Preparing for a hurricane is just a part of hurricane preparedness. Knowing what to do to recover after a hurricane hits is essential. During the storm, it's easy to feel powerless as the winds, rain, and water rip through your home. 

After the winds have died down, the water has receded, and you've been cleared to return home, it's hard to know where to start. The aftermath of a hurricane can be devastating and just as dangerous as the hurricane itself. 

As you prepare to recover, you want to keep safety in mind as you follow these tips on beginning the hurricane recovery process. 

Inspect Your Home – The first thing you will want to do when you are cleared to return home is to inspect your home and check for damage. Walk through every room and take photographs of any issues or damage you notice. The images will be helpful when it's time to file insurance claims. File your claim as soon as possible so you can begin the repair process. Be wary of scams and fraud, as many disasters attract scammers to take advantage of those in need.

Stay Safe During Cleanup – Safety should be a top priority when you begin the cleanup process. Even if your home hasn't sustained a lot of damage, there still may be a lot of debris that can end up on your property. The floodwaters that may have entered your home or contaminated the debris can have harmful bacteria. The CDC recommends that you wear safety gear as you manage the cleanup by wearing protective goggles, heavy-duty work gloves, hard hats, and waterproof boots. 

Anything Damaged by Floodwater Should Be Thrown Out – Anything that may be wet inside your home, including drywall, insulation, furniture, books, and more, should be thrown out. You can salvage items that can be cleaned with hot water and chemicals. Removing anything wet from your home is essential to begin the airing out process. Items that are damp and are left for over 24 hours in hot, humid environments create a breeding ground for mold. 

Prevent Further Damage to Your Property – Many insurance companies may only cover damages sustained during the storm. As you focus on cleanup, carefully protect your property by sealing holes in the roof and covering windows to prevent rainwater from entering the home. You'll want to examine the area around your home, check for any damaged trees that could fall, and carefully remove debris or hanging branches.

Apply For Disaster Relief – After a major storm, many resources are available to help with food, housing, and businesses.

• FEMA can help you rent a temporary home or reimburse hotel expenses

• The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, provides help with food.

• The Disaster Home Reconstruction Mortgage Program provides assistance with rebuilding or buying a new home when your home is lost in a disaster. 

Avoid Using Matches – Flooding can dislodge seals and break gas lines creating dangerous gas leaks. Until authorities give the okay, avoid using matches, lighters, or anything with a flame to prevent an explosion. Call the police, the fire department, and the gas company if you smell gas.

Don't Use Tap Water – Hurricanes can contaminate water sources with bacteria from the floodwater. Avoid using tap water for drinking or cooking until authorities have examined water sources and given the all-clear. 

Prioritize Mental Health – The aftermath of a hurricane can take a toll on your mental health. You should prioritize caring for yourself and your family's needs before anything else. Take your time as you navigate this emotional time, and make smart choices that can get your life back on track. 

Update Your Hurricane Emergency Plan – Think about the future as you navigate the recovery. Ensure your emergency hurricane plan is up to date and all your emergency supplies are replenished. You want to prepare for the next hurricane that could hit any time. 

Fully recovering after a hurricane can take months, even years, to come back from. Manage your disaster plan to help you minimize the impacts of future hurricanes or other natural disasters. Following these tips can help you quickly repair your home and get your life back so you can move on with your life and begin to heal.