CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — Hurricane Helene and its remnants have caused a lot of damage to homes. That’s why making sure your home is insured is so important so you know what to do next.

State Farm says that when natural disasters like this happen, it’s always important to make sure you take precautionary measures so you and your home stay safe.

Before a natural disaster happens, they say to take time to note all of your belongings or take a video of any items of particular value.

“The main thing is communication early. Talk with your State Farm agent or talk to your insurance company and make sure that you don’t want to get too far ahead with authorizing, you know, full-scale repairs before letting the insurance company have an opportunity to take a look at things and they may have a recommended best course of action to go forward,” said Gary Albert, State Farm agent.

They say for those who may not have taken precautionary measures before a natural disaster strikes that the claims department will be the best place to start.