How to Prepare for a Storm

Talk to your agent to make sure that you have the right coverage for your home.

The purpose of a home inventory is to document what you own to help the insurance company evaluate your loss.

• Go from room to room and right down, photo or video the brand name and description, along with the estimated value of your belongings--if you can remember when you bought them, document that as well.
• If you can see serial numbers on your item, document or photograph them. 
• Compile any receipts you have from your purchases and photograph them. 
• Remember to go into your closets, storage places and garage to document those items. 
• Upload or scan documents to your computer or cloud storage and date the file. 
• If you prefer to use a mobile app, research these on your phone's app store.
• Store your home inventory in a safe, easily accessible place online, on your computer or in a safety box. Consider sharing a copy with friends or relatives.
• For your convenience, you can use this interactive inventory chart (opens in new tab) and calculator at the bottom of this page to document your possessions or to give you ideas on how to get started.

Home Inventory Calculator

• If you think a storm may be approaching, cover windows with storm shutters, siding, or plywood.
• Move vehicles into garages when possible, or park them near your home away from trees.
• Move grills, patio furniture and potted plants into the house or garage. Loose objects in your yard can become missiles, so tie down anything you can not bring indoors.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.