Home and financial security

• carefully fixing large or heavy items that could fall and cause damage,
• securing windows, moving possessions to safer locations when you are sure danger is imminent,
• turning off all electrical appliances and devices,
• having a building inspector or architect check what building improvements can help prevent or even significantly reduce the damage that may occur during a hazardous event,
• making an inventory of your belongings, which will help you during the insurance company’s claims procedure if they are damaged or destroyed. You can make an inventory by describing or photographing your belongings. Attach other photos if you wish, e.g. of your car. Ask for a professional appraisal of jewellery, collectibles, artwork and other items whose value is difficult to determine,
• making copies of receipts and bills for more valuable items,
• keeping originals of all important financial and family documents such as birth and marriage certificates, wills, deeds, tax returns, insurance policies, securities – stocks and bonds – in a safe place. All possible documents will be useful in dealing with the tax office and insurance company,
• taking out insurance.

Even if you have enough time to prepare for danger, you may still feel a strong fear of having your property destroyed. A landlord or tenant policy may then be helpful. Unfortunately, many previously injured people have been under-insured or, worse, uninsured at all. Sometimes basic landlord insurance does not cover flooding and other major events. So pay attention when buying insurance to make sure it protects you from a variety of perils.