Document storm damage: printable checklist

Right away (before cleanup)

• Make sure everyone is safe. Stay clear of downed lines; call the power company.
• Take dated photos and video of everything damaged before you move or clean anything. Turn on the date stamp, or keep the original files (they carry the date).
• Shoot wide first (whole house, barn, fence line, driveway), then close-ups of each damaged spot.
• Put something in the photo for scale: a tape measure, a truck, a person.
• Photograph from every side of each building, and the roof if you can do it safely from the ground.
• For fences, walk the line and photograph each damaged section with a landmark or GPS pin.
• For trees, show where each one fell and what it hit or blocks (roof, fence, driveway, ramp).
• Record serial and model numbers on damaged equipment: well pump controls, generators, HVAC.
• Call your agent or insurer to report the damage, and write down the claim number, date, and who you spoke with.

Keep these

• Keep damaged items and debris until your insurer says you can throw them away. Policies usually require you to show the damaged property.
• Keep every receipt: tarps, lumber, chainsaw rental, hotel, meals if you had to leave home.
• Keep a written log: date, what happened, who you talked to, what they said.
• Keep copies of every estimate and invoice.

Emergency fixes only

• Do only what stops more damage: tarp a roof, cover a broken window, put up a temporary fence to hold livestock.
• Photograph before and after each emergency fix.
• Don't start full repairs until you have talked with your insurer.
• Don't sign over your insurance check, or sign a blank contract, for anyone.

Farm, ranch, or forest land: before ANY work

• If you might apply for USDA's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), apply BEFORE you start work. Buying materials, signing a contract, or starting work can count as starting.
• Take dated photos or video of the damage; FSA may also ask for third-party verification.
• Call your local FSA office as soon as you can.

Photo guide (one line per photo)

Photo # ____   What it shows ________________________   Date ______
Photo # ____   What it shows ________________________   Date ______
Photo # ____   What it shows ________________________   Date ______
Photo # ____   What it shows ________________________   Date ______

Prints as a blank log you can fill in by hand.