Emergency Housing After Home Damage in Tulsa – What to Do First
When disaster strikes your Tulsa home, finding immediate temporary housing becomes a top priority. Whether you’re dealing with fire damage, severe storm damage, or water damage, here’s your step-by-step guide to securing emergency housing quickly and efficiently.
Need Housing Right Now?
HeyStay Emergency Hotline: 918-992-0533
Available 24/7 for immediate placement in Tulsa, Jenks, and Broken Arrow
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before worrying about housing, make sure:
– Everyone is safe and accounted for
– You’ve contacted emergency services if needed
– The property is secure from further damage
– You have essential medications and documents
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Call Within 24 Hours
Most Oklahoma insurance policies require prompt notification of claims. When you call:
– Report the loss immediately
– Ask about ALE (Additional Living Expenses) coverage
– Get your claim number
– Ask about preferred housing providers
– Clarify your daily/monthly housing limits
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Adjuster:
– “What’s my ALE coverage limit?”
– “How long is my coverage period?”
– “Do I need pre-approval for housing?”
– “What documentation do you require?”
– “Can you recommend housing providers?”
Step 3: Document Everything
Take Photos/Videos:
– Damage to your home (exterior and interior)
– Damaged personal belongings
– Any temporary repairs you make
Keep All Receipts:
– Hotel stays
– Meals (if you normally cook at home)
– Transportation costs
– Emergency supplies
Step 4: Find Immediate Temporary Housing
Tulsa Area Emergency Housing Options:
1. Insurance-Approved Providers
– Fully furnished homes (like HeyStay)
– Extended stay hotels
– Corporate housing companies
2. Traditional Hotels (Short-term)
– Embassy Suites Tulsa
– Homewood Suites
– Residence Inn
– Local extended stay properties
3. Rental Properties
– Short-term vacation rentals
– Month-to-month apartment rentals
– Corporate housing specialists
Why Choose Furnished Homes Over Hotels
For Families:
– More space – separate bedrooms and living areas
– Kitchen facilities – maintain normal routines
– Cost-effective – often less expensive than hotels long-term
– Pet-friendly options – many allow pets
– Neighborhood setting – less disruptive for children
For Insurance Claims:
– Direct billing available
– Detailed documentation provided
– Experience with ALE claims
– Professional references
Step 5: Consider Your Location Needs
Tulsa Neighborhoods to Consider:
South Tulsa
– Family-friendly
– Good schools
– Shopping and dining
– Quiet neighborhoods
Midtown Tulsa
– Close to downtown
– Cultural attractions
– Restaurants and nightlife
– Medical facilities
Jenks
– Top-rated schools
– Family-oriented
– 15 min to Tulsa
– Safe neighborhoods
Broken Arrow
– Suburban setting
– Good schools
– Easy highway access
– Lower cost of living
Step 6: What to Bring to Temporary Housing
Essential Items:
– Important documents (insurance policies, ID, medical records)
– Medications
– Several days’ worth of clothing
– Phone chargers
– Personal hygiene items
– Children’s comfort items
– Pet supplies (if applicable)
Step 7: Communicate with Your Adjuster
Keep Your Adjuster Informed About:
– Where you’re staying
– How long you expect to stay
– Any changes in housing arrangements
– Costs you’re incurring
– Restoration timeline updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t:
– Wait days to call your insurance company
– Choose luxury accommodations without approval
– Lose receipts and documentation
– Forget to consider school districts for children
– Sign long-term leases without insurance approval
Do:
– Act quickly but make informed decisions
– Keep detailed records of everything
– Choose reasonable accommodations
– Stay in communication with your adjuster
– Work with experienced housing providers
Tulsa-Specific Resources
Emergency Services:
– Tulsa Fire Department: (918) 596-9488
– American Red Cross Tulsa: (918) 831-1109
– Salvation Army Tulsa: (918) 585-8548
Insurance Companies with Local Offices:
– State Farm Tulsa offices
– Allstate Tulsa offices
– Farmers Insurance Tulsa
– USAA (phone service)
Long-Term Considerations
If Restoration Takes Months:
– School enrollment – enroll children in local schools
– Mail forwarding – set up with postal service
– Utility transfers – if moving to unfurnished rental
– Storage solutions – for undamaged belongings
HeyStay Can Help
We specialize in insurance claim housing throughout the Tulsa metro area:
– Same-day placement when available
– Direct insurance billing
– All required documentation provided
– 24/7 emergency response
– Experience with all major insurance companies
Emergency Hotline: 918-992-0533
Recovery Timeline Expectations
Typical Restoration Timeframes in Tulsa:
– Minor water damage: 2-4 weeks
– Major water damage: 1-3 months
– Fire damage: 3-6 months
– Storm damage: 1-4 months (depending on availability of contractors)
Remember: Every situation is unique. Work closely with your insurance adjuster and restoration contractors to get accurate timelines for your specific situation.
Final Checklist
Before settling into temporary housing, make sure you have:
– Contacted your insurance company
– Documented all damage
– Secured reasonable temporary housing
– Notified your adjuster of your housing choice
– Set up mail forwarding
– Enrolled children in schools if needed
– Arranged for pet care if needed
– Started keeping detailed expense records
The key to successful temporary housing during home restoration is acting quickly, staying organized, and working with experienced professionals who understand insurance requirements.