Many residents are left without power, closed schools and little to do besides pick up and sort yard debris, or stand in line for supplies. Cabin fever sets in, kids get rambunctious, ice becomes a quest. Here's how to stay safe -- and sane -- during the long recovery period.
Next time, be prepared
Wilma's winds may have departed, but now comes the modern family's real nightmare: No TV, no Internet, no cold soda, hot showers or, even more galling, reliable cell phone service.Coping with stress: A guide for families
If the hurricane is gone but your psyche still seems to be as much in need of repair as your shredded home, you've got emotional stress.
Back to Basics: Utilities
Electricity
Return of power could be harmful
The return of electricity after a hurricane usually is a time to celebrate, but it also can be the start of a tragedy.Stay safe during repairs
Many homeowners want to put their hurricane-damaged property back in shape quickly, and in most cases they can make emergency repairs without permits, building officials say.Keep your food safe
Before you cook, assess the safety of your food. Toss out any food that may have come in contact with floodwaters. When in doubt, throw it out.Water tips
Pay attention to local authorities about the status of your water supply. Use only bottled or disinfected water for drinking and cooking until the public water supplies have been declared safe.
Creative food ideas
Hurricane Wilma is gone, but we're a long way from normal. Food and food preparation is still a big problem for many.Insurance numbers
Here are phone numbers, some of which are activated only after a storm, for insurance questions:
Filing a claim
Try to call your agent immediately. Most major insurers have toll-free numbers.An insurance Q&A
Steps to follow when filing a post-storm claim
Q. Should I wait to see my adjuster before I start making permanent repairs?
Beware of dishonest laborers
Roofers, carpenters and trades people from around the country are heading to South Florida to help rebuild and cash in on a windfall. Most will be honest and qualified, some won't.
Be safe from looting
Looters can take advantage of the chaos in the days after a hurricane.
Avoid price gouging
A steady stream of price-gouging complaints for everything from inflated gas prices to jacked-up hotel rates have been filed with the state by those coping in Hurricane Wilma's wake.
Prevent mold: Get the wet out now
If your home was damaged by Hurricane Wilma, mold may be growing, and, in most cases, your insurance policy won't cover the cleanup. Experts say allowing the mold to grow can affect your health as well as your property values.Dealing with a post-storm pool
After a hurricane, your swimming pool may be a haven for mosquitoes and a repository for debris. Here's how to remedy those problems:House hints
Getting your house back to normal can help you get back to normal.
FEMA FAQs
Residents of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties have been declared eligible to receive individual financial aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Here are some commonly asked questions about disaster assistance:
How you can help hurricane victims
American Red Cross, accepting financial contributions at www.redcross.org or mail to: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Specify Hurricane Wilma Relief. Volunteers are welcome at 6710 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation 33313. Call 954-797-3800 or 954-763-9900.
