Arkansas communities from Vilonia to Jonesboro to Wynne have learned how much happens in the weeks after a tornado. The first month sets the foundation for everything that follows on the claim.
Days 1–3: Safety and notice
- Stay out of damaged structures until they’re safe. Watch for downed lines and gas leaks.
- Report the claim to your insurer and write down the claim number and adjuster contact.
- Photograph and video every elevation, room and damaged item before anything is moved.
Days 3–10: Protect the property
- Tarp the roof and board openings. Keep receipts. Reasonable mitigation is usually reimbursable.
- Start drying wet areas quickly to limit mold.
- Save damaged materials where practical until the adjuster has seen them.
Days 10–20: Living expenses and inventory
- If the home is unlivable, ask about additional living expense coverage and keep every receipt.
- Start a contents inventory room by room, using photos and purchase records.
Days 20–30: Review the estimate
- Get the carrier’s full line-item estimate, not just a summary.
- Compare it with a contractor’s itemized estimate.
- Look for missing elevations, framing repairs, interior water damage and other structures.
- Don’t sign a final release until you understand what it covers.
When the numbers don’t match
If coverage is accepted but the estimate is short, a documented supplement may close the gap. If not, appraisal can resolve the amount. Start with our claim timeline builder so no deadline slips while you sort it out.
General information, not legal advice. Policy wording and Arkansas law control.
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