Damage guide
Natural disaster recovery
After a major disaster, federal, state and local assistance may be available. DisasterAssistance.gov and FEMA provide official information.
Immediate safety considerations
- • Follow official evacuation and re-entry guidance.
- • Be alert to aftershocks, flooding and unstable structures.
If anyone is in danger, call 911.
How to document the damage
- Only document damage once it is safe to be in the area.
- Take wide photos of each room, then close-ups of specific damage.
- Record a short video walkthrough narrating what you see.
- Write down the date and time you discovered the damage.
- Keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, when it is safe and sanitary to do so.
- Save receipts for emergency supplies, temporary repairs and lodging.
When to contact your insurer
Contact your insurer(s). Ask about deadlines, which may be extended after declared disasters in some states.
We can't tell you whether a loss is covered — only your policy and insurer can.
Professionals who may help
Common terms
- Disaster declaration
- An official declaration that can unlock government assistance programs.
Questions to ask potential contractors
- • Are you licensed for this work in my state or city? Can I see the license number?
- • Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can you provide certificates?
- • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate before starting?
- • Who will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?
- • What are your payment terms? (Be cautious of large upfront payments.)
- • Will you obtain any required permits?
- • Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs?
- • What will you need from me to support documentation for my insurer?