The deadly tornadoes that recently went through Missouri and Arkansas - is a reminder that everyone needs to protect their possessions from any type of unexpected damage or destruction. Can you imagine the anguish and heartbreak these people must be going through seeing their home in pieces and their possessions gone?

In order to put their lives and homes back together, they will now have to recreate a list of what they lost. They are already mentally and emotionally stressed. Trying to recreate your possessions is difficult enough but not when you are in that state of mind.

For further details of the benefits of a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com.

Don't let your son or daughter leave home for college without preparing an inventory report of the items they are bringing with them. If they were to experience theft or damage, chances are they will have to deal with the situation - so why not make sure they are prepared.
An inventory report will ensure they don't have to rely upon memory to compile the required list of what was damaged or stolen. This report also provides the proof of ownership - which along with the list of items - ensures a settlement is received which covers the full extent of the loss. In addition, the timing of the settlement is quicker - as the processing of the claim will not begin until this information is submitted to the insurance claims adjuster.
For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

From guitars to pianos to violins - your musical talents or hobbies - can be more of an investment than you realize. If you were to add up the costs of the instruments and/or equipment - you might be surprised to see what you come up with.

That is why it is so important to make sure that your musical instruments and equipment are included in your personal property coverage. In many cases, it is wise to put these on a separate rider to ensure full coverage in case something were to happen to them.

In addition, it is key to include these items on your home inventory report. This report includes detailed information such as make, model number, serial number, date of purchase and cost - as well as individual photos and video footage. If something were to happen either through theft or damage to your home - you have the required information to ensure not only your claim is handled in a timely manner but you will receive a settlement covering the full extent of the loss.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

Laptops, iPhones, TV's , BlackBerry phones, Coach handbags, etc. are all some examples of gifts given to high school graduates. Many of these items will be taken to college as they start a new chapter in their life. A home inventory not only records for them all the wonderful gifts they received but it includes information such as manufacturer, serial and model number - all which is crucial information to know in case theft or damage were to occur. Indivdual photos also supplement the report.
Many of these gifts will be brought to dorms and what peace of mind to know that in case of theft or damage - you can immediately submit an insurance claim as you have all the required information needed to do so. It also ensures that you will receive a settlement covering the full extent of the loss.
For further benefits regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

No one ever expects anything bad to happen to their home. But it is always best to be prepared - as it is hard enough to deal with the trauma of the event and not to add to that by trying to figure out what to do.

Here are 5 key tips to ensure you are prepared if any type of damage or theft were to occur to your home. Not being prepared with the answers to these questions could create an unexpected financial impact.

1) How much coverage do you have for personal property. If the value of your personal property exceeds what is listed on your insurance policy - you will not be reimbursed for the difference.
2) Do you have your valuables covered under a special rider? Items such as jewelry, guns, coins, etc. are covered up to a certain limit amount on your insurance policy. If what you own, exceeds this limit and you do not have a rider to cover the full value, you will not be reimbursed for the difference.
3) Do you need to submit a list of all the damaged or missing items at one time or can you submit items as you think of them? Some insurance companies will only accept one comprehensive list - while other companies are a little more lenient.
4) What is the time limit to submit your list of items to your insurance company? The time frame varies from one year to two.
5) Do you have a list of what you own? If your policy states you have $300,000 replacement value - this does not mean you will automatically receive this amount. You will still need to provide a list of what was damaged, destroyed or lost before any reimbursement is made.

For further benefits of a home or business inventory, visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

I recently read an article that lists the top 10 security tips to keep your home secure. This list was compiled by the police. The ninth tip was " Have an up-to-date home inventory that includes pictures. Keep a complete copy somewhere outside your house." www.bloggernews.net/124616

This was not the first time that I have read how law enforcement values a home inventory report. They know that the more information a person has regarding their property - the easier it will be to locate it. Such information includes an accurate description, model and/or serial number and photos.

If you don't have the time to invest in compiling your own inventory - there are many companies that can do this for you. It will be well worth your investment.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

I learned years ago that it is better to be proactive - than reactive. It is looking at the big picture and putting into place - steps or items that will ensure you know what to do if an emergency or disaster occurs as well as serves as a form of protection.

