After a hurricane you may have tarps on the roof, debris in the yard, and temporary living arrangements. Be reachable for scheduling, keep keys and IDs ready, and photograph damage before it disappears under repairs.
Wind-related damage
- Roof covering loss, punctures, ridge damage (photograph from safe ground when possible)
- Broken windows, doors, screens, and garage doors
- Soffit, fascia, and siding failure
- Tree impact to structure or critical systems
- Interior water stains that line up with roof or window failures
Water & surge
- Treat surge and heavy rain intrusion like flood documentation: water lines, levels, entry points
- Separate "roof leak from missing shingles" from "standing water from outside flooding" when both happened
- More detail: flood inspection tips
Temporary repairs are fine - document first
Tarps, plywood, and emergency roof work protect the home. Take photos of the damage before covering it when you can. Keep receipts for materials. Tell the inspector what was temporary and what was permanent repair.
Access & scheduling chaos
- Phone numbers change after evacuations - update contact info on the official application site.
- Answer unknown numbers around appointment windows.
- Clear a path through debris if safe; mark hazards (nails, unstable trees).
- If the home is not accessible, follow FEMA guidance; remote options are limited and situational.
Boats, RVs, and non-standard homes
Some disasters include unique living situations (for example a boat as a residence). Be ready to prove occupancy and point to storm-related damage clearly. Field stories vary widely; keep documentation tight and use official channels for eligibility questions.
Common mistakes after hurricanes
- Claiming all wear-and-tear as storm damage (old roof age vs missing shingles from this event)
- No photos of the blue roof period before permanent work
- Assuming the inspector will "just know" which tree was the neighbor's problem
- Trying to game water height or interior loss without exterior consistency - see honesty