How to Document Damage for FEMA

To document damage for FEMA and an insurance claim, make sure everyone is safe, then take clear photos and videos of all damage before cleanup, repairs, or disposal. Report your insurance claim as soon as you can, save photos and receipts, and use the same records if you apply for FEMA assistance.

After a hurricane, flood, tornado, wildfire, or other disaster, it can be hard to know what to do first. Start with safety. Then make a clear record of what happened.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. NOAA lists the official season dates.

Right after the disaster: stay safe, then document storm damage

Do not enter an unsafe building. Follow local emergency instructions. Once it is safe, photograph and film damage before you clean up.

FEMA says to take photos and videos inside and outside your home, including personal property, closets, and cabinets. Take wide photos to show the full area, then close photos to show details.

Work room by room so you do not miss anything.

What to photograph

For each affected area, take photos or videos of:

The full room, taken from the doorway when possible.
Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and visible roof damage.
Water lines, mud, soot, broken glass, fallen trees, or fire damage.
Furniture, electronics, clothing, tools, and other personal property.
Closets, cabinets, drawers, and storage spaces.
Damaged areas outside, including siding, fences, sheds, driveways, and equipment.
Labels, make, model, and serial numbers on large appliances.
Short videos that slowly show the entire room or outdoor area.

FEMA also says to keep samples of damaged carpet, wallpaper, upholstery, and drapes when possible. Keep records and receipts for repairs and replacement items. Read FEMA’s damage documentation guidance for more details.

Insurance first, then FEMA

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, file that insurance claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot pay for losses that insurance already covers.

Report the claim as soon as possible. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which represents state insurance regulators, says to tell your insurer that you have photos and videos. Gather any photos you had of your home before the disaster too.

You may be able to apply for FEMA only after your area receives a major disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance. When you apply, FEMA may ask for your insurance information and your insurance settlement or denial letter. That helps FEMA understand what insurance covered and what it did not cover. See FEMA’s information on insurance and disaster assistance.

Applying to FEMA and preparing for an inspection

When you apply, FEMA may ask for:

The address of the damaged home.
A description of the damage.
Photos of the damage.
Receipts for disaster-related expenses.
Insurance information.
Proof that you owned or lived in the home, if needed.

Proof of ownership or occupancy can include utility bills or a property tax bill. FEMA explains what it may ask for during an application.

You can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

The standard FEMA application period is 60 days after the disaster declaration. It may be extended, and FEMA may accept some late applications. Check the deadline for your own disaster. Do not assume every disaster has the same deadline.

FEMA may verify damage through an in-person or remote inspection. Inspectors may call to schedule it. Have your photos, videos, photo ID, insurance policy, and proof of ownership or occupancy ready. FEMA inspectors never charge a fee or ask for money or bank information. Learn more in FEMA’s home inspection information.

Photos for an insurance claim: what to do before repairs

Be ready to give the adjuster the exact date the damage occurred. The Florida Department of Financial Services says the approximate time can also help.

Take photos before work begins. Then take more as work happens and when it is finished. These before and after repair photos can help you keep a clear record of the damage and repairs.

Temporary repairs versus permanent repairs

Protect your home from further damage if it is safe to do so. You may need emergency work to limit water damage or protect an opening. Take photos first and keep receipts for emergency repairs.

Do not make permanent repairs before talking with your insurer or before the adjuster has seen the damage. The NAIC says an insurer may not pay for permanent repairs it did not authorize. Texas Department of Insurance guidance also says not to make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage.

Before work starts, photograph:

The complete damaged area.
The visible cause of damage, if safe to photograph.
Materials that need repair or replacement.
Temporary protective work.
Estimates and invoices.

After work is complete, photograph the repaired area from similar angles. The Florida department recommends photos before and after repairs.

Should you keep or throw away damaged items?

Official guidance differs. FEMA says flooded items that are a health risk can be thrown away after you photograph them. Texas says not to throw anything away until the adjuster tells you.

A practical approach is:

Photograph everything first.
Keep damaged items when it is safe to keep them.
Photograph unsafe items before disposing of them.
Ask your insurer before throwing away damaged property.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance also says to photograph and list damage before temporary repairs and tell the insurer you have photos.

If your car was flooded, take photos of it in the water if that is safe. Texas says flood damage to a car may be covered if you have comprehensive coverage. See its flood claim guidance.

For National Flood Insurance Program policies, the Proof of Loss form is due within 60 days after the date of loss. This is an insurance deadline, not a FEMA assistance application deadline. Review FEMA’s NFIP Proof of Loss guidance.