One should always be proactive with their home. Some good examples of being proactive is having home owners insurance, installing fire detectors, placing security lights around the outside of your home, installing sump pumps, having a survival kit, etc. While none of these will prevent damage or theft to your home - you are ready and the moment something happens - you don't need to try and figure out what to do.

A home inventory serves the same purpose. You are immediately ready (proactive) to provide a detailed list of what was damaged or stolen to the insurance adjuster along with proof of ownership - which is required for each insurance claim. This not only allows your claim to begin immediately but ensures you receive the maximum settlement reimbursement.

For additional information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com.
For additional information regarding how solar lights can provide security for your home as well as save energy costs, visit http://surveillanceforsecurity.com/solar-security-lights.html.

Cleaning windows is a task that is often done only with spring or fall cleaning. For some, it is hard to get to the basic cleaning tasks that do need to be done weekly and can't even entertain the idea of cleaning windows weekly or even monthly. But nothing completes the look of a clean room better than clean windows. While it is a time investment to get this done - the pay off is so rewarding.
I recently helped a friend clean her windows and she used a homemade recipe that made her windows sparkle. It consisted of 1 pint rubbing alcohol, 1 cup ammonia, 1 teaspoon dish liquid soap and 1 gallon water.
For further information regarding home and business organization, visit www.jlksystems.com

I recently read an article titled "Pitfalls to Avoid in Home Ownership" (http://hubpages.com/hub/Pitfalls-To-Avoid-In-Home-Ownership). Having a home inventory is just as important as having a proper inspection done on your home, knowing how to choose a licensed appraiser and reviewing your insurance policy on a regular basis. As the writer points out in the article - a home inventory determines how much insurance coverage you need, ensures that the claims process will go quicker and smoother and serves as evidence in case of stolen or damaged property.
For further information regarding the benefits of a home or business inventory, please visit www.jlksystems.com

Have a tough clog - not only will baking soda get rid of the clog but it will leave a fresh odor. Pour 1/2 cup salt and 1 cup baking soda down the drain - let it sit overnight. In the morning, pour 2 to 3 cups boiling water down the drain.

To keep garbage disposals clean and fresh, generously sprinkle with baking soda followed by white vinegar - until it bubbles. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with hot water.

For Home Organization and Cleaning services, visit www.jlksystems.com

What a perfect time to create your home inventory - as you unpack and find the perfect spots for all the shower and wedding gifts. In many cases, you have the packaging which allows you to easily access key information such as the manufacturer, model and serial number, etc but it allows you to record when you received the gift and from who - information that in the future, you will be glad you recorded.

A home inventory is an extension of your insurance policy. It is a critical document you can immediately access in case your home and personal property was destroyed, damaged or stolen. The claims process can begin immediately - as you can provide to the insurance adjuster the detailed list that they require. It also ensures that you will be reimbursed for the total amount that was lost. Otherwise, you will be creating the list by memory.

Ask yourself this - could your recall from memory - each and every gift that you received either as a shower or wedding gift? If not, a home inventory report is the best gift you can give each other.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory - visit www.jlksystems.com.

I am a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins. I have my grandfather to thank for this. I learned to love this sport through him. He took my sister and I to many baseball games and watched as he kept his own scorecard. The three of us would also play baseball in our back yard.

My enjoyment for the sport and my admiration for the Minnesota Twins has continued on since. Each season brings new challenges but they always seem to maneuver through them in such a professional and positive manner. While I haven't been able to get to a game at the new stadium- Target Field - I listen on the radio to as many games as I can.

You can be sure that the team is well prepared with a detailed inventory list of all the equipment that travels with the team or stays back at the stadium. They couldn't afford to wait until something happens either by theft or damage - to put this list together. They need to continue on seamlessly and the only way that could happen - is to be prepared by having an inventory already prepared.

Are you are prepared as the Minnesota Twins? If something happened to your home and personal property, could you continue on seamlessly - through the claims process and as you put your life back together? Or would you need to come to a sudden stop and by MEMORY - recall all that you owned and then find proof through receipts or cancelled checks - which proves that you owned those items? Having a detailed list including proof of ownership - has a serious effect on the timing and financial outcome of the settlement.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

If damage or theft occurs to your home and personal property, are you aware that you have a major role in determining how quickly the claims process begins and the financial outcome? Unfortunately, many think that because they have an insurance policy and feel the amount of coverage for their personal property is sufficient - that this is all they need to do.

