Make An Inventory Part Of Your Disaster Plan

The increase in weather-related disasters over the past few years has made it clear that a complete home inventory of possessions should be part of any disaster preparedness plan.

Experts such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross agree that an inventory of household items can help renters and homeowners alike prove the value of possessions that are damaged or destroyed. It can also make it easier to receive a fast, fair payment from the insurance company for any losses-and reduce stress and hassle during the process.

Keeping a current inventory of everything owned can also help serve as documentation for any tax deductions claimed for losses and it's also useful for estate planning and keeping track of items during a move.

Important tips to keep in mind when creating a home inventory:

• Make a visual or written record of your possessions.

• Go from room to room and describe each item-when you bought it and how much it cost.

• Photograph or videotape objects to increase the authenticity of records. Include yourself or a family member to verify ownership to provide a virtual time stamp.

• Record the model and serial number of each item.

• Don't forget the items in your attic, storage unit and garage.

• Make copies of receipts and canceled checks for more valuable items.

Fortunately, a computer software program can help create a home inventory list. Quicken® Home Inventory Manager, a new product from Intuit Inc., has a number of features designed to make tracking your inventory easy and the data more useful.

A "drag and drop" image import feature lets you attach photos right from your camera or scanner to your home inventory. This helps you to store and group key documents such as warranties and receipts as well.

To ensure that your information is stored safely away from your home computer, the program includes online backup service.

The Inventory Detail report lets you print out a complete list of items that can be given to your insurance agency if you need to file a claim.

Being prepared is key when it comes to protecting your personal property. In the wake of a disaster, it's close to impossible to try to recall everything you own and want to replace-from your garden tools to your daughter's Beanie Baby collection.

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To learn more, visit www.quick enhomeinventory.com. A home inventory can help a homeowner prove the value of possessions that are damaged or destroyed in a disaster.