• Contact your insurance company or agent immediately if you sustained property or
automobile damage as a result of the storm.
• Read your policy carefully so you understand what is covered and what is not.
• If you have to relocate temporarily, make sure the insurance company or agent knows your temporary address and telephone number.
• Take photographs or video of the damaged areas. This will help you with your claims and will assist the insurance company in their investigation of your claim.
• Make only those repairs necessary to prevent any further damage to your home or
business. This includes covering roofs, walls or windows with plywood, canvas or other
waterproof material. Do not have permanent repairs made without consulting your agent or company. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed.
• Before you remove any damaged property from the premises, be sure an insurance adjuster or your agent has seen the damage so they can work up a damage and loss assessment. This is especially important if state or local officials have to begin debris removal operations on your property.
• Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and for temporary living expenses if needed.
• As soon as you can, prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed property.  Give one copy to the insurance adjuster and be sure to keep a copy. Your list should include a description of the item and quantity, if more than one, date of purchase or approximate age, cost at the time of purchase, and estimated replacement cost today. Include as much information as possible.
• If you hire a public adjuster, understand that your insurance company may or may not agree with that person’s estimate of damage. They are not obligated to follow what a public adjuster determines to be your loss.
• Even if your property is declared condemned, the property may not be a total loss. Your insurance company may decide it can be repaired. To fully protect your ability to make a claim and be paid, you must be sure your insurance company adjuster has fully inspected the damage.
• If your insurance company denies any part of your claim, keep all the paperwork they send you. You will need it if your area is declared a disaster by the federal government. In that case, you may be eligible to file for federal relief.