After you make the call to your insurance company - you will be informed that you need to compile a detailed list of all the items you lost and need to replace. This will need to include an accurate description, model and/or serial number, date of purchase, and estimate or appraised value. In addition, you will need to show proof of ownership through receipts or cancelled checks.

Be proactive - create your inventory report today. Otherwise, you will be reactive during a time of intense emotional stress. Creating the list after the fact, will delay the timing of your settlement payment and could drastically reduce the amount of your settlement.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com.
Also, visit http://www.dannylipford.com/diy-home-improvement/financial/how-to-prepare-your-own-home-inventory-report/

No one ever expects damage or theft to occur to their home or property. But if something were to happen, during this time of emotional stress, what a relief to be able to pull out your inventory report and use it as a checklist to assess the damage or theft instead of having to recreate your list of possessions - BY MEMORY.

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (NAPIA) clearly state in "STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT NATURAL DISASTERS" http://www.pianet.com/publications/naturaldisasterbrochure.htm that not only is an inventory report needed to assess the damage but it is a necessary document to challenge the settlement.
Accessing Your Loss
1) Make a detailed list of losses to personal property.
2) Document losses with photos.
3) Check damaged or destroyed goods against your property inventory. Providing the adjuster with canceled checks, receipts and other documents also helps in determining the value of destroyed property.
Settlement
1) If you feel the insurer's settlement offer isn't fair or is incomplete, contact your agent or the company. Be prepared to provide information to support your claim.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

Is your business prepared and could you survive if the following occurs: A nearby explosion causes the power to be out for weeks, a fire, a pipe burst and floods your building, or a wind storm blows out most of the windows and rips off the roof?

According to the Insurance Information Institute - "Businesses that recover quickly are those that have planned in advance." To ensure that businesses are prepared, the Institute has prepared a 4-point catastrophe recovery strategy. A business inventory is a key component of point #2.

1) "Minimize the risk of damage in advance of an emergency".
2) "Develop a disaster recovery plan. A key component of this is to compile lists of equipment you own or lease, by type, model and serial number. Also, keep copies of important records and documents in a bank safety deposit box and keep them updated".
3) "Review your insurance program. Make sure you have sufficient coverage to pay for the indirect costs of the disaster - the disruption to your business - as well as the cost of repair or rebuilding".
4) "Review on a regular basis all the components of your disaster recovery strategy - fire safety and emergency preparedness measures, business continuation and building repair plans, and your insurance program. Communicate all changes to the key employees".

JLK Systems can help you provide the detailed list/report of equipment including photos and video. Key documents such as insurance policies, receipts of purchases and lease agreements can be scanned and included in the inventory report portfolio.

For further information, visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

http://iii.org/brochures/insuring-your-business-after-a-catastrophe.html

An important component of a comprehensive and complete home inventory is video footage. Many feel that only photos are needed within their inventory report. While photos are important, supplementing the inventory with video footage is crucial.

Video footage is not used to captured specific details of individual items but to show all the items in their environment. For example, if one claims they owned a 52" flat screen TV and was in the family room which according to other items photographed in that room had green wallpaper but the photo of the 52" TV was in a room that had different wallpaper - this would send up a flag to the claims adjuster that some type of fraud maybe going on.

Taking the time to include both video and photos will ensure the claims process will go quickly and smoothly as well as ensure you receive the maximum reimbursement.

For additional information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

A home inventory protects you today as well as in the future. Today, a home inventory protects your home and possessions in case of any type of destruction, damage or theft, and in the future, it ensures that your possessions will be distributed according to your wishes. When an inventory report is compiled, it allows you the ability to assign items to specific family members, friends, etc. and then this document can accompany your will or living trust.
What peace of mind this provides, knowing that the items you have worked hard for and cherish will be left to your loved ones.
For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, nearly half of U.S. consumers are insufficiently prepared in terms of their insurance coverage to deal with potential losses. What can you do to make sure you and your family are prepared?

