On November 3, KNAU reported that communities across central and northern Arizona were assessing flood damage after the governor declared a state of emergency. If a storm damages your home, a simple record can help you explain what happened and keep repair information in one place.
What to document after storm damage
Once you can safely enter, take wide photos of each affected room and close-ups of visible damage. Keep the original files and note the date and location.
Make a list of damaged belongings. Include the room, item, make, model, serial number if available, and any receipt or earlier photo you can find.
Save repair estimates, invoices, cleanup receipts and messages about the damage together. Keep a copy somewhere you can access away from home.
Build your home inventory while everything is intact
Start with the equipment you would have trouble identifying after a storm. Photograph the labels on your water heater, HVAC equipment and major appliances. Add purchase dates, manuals and receipts to your ShutSafe Home Record. A quick room-by-room photo walk gives you a baseline to update when you replace something.
