A home inventory is important to replace your possessions after a natural disaster or fire

This has been the worst tornado season in four decades. Family comes first, but protect your possessions too.

If we’ve learned anything from the past few weeks, it’s to be aware and take violent weather and tornado warnings seriously. Reacting could save you and your family’s lives.

As we watch the news and see pictures of collapsed homes and possessions destroyed and strewn about, we realize how important a home inventory is. By keeping track of possessions and personal papers, you have a clear record of what you own. This will make the insurance claim process faster and less complicated.

As you look around your home and all your stuff, this may seem like a daunting task. However, a bit of organization and list making will help you focus on your inventory. A good place to start is your insurance company. Ask your agent about online inventory programs. Many offer this service, which is secure, and will give you an inventory that can’t be damaged should disaster strike.

Important papers should be kept in a document box. However, that won’t be your first thought if you see a tornado coming. Make copies of these documents to put in a safe deposit box and give copies to a trusted relative. We also recommend scanning documents onto a CD. Again, make a copy and place in a safe off site location.

Insurance companies will also provide a checklist to fill out, or you can make your own. To make this work, just focus on one room at a time. For each room, your subcategories will include such things as furniture, electronics, antiques, china, silverware, silverware, crystal, rugs, musical instruments, appliances, clothing, family photos and any other category you may want to add.

Ideally, you have the purchase receipts to verify the price and the date of purchase, but realistically most of us don’t save that info. So, start now. Any purchase you make should include the sales receipt. Those can also be scanned onto a CD for safe keeping.

Next, videotape or photograph your possessions. If you videotape, you can verbally describe each possession. Burn the photos on a CD and make a copy to give to a family member.

Your home inventory project will be well worth your time and effort. What’s more important in an emergency? Your family, of course.