Protect Yourself!

When I became an adult and moved into my first apartment, I had renters insurance that covered me in the event of a disaster such as fire, flood, burglary, etc. I also started keeping my own personal documents like my Social Security Card and passport so that my parents didn't have to keep up with them anymore. These are two things that we must be responsible for as adults, but exactly how responsible are we really being with them?

As a renter or homeowner, it's important to document the items in your home that would be covered by your insurance in the event that you lose it all. Your insurance company is much more likely to cut you a check if you can prove that you did indeed have a $2,500 flat screen TV hanging above your fireplace. A few ways to document these items are:

• Video tape each room in your house. Go around each room and document every single thing in that room.
• Take photos of each room. Again, photograph every single thing in each room.
• Keep an Excel spreadsheet of your belongings. Most importantly, record large items like furniture, electronics, etc. Save this document to a flash drive, your hard drive and maybe even your work computer (if it is secure).
• Keep these videos, photos and/or spreadsheets in a fire safe box.

A fire safe box is critical for your home. It's like the "Black Box" on an airplane. We have one like this:

This box should contain all personal and private documents such as:

• Insurance inventory videos, photos, spreadsheets (per above)
• Social security cards
• Passports
• Birth certificates
• Immunization records (as applicable)
• Property deeds
• Vehicle titles
• Bank account information
• Other personal treasured items such as jewelry, coins, etc.

Place the box in a location that is private but a place you will remember, such as a closet. Keep the keys in a separate location, but again, a place that you will remember.

Fire safe boxes are fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to pick one up and store your important items in it! Document your belongings. You just never know what life my throw your way, and the best way to tackle any situation is to be prepared.