In the aftermath of a disaster, the truth is that pictures can be worth thousands of dollars when making claims for assistance with Insurance Companies and FEMA. It is highly recommended that homeowners begin the process of preventing further damage as soon as possible. Often that means before inspectors arrive.
Insurance companies and FEMA recommend that you document the damage in every room with photographs of each wall, the floor, floor covering, the ceiling, and the contents of the room. We recommend at least seven different views for each room. You should also photograph and make notes about items that are damaged. Photographs should also be kept of all exterior surfaces (roof, walls, foundation). High watermarks should be well documented in all cases.
These photos will provide your insurer and FEMA with an accurate record of your damage and allow you to begin cleanup, exclusion of further damage, and drying for mold issues at the earliest possible time. Prevention of further damage can save thousands of dollars if issues are not addressed in a timely manner.
Do not wait for mold cleanup and weatherization protection measures assuming FEMA and your county will offer a buyout. You also do not need to wait for a FEMA inspector before protecting your home from further damage. Get started as soon as possible to limit further damage. One important and easy to overlook issue is the removal of wet insulation when tarping a roof. Otherwise, recurring mold will become an issue.
Once you have the photographs and notes, start a file to keep these items together. As you begin to work, you should also keep all receipts in this folder as evidence of expenditures. Keep this file in a safe and secure place. The file will be very useful when dealing with insurance adjusters and FEMA inspectors and may be requested in the event you need to file an appeal.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance company for more information.