Hurricane Matthew hit the Southeastern part of the United States hard. Residents returning to their homes may be confused on what to do next. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided some tips to help:

• Listen to your local officials for instructions and updates
• Check in with your family and friends via text or social media
• If you were evacuated, only return home when authorities give you the go-ahead
• Watch for debris and fallen power liens
• Avoid walking or driving in flood waters. A mere six inches of flood-water can knock a person down and fast-moving waters can sweep a car away
• Photograph the damage done to your property
• File an insurance claim as soon as possible
• If possible, take steps to prevent further damage to your property, such as putting a tarp on a roof that has been damaged