We have had several big fires here lately in Utah. A combination of no rain and many, many people living closely together in the desert is a recipe for disaster.
Because we live in such a dry climate, homes go up quickly. Recently two were lost when a tree fell on a power line and sparked a fire. The responders said the homes went up so quickly that if anyone had been at home they might not have gotten out.
Then there have been several out of control wild fires that have burned homes and cabins. Many people were evacuated from different areas at different times due to the raging fires.
We all think about what we would grab if we had to evacuate, but what if you weren’t home? Those things would be lost to you forever. Also, anything you had to help describe the inventory of your home, receipts for purchases, pictures, etc., would be lost as well.
Before something like this happens it’s important to take an inventory of your home. The easiest way it through photographs. We all think we would remember everything but chances are, at such a stress full time, you may forget a large portion of it.
Take pictures now while the threat of danger is not a reality, don’t try to remember it all if something happens. Open closets, dresser drawers, jewelry boxes, kitchen cabinets and the pantry.
Photograph each room starting at the entrance and work your way around counter clockwise, taking pictures that overlap. Everything in your home cost money, curtains, books, that candle that you love the smell of, make sure to document it all.
Take individual pictures of things that are expensive, appliances, a piano, expensive jewelry, electronics and furniture. Don’t forget the garage, open up the storage totes and document everything in them.
Also photography every important piece of paper, better yet, make a copy and keep it in a safe deposit box or even a lock box at your sister’s house.
When you are finished upload the pictures to an online storage site like Picassa or Dropbox, chances are you won’t have the opportunity to grab your computer so make sure you can access everything remotely. It will make it much easier to file your insurance claim.