Steps To Take After Disaster

Documentation will be key as residents begin recovering from Tuesday’s tornado.

Cookeville Attorney, Henry Fincher said you should take pictures and gather proper documentation before major cleanup starts.

“The central means for most people’s recovery is going to be their home owners policy. Most home owner policies will cover tornado damage and wind damage. While most every policy has their own variations, most of them cover tornado damage, but the extent of the damage will have to be documented,” Fincher said.

According to Fincher, after a home owner gathers their policy and photos, file a claim with your insurance but beware of scammers while home owners seek help.

“Be careful whose help you accept, especially if they are wanting pay for it. Check them out online. Check out their reputation. Don’t hand over any money until you know who you are dealing with, and don’t pay for a completed job until the job is done.”

Fincher added before accepting the help of a contractor to rebuild, make sure a contract is written with calculated charges and timing of payments for the work.

Fincher says residents shouldn’t take any extreme risks when trying to sort through the damage.

“The most important part in any disaster recovery situation is safety first. Make sure to not go in where there might be power lines or things fallen down. Don’t risk physical safety just to get papers and things. They can be relocated and replaced,” Fincher said.