KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Monday, several East Tennessee counties were under severe weather watches and warnings when a storm system brought gusty winds and rain to the area. Winds knocked down trees and powerlines, knocking out power to many homes.
As crews work to assess the damage and restore power to many, there are some steps you can take after the storms have passed.
First, assess any damage to your property. According to a spokesperson with the office of Knox County Mayor, it is highly unlikely that individuals will be able to make claims to be filed for federal aid.
According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, assess and document any damage you received and contact your personal insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Once you have filed a claim, an insurance adjuster will determine how much damage was done to your home and property.
One item an adjuster will ask for is a home inventory, a list of your personal property, if your personal belongings were damaged, destroyed or lost in the storm. The adjuster will visit the home in person to also assess the damage.
If you have to make any emergency repairs such as covering up roofs or placing plywood on windows, keep the receipts to give to your insurance company. According to Ben Johnson, the president of Knoxville-based Bob Johnson Insurance, making emergency repairs will help prevent further damage to your home. However, avoid any permanent repairs without speaking with your insurance company or agent.
Ben Johnson also noted that some damage to your home may not be apparent until weeks later, and homeowners should pay close attention to their home. "There may be several weeks that go by, and you think everything's okay, with my roof or my home." Johnson said. "I recommend you still pay close attention to your roof,to your siding on your home, to your property and see if you notice anything that has changed."
If your home is too damaged to stay in, do your best to secure your home and belongings.
Then, gather any important documents such as your birth certificate, title deed and insurance policies. If you are staying at a hotel or motel, save those receipts for your insurance company. Also, contact your mortgage and utility companies to make arrangements for mail deliveries.
If you lost any sort of prescription items such as medicine, glasses or hearing aids, contact your doctor's office, pharmacy or health plan.
YMCA of East Tennessee is offering free showers, coffee, Wi-Fi and device charging at several of their locations in Knoxville. You can find those services at the following locations:
- Lindsay Young Downtown YMCA (Downtown): 605 Clinch Ave.
- Cansler Family YMCA (East Knox): 616 Jessamine St.
- Pilot Family YMCA (West Knox): 400 N. Winston Rd.
- Tennova Family YMCA (North Knox): 7540 Dannaher Dr.
- Davis Family YMCA at Jefferson Park (Farragut): 12133 S. Northshore Dr.
TDCI warned after disasters, fraudsters and scam artists will take advantage of victims of storm damage. Be wary of contractors who offer you repairs with free or upgraded building materials.
Before working with any contractor, look up where they are from as fraudsters often move from state to state. Look up references for the contractors, do research online and check your local Better Business Bureau and the state Attorney General’s Office about complaints. If you suspect fraud, report it to your insurance company and the TDCI at 615-741-2241.
When out on the road, take note of any debris such as fallen powerlines and downed trees. Make sure to report any debris blocking the roads to local authorities. If you live in Knox County, you can call Knox County Engineering & Public Works at 865-215-5800.
Homeowners in Roane County can bring brush to the county's recycling center at no cost through 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Do not attempt to remove debris by yourself. There could be hazardous material hidden inside debris such as live fallen power lines and broken gas lines. Coming into contact with these hazards could lead to serious injury and even death.
