Tornado checklist: photograph before cleanup

Home repair is the boring part of a tornado story — until it decides whether you get paid. That is the real stakes here in Mississippi after the May 6 storms. People want to clear branches, drag ruined furniture to the curb, and slap tarps over holes fast. But the thing experts keep stressing is simple: document everything before you touch the mess. ### Why does “photograph first” matter so much? Because cleanup destroys evidence. A pile of shingles on the lawn, a bent gutter, a cracked window frame, soaked drywall — all of that helps show what the storm actually did. FEMA’s disaster-recovery guidance says to take photos and make a list of damage before cleanup, and to save receipts afterward. Ready.gov says the same thing in plainer terms — document first, then start the work. ### What happened in Mississippi? The storm outbreak on May 6 and 7 hit multiple Mississippi counties and left a long recovery trail behind. MEMA said seven tornadoes had been confirmed as of its May 8 update, with two EF3 tornadoes in Franklin and Lamar counties and thousands of power outages still being worked down. Separate reporting from state and local outlets said at least 17 people were injured and hundreds of homes were damaged. (fema.gov) ### What should homeowners document? Start outside, because wind damage is usually easier to miss than people think. The South Mississippi repair checklist tells homeowners to check roofing, gutters, fascia, siding, windows, doors, patio covers, and drainage paths before repair crews get too far into the job. FEMA adds a few less obvious items — photograph personal property, note appliance serial numbers, and keep samples of damaged materials when that could affect a claim. (msema.org) ### Can you still make emergency repairs? Yes — but do it in a way you can prove later. If rain is coming through a roof opening, tarp it. If a window is blown out, board it up. The catch is that temporary protection should come after photos and video if it is safe to pause for a few minutes. Keep receipts for tarps, plywood, hotel stays, and any contractor emergency callout, because those costs can matter in an insurance file. (southernhomeimprovement.com) ### What mistakes cause trouble later? The big one is throwing things away too soon. Another is signing cleanup or remediation contracts before talking to an insurer or adjuster. FEMA’s guidance warns people to consult their insurance company before signing those agreements, and to document electrical, water, or HVAC damage carefully if repair services need to step in fast. Basically, speed helps your house, but bad paperwork can hurt your claim. (southernhomeimprovement.com) ### Where does recovery stand now? Recovery is still active, not theoretical. MEMA said damage assessments were continuing over the weekend, and aid operations were still being coordinated. The Red Cross said teams were on the ground across several counties, and local coverage said shelters and assistance sites remained open for affected residents. ### So what’s the practical playbook? Take wide shots first. (fema.gov) Then close-ups. Photograph every room and every exterior side. Save damaged items until you know what your insurer wants. Write down what happened while it is fresh. Then make only the repairs needed to stop more damage. Think of it this way — cleanup is recovery, but documentation is leverage. ### Bottom line After a tornado, the first job is not hauling debris. It is creating a record before the scene changes. (msema.org) In Mississippi this week, that small delay could make the difference between a cleaner yard and a cleaner claim.