Storm’s Over, Now What? A Survival Guide to Insurance and FEMA Recovery

About the Webinar:

This critical session provided charter school leaders with essential guidance on navigating the complex aftermath of natural disasters, focusing on insurance claims processes and FEMA reimbursement procedures. Ron Danzey from Palm Bay Education Group, along with Ismary Cardoso and Chelsea Oakes from Egis Insurance and Risk Advisors, shared hard-won insights from real-world storm recovery experiences, emphasizing that preparation before disaster strikes is just as important as response afterward. The presenters walked attendees through the immediate steps schools should take following a hurricane or other catastrophic event, including conducting thorough damage assessments, documenting losses with detailed photographs and records, notifying insurance carriers and FEMA promptly, and implementing emergency protective measures to prevent further damage. They stressed the importance of understanding insurance policy coverage, deductibles, and exclusions before disaster occurs, and explained how proper documentation during the recovery phase can significantly impact reimbursement outcomes.

The session provided detailed, practical guidance on working with insurance adjusters, managing the claims process, and maximizing FEMA Public Assistance funding—a critical resource that can cover emergency response costs, debris removal, facility repairs, and equipment replacement for eligible nonprofit charter schools. Cardoso and Oakes explained FEMA’s categories of work, eligible versus ineligible expenses, required documentation standards, and common pitfalls that can delay or reduce reimbursement. They emphasized that FEMA recovery is a lengthy, paperwork-intensive process requiring meticulous record-keeping, including tracking labor hours, equipment usage, contractor invoices, and all storm-related expenditures. The presenters also addressed coordination between insurance proceeds and FEMA funding, highlighting that schools must navigate requirements to avoid duplication of benefits while maximizing total recovery. Attendees left with actionable checklists, documentation templates, and strategies for assembling the right recovery team—including insurance advisors, FEMA consultants, and legal counsel—to ensure their schools can recover financially and reopen quickly following disaster, protecting both their facilities and their ability to serve students.