AFTER THE FREEZE: RESOURCES

Written By Elizabeth Madeira

AFTER THE FREEZE: 5 THINGS TO DO AFTER THE FREEZE

1. Take care of yourself.

This is hard. It's ok to not be ok. Put your safety first.

2. Secure Vital Documents & Document EVERYTHING.

Imagine how hard it would be after a disaster if you couldn’t prove your identity or if you didn’t have access to your bank account. Likewise, how navigating insurance or FEMA claims will be without good documentation. 


Avoid difficult situations by taking photos & videos of damage to everything. Keep & photograph all receipts for recovery expenses. Request responses in writing.

3. Report any property damage to your local emergency management office, Tennessee Disaster Information Line, or the multi-state hotline.

If your home or business has any damage from the storm, Tennesseans can self-report it to your local emergency management office or the multi-state crisis cleanup hotline. This helps emergency officials understand what’s happening on the ground and figure out what kind of help and resources may be needed. Sharing basic details and photos can make a real difference.

  1. Find your county-specific local emergency management office. 

  2. The Tennessee Disaster Information Line 1-844-4TENN-4U (1-844-483-6648) to support Tennesseans impacted by Winter Storm Fern who may still need information, resources, or assistance as recovery efforts continue across the state. Hours of operation are: 

    1. Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Central Time)

    2.  Sunday: Noon – 6:00 p.m. (Central Time)

    3. All welfare check requests for individuals located in Davidson County must be submitted through the county’s online hub page and should not be directed to the TBI Hotline. Requests can be made on Metro Nashville’s webpage.

    4. United Way 211 is active. 211 connects individuals to non-emergency needs and community resources Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT. For assistance after hours or on weekends, individuals can access resources online through the United Way website.

  3. The Crisis Cleanup Hotline is currently active and residents can request free property cleanup assistance related to the winter storm damage. You can request this assistance by calling 844-965-1386. Please note, all services are provided by volunteer organizations, but service is not guaranteed due to what may be an overwhelming need. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work. You can call 844-965-1386 until February 13, 2026. 

4. Register with FEMA even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify – and help others register

Register with FEMA now!

You MAY be eligible to receive:

FEMA helps meet our basic needs after a disaster. We know our families will need more.


Renters and homeowners can apply. FEMA can help if you lost power, even if your home wasn’t damaged.


If you’re denied, it’s not you. APPEALS WORK. Stick with it to get the help you deserve.


*Some non-citizens may be eligible. Talk to an immigration lawyer BEFORE applying. FEMA can share info with ICE. Find legal help here: https://www.immi.org/en/Info/get-legal-help

  • Money to go toward repairing or replacing your home.

  • Money to stay in a hotel or motel, with family/friends, or other housing options, such as renting alternate housing.

  • Money for other needs like medical, transportation, and replacing work tools and personal property.

  • AND up to $770 to help pay for serious immediate needs like water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, and gas.


There are three ways to register with FEMA:

  1. Go to disasterassistance.gov, click “Let’s Get Started” and fill out the basic questions. Create or sign into your Login.gov account. Write down your FEMA number and login info.

  2. Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance over the phone.

  3. (If applicable) Go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply in person. You can find the closest DRC at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator


Help others register: FEMA should help all of us recover from the storm. Share that you registered and encourage others to register, too!

5. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, file a claim ASAP.

You don’t need insurance to apply for FEMA, and you don’t have to file an insurance claim before you apply. FEMA can’t pay for the same things as your insurance. FEMA might help if insurance doesn’t do enough, takes too long to pay, or denies you help.

STORM RECOVERY CHECKLIST

BASIC NEEDS & COMMUNITY RESOURCES

  • Locate local relief centers offering:

    • Food and clean drinking water

    • Diapers, baby formula, hygiene kits

    • Cleaning supplies and protective gear

    • Clothing, shoes, and blankets

  • Contact your child’s school to inform them of displacement and ask about available supports.

  • Ask about mental health services or grief and trauma counseling.

SHELTER & HOUSING ASSISTANCE

FOR ALL

  • Check for local housing programs, community shelters, or housing vouchers.

  • Register with FEMA for financial and housing assistance.

  • Register property damage with your local emergency management agency.

  • Document everything:

    • Take photos/videos of all damage before cleanup and email to yourself (interior, exterior, possessions).

    • Start a journal documenting all conversations with insurance and relief agencies.

    • Make a detailed inventory of damaged belongings.

FOR RENTERS

  • Contact your landlord or property manager immediately to report damage.

    • Request written communication on repair timelines and responsibilities.

    • Ask about temporary housing options or rent abatement.

  • Contact your renter’s insurance company to begin the claims process.

  • Contact local tenant advocacy groups if you’re at risk of eviction.

FOR HOMEOWNERS

  • Take steps to prevent further damage (board windows, tarp roofs) and keep all receipts.

  • Notify your homeowner’s insurance company to begin the claims process.

    • Ask your insurer about coverage for temporary housing or displacement costs.

