Expert Advises Taking Home Photos Before Storms

Simple step could make major difference in insurance claims after disaster strikes.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:54pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting featuring a small, isolated house dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of an approaching storm, conveying the sublime power of nature.Homeowners are advised to thoroughly document their property before severe weather strikes, as visual proof can make a critical difference when filing insurance claims.Oklahoma City Today

Experts recommend taking photos and videos of your home and belongings, including small items, before severe weather hits. This documentation can be crucial when filing insurance claims after a disaster, as it helps prove what was lost and the pre-loss condition of the property.

Why it matters

Without visual proof of your possessions, homeowners may struggle to remember and document everything they lost, leading to lower insurance payouts. This simple step can save time, stress, and ensure you receive the full amount owed on your claim.

The details

Public insurance adjuster Jeffrey Whitson advises taking comprehensive photos and videos of your home, both inside and out, including furniture, electronics, closets, cabinets, and even junk drawers. This level of documentation can make a significant difference, as insurance companies only pay about 60% of what's owed on average without proper proof of losses.

  • Experts recommend taking photos and videos once a quarter or once a year, before severe weather season.

The players

Jeffrey Whitson

A public insurance adjuster at Brown O'Haver who advises homeowners to thoroughly document their homes and belongings before disasters strike.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe once a quarter or even once a year, really go around and take photos of the things that you got and not just the big stuff, the small stuff too.”

— Jeffrey Whitson, Public Insurance Adjuster

“You may not know how much stuff you have in your junk drawer. You may not know how many pairs of socks you have, or your cosmetics that you may have, your consumables, cleaners, paints and stains, tools that have been sitting in your garage or your workshop for some time.”

— Jeffrey Whitson, Public Insurance Adjuster

“On average, insurance companies only pay about 60% of what's owed for the claim.”

— Jeffrey Whitson, Public Insurance Adjuster

What’s next

Experts also recommend uploading the photos and videos to the cloud in case your phone is damaged during a disaster.

The takeaway

This simple step of thoroughly documenting your home and belongings before a storm can make a significant difference in the amount of money you receive from your insurance company after a disaster, helping to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.