FORMS YOU MAY NEED

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The time to make a list of your personal belongings is not under the stress of a disaster because you will not remember everything. You must make an inventory, take photos or video and store it away from your home, preferebly in a deposit box or keep copies in the household of a few family members in different cities. You will make it easier for the adjustor settling your claim when you give him photos and list of items lost.You may want to also keep copies of your important identification documents and important papers in a deposit box.

List Everything: First, go through each room, listing major items. Include purchase date and price, if known. Check receipts if you have them. Include serial numbers for appliances, electronics, and cameras.

Photograph or Video: Open all closet and cabinet doors. Stand in the center of each room and take one picture of each wall. Or scan the room with a video camera.

Store Your Records: Place your completed inventory, plus labeled photos, negatives, or tapes, in a safe place away from your home, preferably a safe deposit box.

Update Annually: Keep your inventory up to date. List and photograph new purchases and gifts as they arrive in your home. Cross off items you no longer own.