Home Damage and Insurance

When disaster strikes, don't wait to file a claim with your insurance company.

In fact, don't wait for disaster strikes before you set up an insurance policy for all of the belongings in your home.

Do you have an inventory of your belongings? Is it up to date? Or is it ten years old? I confess, mine is ten years old! Or more! So, it's time to update it and keep it up to date as I remove from, and add to, my inventory of belongings.

It's a good idea to take photographs of your clothing, furniture, music CDs, movie DVDs, electronic equipment, children's toys, bathroom inventory, everything of value to you. Write it all down on an inventory list sheet. Keep it on a computer and keep it up to date. Keep a copy of it in a safe place, and keep an extra copy of it too, at a friend's house or in a safety deposit box. That goes for your photographs and negatives too.

When I was listening to the news about the raging California fires that are going on right now, homeowners shared how they lost everything, including wedding albums and their childrens' school pictures, everything.

That reminds me of our own Sara in Moses Lake, who lost everything she owned in the fire a few weeks ago, including some precious family members. I want to say here that I am so proud of those of you in our Moses Lake community who have stepped up to help Sara. There are many anonymous givers who have contributed to the bank account that was opened for her, those who are praying for her and being a shoulder to lean on, and others who have given of themselves to her in various ways. I would like to meet her some day and hear about the support she has received during this time. I want to commend the Motorcycle Ministry group that sponsored $5 hamburgers (with a soda and chips!) last weekend for her. What a great group of people! God bless you guys!

So, you are either a renter or home owner. Either way, be prepared for disaster. Get that fire escape rope out of the shed and do a practice fire drill with your kids so they'll be prepared and not scared if a fire starts in your home. Keep the blankets away from the plugins, and turn the heater away from combustible materials. Turn the heater OFF when you're not in the room. Who knows when it could get tipped over?

Prepare, prepare, prepare, and have a great, safe weekend!

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 cell
509-765-3463 office
www.GaryMannRealEstate.com