November 23, 2011: Try not to lose sight of the smaller financial losses, which can quickly add up. Contact utilities providers to confirm you aren't being billed for interrupted service, says Karen Carlson, director of education at InCharge Debt Solutions, a nonprofit credit counseling agency in Florida. She also recommends contacting creditors to discuss suspending or restructuring payments. "In most cases, (creditors) have relief programs for customers that have been impacted by disaster." Read more.