PROTECT POSSESSIONS FROM FLOOD
Free app helps consumers create a home inventory before disaster strikes.
BOISE ID (March 14, 2012) - Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter has declared March 14-18, 2012, to be Idaho Flood Safety Awareness Week. The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers to protect their homes with flood insurance and to complete a home inventory of their possessions.
"Idaho is vulnerable to flooding every spring," says Department Director Bill Deal. "Most homeowners' policies do not cover flood. Idahoans should create a detailed inventory of their personal possessions and review coverage with their agents to be sure the policy they have is adequate."
A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Insurance Companies (NAIC) revealed 59 percent of consumers have not made an inventory of their possessions. Of those individuals with a home inventory, 48 percent do not have receipts; 27 percent do not have photos of their property; and 28 percent do not have a back-up copy of the inventory outside the home.
The NAIC myHOME Scr.APP.book application makes it easier for consumers to document their valuables, update their inventories and store the information for easy access after a disaster. The app is free and available both for iPhone and Android smart phone users.
The myHOME Scr.APP.book app lets users capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers of personal possessions and stores the information electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes information by room and creates a back-up file for email sharing. To download the free app, go to the iTunes or Android Market app stores and search "NAIC."
If you have questions or are confused about how and why to complete a home inventory, contact the Department by visiting www.doi.idaho.gov or calling 334-4250 in the Boise area, 800-721-3272 toll-free statewide. You can also visit http://www.insureuonline.org for more home insurance tips.
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If you have any questions about your current coverage, please give your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent a call. He or she will help you answer any questions you might have.
