Preparing for disaster in any form
No matter what type of emergency you face, designing an action plan would certainly include taking an inventory of everything of value in your home. One of the national news broadcasts showed a woman from Louisiana videotaping everything she was leaving behind in a recent hurricane. If you do this, you could voice record approximate values as you videotape. This could be invaluable with insurance adjustments later. Be sure to note any renovations to your home, both inside and out. For a more precise inventory, list each item, including the value, the model, and the serial number. Collect receipts and get appraisals if applicable. Videotape outside your home, including vehicles, and don't forget smaller items that add up, such as collectibles and handheld electronics.
Whether large or small, the same principles of preparation apply. The financial emergency checklist is a crucial and necessary companion to taking a comprehensive inventory. In all of these situations, planning for the unexpected, yet expecting the best, can see you and your family through whatever may come your way.
