What NOT to do after a disaster

"There's no disaster that can't become a blessing, and no blessing that can't become a disaster"-Richard Bach

From MSN Money I spotted these after-the-disaster do's and don'ts. I'm going to focus on the DON'T in this posting.

• Don’t travel if you can avoid it. Roads and conditions may be dangerous.


• Don’t cross moving water by car or foot.


• Do not try to repair damaged gas or electrical lines yourself


• Do not use tap water until it is announced safe. Boiling may kill bacteria in the water but won’t remove any contaminants like sewage.


• Do not eat food in boxes or cans that have touched floodwaters
  Never use a power generator inside the house, the carbon monoxide may kill you. Do not plug it into the main house power lines.


• Don’t assume the insurer or government will take care of everything


• Don’t turn on water-damaged appliances without having them inspected


• Make emergency repairs as needed but don’t remove evidence of damage. The insurer needs to see the damage before they’ll pay for it.


• Don't accept the services of companies that drive through damaged neighborhoods immediately after a disaster – these may be scam artists


• Don't open the door to an insurance adjuster or inspector without an ID badge. Thieves use this ruse to gain entry to homes after disasters.


• Don’t sign away your rights. Some insurers may offer quick cash up front from emergency repairs but require that you sign away all future claims. Read carefully anything you’re asked to sign and don’t sign if you don’t understand it.


• Don’t assume the insurer is giving you their best offer. Read your policy and see what your rights are. If you think the insurer is acting unfairly, contact your state insurance department.


• Don’t miss deadlines for filing claims.