During hurricane season, it’s crucial for Florida homeowners to take proactive steps to safeguard their property and ensure their own safety. By preparing in advance, homeowners can minimize potential damage from hurricanes or other covered perils and ensure any disaster recovery efforts go as quick and smooth as possible.
Two critical components to this preparation are creating a comprehensive home inventory and a disaster-preparedness plan. Not only does this documentation help ensure you receive full value for lost or damaged items, it can streamline the claims process and provide a clear action plan in case of emergency.
At The Windward Insurance Agency, we leverage our decades of experience in the industry to guide homeowners to the most appropriate property insurance based on their needs. Let's delve into how you can prepare now to make any needed disaster recovery tasks later easier on you.
Creating a Home Inventory: Your First Line of Defense
A home inventory serves several crucial purposes: (1) It ensures you have the right amount of insurance; (2) It provides peace of mind knowing your possessions are documented and protected; and (3) It can speed up the claims process during disaster recovery by providing detailed records of your belongings and their current value.
Creating a home inventory might seem daunting but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process straightforward and effective. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Decide on Your Documentation Method
The first step is to decide how you want to document your home inventory. There are several methods to choose from:
- Manual documentation using a notebook or printed forms. The Windward Insurance Agency has a free home inventory checklist you can print and use.
- Fee-based digital tools like Sortly.
- Free apps, such as the home inventory app by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- Making a video recording where you narrate details of items while filming each room of your home.
Step 2: Focus on High-Value Items First
Start your home inventory by documenting high-value items such as electronics, jewelry, and appliances. For each item, include a detailed description with the brand, model, and serial number, note the purchase date and price, attach any available receipts or appraisals, and take clear, detailed photos or videos from multiple angles.
Step 3: Conduct a Room-by-Room Inventory
After documenting high-value items, move from room by room to catalog everything else. In the living room, document furniture, electronics, and artwork; in the kitchen, list appliances, cookware, and utensils; in the bedrooms, include furniture, clothing, and personal items; in the bathrooms, note toiletries, medications, and small appliances; and in the garage or outdoor areas, record tools, sports equipment, and outdoor furniture.
Step 4: Organize and Store Your Inventory
Once your home inventory is complete, ensure it is organized and stored safely so you’ll be able to access it if you need to during disaster recovery. Keep a printed copy in a waterproof and fireproof safe, store digital versions on a secure cloud service or an external hard drive, and update your inventory regularly, especially after significant purchases.
A Disaster-Preparedness Plan Will Help You Before, During & After a Storm
Creating a home inventory is a significant step, but it’s equally important to your disaster recovery to have a comprehensive disaster-preparedness plan. This plan should outline what’s needed to protect your family and property before, during, and after a disaster.
Your disaster-preparedness plan should include the following critical components:
Emergency Contacts & Communication
Your plan should include a list of emergency contacts, such as family members, neighbors, and local emergency services. Establish a communication plan detailing how you will stay in touch during an emergency if traditional communication methods fail.
Evacuation & Emergency Supplies
Find out whether your home is in an evacuation zone. Plan clear evacuation routes and designate family meeting points in case you become separated. Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies like water, food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.
Important Documents & Records
Store copies of important documents such as IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and financial information in a waterproof and fireproof safe. Keep digital backups of these documents on a secure cloud service.
Use Templates for Efficiency
To streamline the creation of your disaster-preparedness plan, use online templates available from resources like Ready.gov, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross. These templates provide comprehensive checklists and guidance, making it easier to ensure you cover all necessary aspects of preparation.
Secure Your Future with The Windward Insurance Agency
Creating a home inventory and a disaster-preparedness plan are critical steps in ensuring a smooth disaster recovery process. These preparations not only protect your belongings but also provide peace of mind knowing you are ready for any emergency. Taking these proactive steps now can save you time, stress, and money in the future. Don’t wait until disaster strikes – start documenting and preparing today!
For more information on protecting your home and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, visit The Windward Insurance Agency website to get a quote online or call us at (866) 231-2433. Our team of industry professionals is here to guide you to the best insurance products for your needs, including homeowners, renters, auto, flood insurance, and more.
