ISSUE: Home inventories

OUR VIEW: Logical advice seems even more logical after storm destruction

This time of year sees people scurrying about looking for this record or that for tax purposes. Logic is to keep such records in good order always, but humans are anything but logical in their behavior in many instances.

That is why the South Carolina Insurance News Service is making an example of the tornadoes and storms that hit the state so hard a week ago to encourage people to take home inventories. No doubt those whose homes and property were destroyed will agree with SCINS Executive Director Allison Love:

"An up-to-date home inventory comes in handy so you can know how much insurance to purchase, get claims settled faster and have peace of mind. A home inventory is basically a list of all of your personal possessions and their estimated value."

The South Carolina Insurance News Service also advises homeowners to:

* Compile a list of serial numbers, model numbers, purchase prices and dates.

* Keep a file of sales receipts or appraisals (especially important for electronics, jewelry, artwork and other expensive items).

* Update your home inventory regularly, especially after a new purchase and store the inventory somewhere safe.

"Close your eyes and try to remember everything in your home. It's not easy, is it? Why not take the opportunity to create or update your home inventory while spring cleaning this year?" Love says.

To encourage homeowners and renters to conduct a home inventory, the South Carolina Insurance News Service is offering the Insurance Information Institute's "Know Your Stuff - Home Inventory Software," free of charge . Consumers can access the software by going to http://www.scinsnews.com. In addition to the software, lists of possessions that can typically be found in certain rooms are available from the link to help jump start the process of creating a home inventory. Consumers can also back up their computerized lists with digital photographs and videotapes.

Homeowners can simply note all of their belongings in a notebook and keep a file of major receipts, but using technology such as the computer and/or digital camera or video recorder simplifies the process. Consumers can take digital photographs and store them with this software. Using a digital video camera can be quite effective, since homeowners can narrate while filming.

When making a record of possessions, it is important to note expensive items such as jewelry, furs and collectibles since they may require additional insurance. But, it is also important to make note of more commonplace items such as toys, CDs, clothing and even towels and linens since the cost of replacing these items can really add up if you suffer a major disaster.

"The project can be fun if your family gets involved. Children can help by opening closets and drawers and listing what is in there," Love says.

It is easy to update and store an electronic home inventory. It takes nothing more than the click of a mouse to add a new possession. As for storing your electronic home inventory, you can burn a CD or print out a room-by-room document to be stored in a safe deposit box or other secure location. The electronic record can also be e-mailed to a friend or family member. You can also e-mail it to yourself. In the event of a disaster, you can always access your e-mail remotely.

The spring storm season is visibly at hand. South Carolinians also know what a summer can be like without drought; the storms can come frequently and be severe. And hurricane season is near. Take stock of what you have before you don't have it anymore. It's logical -- and could save a lot of misery.

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