Do damage photos need a date and time stamp?

The official sources in this guide do not ask for a date stamp, time stamp, GPS coordinates, or a particular app on damage photos. FEMA, the NAIC, and the state insurance departments reviewed here ask people to take photos and videos, but they do not require those marks.

Still, visible date, time, and location details can help organize your records. They can help show that photos were taken before cleanup and separate before and after repair photos. They can also help connect the images to the date of loss you discuss with your insurer.

Because the details are visible on the image, they can still be seen when a photo is forwarded by email or a messaging app. That may make it easier for a family member, insurer, adjuster, or FEMA reviewer to understand the photo.

How to timestamp photos for an insurance claim with Timemark

Timemark is a free camera app for Android and iPhone. When you take a photo in Timemark, it can print the date, time, address, and GPS location directly on the image. You can also add an optional note.

To use Timemark while you document storm damage:

Download Timemark on your iPhone or Android phone.
Allow location access so the app can add the address and GPS location to new photos.
Turn on Photo Code if you want a Photo Code printed on those photos.
Take photos in the app as you move through each room and outdoor area.
Add a short note, such as “Kitchen ceiling,” “Flooded car,” or “Bedroom before cleanup.”
Keep the original photo files with your videos, receipts, estimates, and claim number.
Export a PDF photo report when you need an organized file to share. Learn more about creating photo reports.

The time shown by Timemark comes from the network, not your phone clock. Photos taken with Photo Code turned on include a code printed on the image. A person who receives that photo can use the Timemark photo verification page to check the Photo Code.

You can take Timemark photos with a weak signal. Data can sync when the connection returns.

Common mistakes that can slow down your next steps

Avoid these problems when you document damage:

Cleaning up before taking photos and videos.
Taking only close photos and not showing the full room or area.
Forgetting closets, cabinets, storage spaces, and outdoor damage.
Throwing away items before photographing them or asking the insurer.
Making permanent repairs before speaking with the insurer.
Losing receipts for emergency repairs or replacements.
Forgetting to report the claim promptly.
Missing your disaster-specific FEMA application deadline.
Sharing only a few photos instead of keeping a complete set of originals.

If you disagree with a FEMA decision, you generally have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to appeal. FEMA explains the process in its appeal guidance.

For a roofing contractor checklist, see Timemark’s separate storm damage roof inspection guide.

Quick damage documentation checklist

Make sure the area is safe.
Take wide and close photos inside and outside.
Record short videos of each damaged room.
Photograph personal property, closets, cabinets, and appliances.
Write down makes, models, and serial numbers.
Record the date damage occurred and the approximate time.
File your insurance claim and tell the insurer you have photos.
Keep receipts for emergency repairs and replacements.
Do not make permanent repairs before speaking with the insurer.
Photograph unsafe items before disposal and ask the insurer about discarding them.
Apply for FEMA if your disaster is eligible and check your own deadline.
Keep your records together for an insurer, adjuster, or FEMA inspection.

This article is general information. Follow the official instructions that apply to your situation.

FAQ

What photos does FEMA need?

FEMA asks for photos of damage to your home and personal property. Take photos and videos inside and outside, including closets, cabinets, appliances, furniture, and other damaged belongings. Keep receipts and other records with your photos.

Do photos for an insurance claim need a timestamp?

The official FEMA and insurance regulator sources in this guide do not require a timestamp, GPS coordinates, or a particular app. A visible date, time, and location can still help organize records. Ask your insurer whether it has its own photo instructions for your claim.

Can I clean up before the FEMA inspection?

Yes. FEMA says you do not need to wait for a FEMA or flood insurance inspection to begin cleanup, as long as you document the damage first. Take photos and videos before cleanup, and keep receipts for related expenses.

Should I make repairs before the insurance adjuster visits?

You may need temporary emergency repairs to prevent more damage. Take photos and keep receipts. Do not make permanent repairs before talking with your insurer or before the adjuster has seen the damage.

Should I throw away damaged furniture and belongings?

Photograph all damaged items first. Keep items that are safe to keep, and ask your insurer before discarding them. If an item is unsafe because of flooding or another health risk, photograph it before disposal.

Do I apply to insurance or FEMA first?

File your homeowners, renters, or flood insurance claim first if you have coverage. FEMA may ask for your insurance settlement or denial letter because FEMA cannot pay for losses already covered by insurance.

How to Document Damage for FEMA and Insurance Claims