Severe weather in the Tennessee Valley doesn't end at the storm. The 7-day window after a major event is when smart homeowners act — and when bad actors descend on the area. Here's how to protect your home and your insurance claim.
Day 1: Document Before You Clean
Take photos before anyone touches anything. Date-stamp them. Photograph debris, fallen limbs, and damaged surfaces from multiple angles. This is the foundation of your insurance claim.
Day 1–2: Mitigate
Tarp anything actively leaking. Cover broken windows. Document the mitigation work. Save receipts — insurance reimburses reasonable mitigation costs.
Day 2–7: Inspect & File
Get a professional roof inspection from a local, licensed roofer (not a storm chaser). File your claim with your inspection report attached.
Beware Storm Chasers
Out-of-state contractors flood Alabama after major events. They typically demand insurance assignment up front, then disappear after collecting the first check. Use local, licensed, and verifiable contractors only.
Key Takeaways
- Document before you clean
- Tarp and mitigate within 24 hours
- Use a LOCAL licensed roofer
- File the claim with documentation
- Save every mitigation receipt
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a contractor is local?+
Ask for their Alabama business license number, look up their physical address, and check Google reviews dating back at least 2 years.