Exterior
- wide views of each side
- roofline from the ground
- fallen limbs
- windows, doors, and visible entry points
Homeowner guide
Storm damage photo checklist for North Alabama homes
A safe documentation list for exterior damage, water entry, rooms, contents, and temporary protection.
Call for storm-damage help · (858) 393-6797This line is for storm-damage help. It may connect you with an independent participating provider. Availability varies by location and damage type. The publisher may be compensated for a qualifying call.
Why this record matters
Photographs should preserve the relationship between exterior damage, water entry, affected rooms, contents, and temporary protection. Wide context images are as important as closeups.
Interior
- each affected room
- ceiling and wall stains
- flooring and contents
- rooms below the visible leak
Records
- storm date and time
- temporary repairs
- receipts
- provider names and arrival times
Questions before the next decision
- Is the area safe to photograph?
- What exterior feature failed?
- Where did water travel indoors?
- What temporary work changed the scene?
- Which receipts and provider records belong with the photos?
Keep one chronological file
Save photographs, source-repair notes, authorizations, estimates, readings, equipment dates, receipts, invoices, and written completion evidence in date order. Keep mitigation, contents, and reconstruction records separate.
Using the checklist
Storm documentation questions
Which storm-damage photos matter most?
Start with wide views that establish each side of the property and each affected room. Add closeups of entry points, damaged materials, water paths, contents, and temporary protection. Photograph only from a safe location.
What should be photographed before temporary repairs?
Record the opening or damage, surrounding roofline or wall, interior path, affected rooms, and contents before conditions change. Safety comes first, so do not climb onto a roof or enter an unstable area for a photo.
What records belong with the photos?
Keep the storm date and time, weather alerts, provider names, arrival times, authorizations, temporary-repair receipts, estimates, and later completion evidence in the same chronological file.
Related decisions
Apply this checklist to the matching service decision.
Reference points
Use sources that match this decision.
National Weather Service Huntsville
Current local watches, warnings, forecasts, and event information.
National Weather Service severe-thunderstorm safety
Official safety guidance for severe wind, hail, lightning, tornado, and flash-flood hazards.
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
State consumer guidance for checking licensing, references, insurance, written scope, and payment terms.