Document the damage before cleanup changes what the insurance adjuster can see. Once it is safe, take wide photographs showing each affected area, followed by close-ups of individual damage.
Photograph damaged ceilings, flooring, furniture, appliances, windows, and exterior surfaces accessible from the ground. For water damage, capture visible waterlines and affected materials. Do not climb onto a damaged roof to gather evidence.
Create an inventory identifying damaged belongings, their approximate ages, and available purchase information. Record appliance model and serial numbers. Save receipts, repair invoices, and any photographs showing your property's condition before the hurricane.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program provides specific guidance on documenting flood damage, including photographing items before disposal and retaining repair receipts. These recordkeeping practices are also useful when organizing other hurricane damage.
If an item presents a health hazard, document it before disposing of it safely.
The Bottom Line from twwlawfirm.com: Build your own record of the loss. Clear photographs and an organized inventory help explain what was damaged and what needs replacing.
(This legal/medical information is for general educational purposes only. While it applies in many situations, no attorney-client relationship is formed—which enables a lawyer to give specific legal advice—until you have spoken to the lawyer directly and retained him or her in writing.)