SECURE VITAL DOCUMENTS & RECORDS

Secure or retrieve important personal documents, such as:

  • Identification (driver’s license, passport)

  • Social Security cards

  • Birth certificates

  • Health and property insurance cards

  • Lease or mortgage paperwork

  • Banking or employment records

  • Vehicle titles

  • Property deeds

  • If documents are lost or damaged, contact the issuing agencies for replacements.

  • Do a temporary address change at the Post Office.

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL RELIEF

  • File claims with your home or renters insurance provider.

  • Document EVERYTHING:

    • Keep copies of all claims filed and include a log of phone calls

    • Save all receipts for temporary lodging, repairs, meals, and supplies.

  • Apply for FEMA assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov

  • Contact your mortgage lender or landlord to ask about payment flexibility and if any funds or payments will be withheld.

  • Check with your employer for emergency leave, assistance, or hardship funds.

  • Explore eligibility for Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans (available to renters and homeowners, not just businesses).

HOME REPAIR & CLEAN UP

Structural & Safety Assessments

  • Before entering a damaged structure, have it inspected by a licensed structural engineer or building inspector.

  • Be cautious of:

    • Cracked or leaning walls

    • Exposed electrical wiring

    • Water damage and mold

    • Loose bricks, debris, or unstable chimneys

  • Do not attempt cleanup inside the home until it’s been cleared as structurally safe.

  • Need support for trees falling and damaging house property? 


**BEWARE OF SCAMS! ** CHECK ID & CREDENTIALS FOR ALL PROVIDERS

If a company comes to you offering to register your property with FEMA, you will never see the money. You should sign up with FEMA directly. 

Who To Contact For Repairs

  • General Contractor – To oversee the rebuilding process and coordinate trades.

  • Structural Engineer – To assess foundation, wall, and support beam integrity.

  • Brick Masonry Contractor – Repairs or building of brick walls, chimneys, and facades.

  • Roofing Contractor – Especially those experienced with wind and hail damage; look for certification and insurance.

  • Framing Carpenter – replacement of wooden framing, roof trusses.

  • Electrician & Plumber – If utilities were impacted.

  • HVAC Technician – inspection or repair of heating and cooling systems.

Caution Against Fraud & Unlicensed Contractors

You are in crisis & your decision making ability may be compromised.

  • Do not make rush decisions under pressure.

  • Do not pay any more than 10-25% initial deposit.

  • Do not share sensitive personal info with anyone without confirmed ID.

  • Avoid cash-only deals or high pressure sales tactics.

  • Gov’t employees will generally not ask for payment of financial info such as bank acct.

Steps to take:

  • Check contractor credentials:

    • Always verify contractor licenses through the Tennessee Attorney General’s website or the Better Business Bureau.

    • Confirm ID of contractors, gov’t employees, insurance adjusters, law enforcement, etc. Don’t just see a business card- check to see it matches legal id like a drivers license.

  • Document everything:

    • Request written estimates, contracts, and proof of insurance.

    • Keep copies of all agreements and document every repair stage with photos.

  • Make sure contracts include a start date and completion date.

Mold, Water Damage & Sanitation

  • If water has entered the home, remove wet materials (drywall, insulation, carpeting) within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth.

  • Use a wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifiers, and fans if power is available.

  • Disinfect all surfaces that had contact with floodwater or stormwater using bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water).

  • Consider hiring a water remediation specialist for large-scale or sewage-related flooding.

  • Did your pipes burst? Call your local water company to report any damages. For Davidson County: 

    • Call 615-862-4600 to request emergency services. They are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

    • You can also email an emergency request to MWSSSDDispatchers@nashville.gov 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Cleanup

  • N95 or KN95 masks – Essential to avoid inhaling mold spores, brick dust, or insulation particles.

  • Use Heavy-duty gloves – To protect from sharp objects or nails.

  • Sturdy boots with thick soles – Steel-toed if possible.

  • Goggles or safety glasses – To protect eyes from dust and flying debris.

  • Hard hats – If working in or around unstable structures.

  • Long sleeves and pants.

MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH

  • Try to maintain routines and sleep schedules, especially for children.

  • Allow yourself time to grieve and recover—disaster recovery is a long process.

  • Speak with a counselor or hotline if you’re feeling overwhelmed:

  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

  • Suicide Hotline; Dial 988 - Alcoholics Anonymous; AA.org - Narcotics Anonymous; NA.org

LEGAL HELP & ADVOCACY

Contact a local legal aid organization for help with:

  • Renters’ rights and disputes with landlords

  • Filing insurance appeals or denials

  • Eviction prevention and housing access

  • Do not sign anything under pressure or without legal review



HOMEOWNER’S/RENTER’S INSURANCE

FILING A RENTERS INSURANCE CLAIM

INTRODUCTION: Whether from individual loss or climate disaster, the risk to your personal property is significant. If you rent, your landlord has insurance on the building, but it won’t cover your possessions or any liability from what happens inside your space. You will also not be covered if damage to the building causes you to relocate while repairs are made. This is why you purchase renters insurance.


Renters insurance has 3 main coverages to protect against these risks:

  1. Personal Property

  2. Liability

  3. and Additional Living Expenses (ALE).


If you suffered a loss, you may need to file a claim for one or more of these coverages. This Consumer Guide has been produced to help steer you through the process.

