COMPLETE BANNER ✅ You're fully prepared. Keep your photos, documents, and inventory somewhere safe and accessible before the storm arrives. WARNING CALLOUT ⚠️ Documentation before the storm is the most overlooked step Once a hurricane or severe storm hits, there is no way to recreate a pre-storm record of your home and belongings. Without it, insurance disputes, delayed claim approvals, and underpaid settlements become far more likely. A few hours of preparation today can prevent months of recovery complications later. PROBLEM CARDS What homeowners face without pre-storm preparation 🗂️ Destroyed records Documents lost in the same storm you're trying to claim against ⚖️ Adjuster disputes No documentation means no leverage in claim negotiations 🧾 Lost receipts Difficult to prove value or ownership without purchase records 🕐 Delayed claims Weeks or months of waiting due to incomplete documentation CHECKLIST SECTION LABEL Pre-storm checklist — check off each item as you complete it CARD 1: Inside Photos 📷 Photograph inside your home 0 of 6 items completed 0/6 Furniture and appliances Electronics and entertainment systems Bedrooms, closets, and storage areas Kitchen cabinets and pantry items Valuable personal items (jewelry, tools) Open drawers so contents are visible CARD 2: Outside Photos 🏠 Photograph exterior of your home 0 of 7 items completed 0/7 Full exterior from multiple angles Roof condition from safe ground level Windows and doors Garage and detached sheds Fencing and landscaping Outdoor furniture and equipment Driveway and walkways 💡 These images establish your pre-storm property condition — critical evidence if wind or water damage is later disputed. CARD 3: Inventory 📋 Create a written home inventory 0 of 5 items completed 0/5 Item descriptions for each room Estimated values listed Purchase dates where known Serial numbers for electronics and appliances Receipts or proof of purchase when available 💡 Store this list digitally and review it every year to keep it current. CARD 4: Legal Docs 📄 Secure your legal and insurance documents 0 of 6 items completed 0/6 Homeowners insurance policy Flood insurance policy (if applicable) Property deed or title documents Mortgage paperwork Identification documents Medical and emergency contact information CARD 5: Physical Storage 🔒 Store physical documents safely 0 of 4 items completed 0/4 Waterproof and fire-resistant safe or bag Deeds, policies, and ID stored securely Safe kept in an accessible location Backup set stored in a second location CARD 6: Cloud Backup ☁️ Upload everything to cloud storage 0 of 5 items completed 0/5 Photos and videos of home interior Photos and videos of home exterior Home inventory list Insurance and legal documents Receipts for high-value items 💡 Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or any encrypted storage platform works. This ensures access even if all physical copies are destroyed. CARD 7: Emergency Contacts 📞 Compile emergency contact information 0 of 5 items completed 0/5 Insurance company phone numbers Policy numbers listed Local emergency and utility contacts Contractor and restoration service contacts Family emergency contacts 💡 Keep both a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy in your document safe. CARD 8: Notify Insurer 🏦 Notify and update your insurance company 0 of 4 items completed 0/4 Updated property inventory sent or confirmed Coverage limits reviewed and verified Contact information confirmed current Recent home upgrades or renovations documented 💡 Confirming your coverage limits before a storm gives you time to address any gaps — you cannot increase coverage after damage occurs. BENEFIT CARDS Why this preparation helps after a hurricane ⚡ Faster claims Complete records reduce review and processing time 🛡️ Fewer disputes Clear documentation reduces adjuster pushback 📜 Proven ownership Easier to demonstrate item values and condition 🏗️ Faster rebuilding Documentation supports quicker recovery and repair CTA CARD ⚖️ If your insurer denies or underpays your storm claim Even with thorough documentation, insurance companies in Alabama can dispute, delay, or undervalue claims after a hurricane or severe storm. Johnston, Moore & Weston helps homeowners across Huntsville and North Alabama fight back against denied and underpaid insurance claims. Request a free consultation Call 256-533-5770
