, and creates a clean report that is easy to share with your insurance carrier.

Document Damage Clearly.

ORIENTING AROUND THE REST

Debris Removal Basics

Abatement

Securing Your Property

Experiencing a major incident or disaster that damages your home is distressing and can leave your property vulnerable to further damage. Securing your property is a crucial step to protect it from theft, vandalism, and additional harm. This guide provides detailed information about temporary fencing, onsite storage, boarding up doors and windows, and more.

Understanding hazardous materials and their proper abatement is critical for safety, liability, and compliance. This guide covers the key concepts of abatement, with a focus on asbestos, lead (and lead‑based paint), and combustion by‑product particulates (from fire, smoke or fuel combustion). You’ll learn what testing and remediation steps are typically required, and how to choose qualified professionals.

Experiencing a major incident or disaster that damages your home can leave your property cluttered with debris, creating a hazardous and overwhelming environment.

This guide provides detailed information on managing debris removal, cleaning up your property, hazardous material disposal, renting dumpsters, and hiring professionals.

VISIT THE LEARNING HUB

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The Learning Hub is Loti’s free resource center and the largest recovery library of its kind. Originally created to help fellow survivors, it’s open to everyone and includes RallyBacks, glossaries, and downloadable tools with clear guidance for every type of incident.