1. GATHER EVIDENCE: 

Be ready to prove to your insurer that the loss is directly caused by a covered peril as well as a list of the lost items. It helps to have a pre-loss inventory of property including pictures & receipts.

2. DOCUMENT DAMAGE: 

Get as many pictures of damage to your home and possessions as possible. Be sure to get pictures of Serial/Model # tags on appliances or electronics. You can never have too many pictures.


*Note on Safety: Disaster zones are very risky areas and many people are injured after the disaster is over. Do not put yourself at risk by entering unsafe areas of compromised strictures.

3. CONTACT INSURER:

Call your agent to report the loss and ask for details of your coverage. You can request a copy of your policy if you don’t have one. Be sure to ask about ALE coverage if you can't return to your home due to damage or restricted access and need a place to stay.

  • Fill in claim forms provided by your insurer as thoroughly as possible.

    • Be sure to keep copies by scanning, screen shots, or even just pictures with your phone.

    • Start a claim file: keep all records, communications with your insurer, and notes.

  • Respond to requests from your insurer fully and promptly.

  • Identify who is in charge of your claim. Get their name & direct number. They are key to achieving a successful claim, so it helps to establish a positive, collaborative relationship with this person.

  • Keep a phone log: List date, time, who you spoke to, and a summary of each convo.

IF YOUR CLAIM IS DENIED:

Ask for written documentation as to why. Was it a lack of proper information or another reason? Ask if you can resubmit your claim or how to appeal the denial. Never accept a denial if you feel you legitimately suffered a covered loss. Often the difference between a full claim payment and a denial is how hard you’re willing to advocate for yourself. Refer to your copies of paperwork and phone logs. Be firm, but not antagonistic; yelling or foul language will only hurt your cause. If you don’t feel like you’re being treated fairly, ask for a supervisor. You can also file complaints with the company or your state’s Dept. of Insurance. Don't threaten to sue. If you decide you need an attorney, it's best not to threaten in advance.


IF YOU’RE FACING EVICTION IN DAVIDSON COUNTY:

If you are having housing problems, call the Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands. If you are having housing problems, call us at 833-837-HOME and leave a message.
Please include:

  • Your name

  • Your date of birth

  • Your phone number

They will return your call as soon as we can.
If you have a court date, please say the date in your message.

They may be able to help if:

  • You are being evicted

  • Your landlord locked you out or shut off your utilities

  • You received a notice on your door telling you to leave your home

  • You are at risk of losing your Section 8 voucher or other income-based housing

  • Your landlord treated you unfairly because of your race, color, gender, religion, disability, where you are from, or because you have children

  • You have a disability and are having problems with your housing

Visit this website for more Know Your Rights information in 8 different languages: evictionhelp


RESOURCES:

  • Nat’l Assoc of Ins. Comms. “Protecting your Belongings with Renters Insurance” NAIC.org

  • The American Policyholder Association “How to Self Advocate in an Insurance Dispute” APassociation.org

ALE COVERAGE IN HOMEOWNERS/RENTERS INSURANCE

We often see survivors in disaster zones whose homes are uninhabitable but don't realize that they have a provision in their homeowners or renters insurance known as “ALE” coverage to help offset costs of a place to stay. You should make sure you ask your agent or claims representative if you have this coverage since they may not bring it up when you call in your claim. Calling in for details on your ALE coverage should be one of the first calls you make since having a stable, secure place to stay is so important after the trauma of a loss.


In short ALE stands for “Additional Living Expense”. If you are displaced from your home due to a

covered peril, your homeowners policy will have a provision likely under Coverage D "Loss or Use". If you have renters insurance, ALE is one of the 3 main coverages listed in the policy (Personal Property, Liability, ALE/Loss of Use). Within that section of the policy it will describe what coverage the policy provides. This provision is to provide enough resources for your family to maintain their normal standard of living.


The coverage may have time or value based limits or a combination of both. For example; your policy may provide ALE for 3 months or $2,000.00 whichever comes first.


It is important to read the policy to understand what exactly it provides. If you've just experienced a disaster, ask your agent what kind of ALE coverage you have. You can also request a copy of your policy to verify details of coverage.


If the covered property is not damaged, but you are required to evacuate, there may be coverage for that under "Civil Authority Prohibits Use"


Additional Living Expense is often arranged as a reimbursement; meaning that you’ll have to pay the expenses out of pocket and submit to your insurer to be paid back. ALE coverage is something that should be understood and managed since it is not a pot of unlimited resources. It is rare to have a policy with “unlimited ALE" so make sure you plan the use of this resource carefully, especially if it looks as though you’ll be displaced for an extended period of time.


Additional Tips for ALE Coverage

  • Be prepared to prove to your insurer that your home is uninhabitable due to a peril covered by your policy (wind, fire, etc)

  • Document all expenses and keep receipts (digitize by scanning or with pictures on your phone since it's easy to lose receipts

  • Keep your insurer in the loop regarding arrangements your making to avoid surprises later

  • If Denied: Get a detailed explanation as to why (preferably in writing

Elizabeth Madeira
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