1) Take an inventory of your home, including photos and video. A detailed inventory provides the required detailed list of all items affected by the disaster. The first step that you will be asked to do by the insurance adjuster, is to provide a detailed list of all items destroyed, damaged or stolen.
2) Include receipts within the inventory report. This will provide the necessary proof of ownership and will help ensure you receive the maximum reimbursement amount.
3) Add a "floater" or "rider" to items of higher value such as jewelry, antiques, etc. These types of items are typically not covered by the basic homeowners policy.
4) Store a copy of your inventory report in a safe location away from your home.
5) Check to see if your possessions are insured for the actual cash value or the replacement cost.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

More often than not, storage sheds are an extension of the garage. Tools, equipment, yard items are stored in the shed. As a result, a storage shed represents a significant amount of value and as a result, it is important to inventory these items - in case damage or theft were to occur. It also represents an area that items are put that aren't used too often and could be easily forgotten unless you have a written list of what you have stored in the shed. An inventory report will list all your items and include photos of the items - eliminating the need for you to recall items from memory in case you needed to make any type of insurance claim due to damage or theft.

For further information regarding the benefits of a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

How often do you keep your garage door open? Do you have bikes, tools, yard equipment in your garage? When working on projects outdoors, typically the garage door stays open.

Periodically, I will hear about items taken from the garage - in full day light. How can you protect your possessions - with the exception of shutting the garage door? A home inventory list will capture all the items not only within your home but in the garage. This report will include photos and detailed descriptions including model and serial numbers - which is what is needed when compiling a police report as well as filing an insurance claim. A detailed list including model and serial numbers - often results in the finding stolen property and proving that the items belong to you.

For further information regarding the benefits of a home or business inventory, visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

Who today isn't looking for tools to help keep one prepared and organized. A home inventory report will do both. It will enable you to immediately access the required detailed information if something were to happen to your home or possessions - which ensures you will receive a settlement covering the full extent of the loss and in a timely manner. This same information can also be used for estate and financial planning. When the inventory report is complete - the information you need for estate and financial planning, is also complete.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

As you make out your Spring Cleaning List, at the top of your list should be to check that the smoke detectors are working properly. Last week, there was a tragic fire which killed 6 people and it appears that the smoke detectors were not working. Smoke detectors not only help save lives but could reduce the amount of damage done to one's home and possessions.

Another task that should be at the top of your list - is having a home inventory report prepared for your home. If your home were to experience a fire, the first thing you would need to do is compile a detailed list of all the items that were damaged or destroyed. Without an existing inventory report, you would need to put the list together by memory. To experience what this would be like, take a moment to think of a room in your house (without standing in that room) and list all the items in that room and then have the documentation to prove value and ownership.

An existing inventory report ensures you will receive the maximum reimbursement as well as eliminates the burden of proof insurance companies require before settling a claim.

For further information, visit www.jlksystems.com

The last time you reviewed your home owner's policy, did you check to see that you had the appropriate riders to cover such items as jewelry, antiques, artwork, silverware, etc.? Insurance companies set limits on the amount of coverage for items within these categories. For example, $1,000 is the coverage for jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semi-precious stones. If the value of the items you own exceeds $1,000 and those items are lost or damaged -the maximum amount you will be reimbursed - is $1,000. That is why it is important to have special riders added to your policy so in case the unforeseen occurs - you will receive reimbursement for the total loss.

Another sure way to guarantee the maximum reimbursement of your personal property and in a timely manner - is to have a home inventory report. For each claim submitted, a detailed list of the damaged or stolen items is required. You will also need to prove ownership and value of the items. Don't try to put this list together by memory - which is what you will need to do after a disaster occurs - if you don't have an existing inventory report.

For further information regarding a home inventory report, visit www.jlksystems.com

If damage or theft were to occur to your home, obviously it is your responsibility to file the claim. But in addition to this, it is totally your responsibility to provide a detailed list and description of everything you lost or was damaged/destroyed and need to replace. It is not enough that you state you purchased those items but you also need to provide proof (receipts) for those items. This is especially important for the higher end more expensive items.

For example, if you owned a 52" flat screen TV, without proof that you purchased this item you would be reimbursed for a standard TV.

No one ever expects anything bad to happen to their home or possessions, but being prepared with a home inventory eliminates the need to piece together all the information that the insurance adjuster will require.

Visit www.jlksystems to learn more about the benefits of a home or business inventory.

Last month, a friend of mine found out that her cleaning woman had been stealing items from her home over the course of several months. She was doing the same to the other homes she was cleaning. Unfortunately, since she didn't have any documentation or proof that she owned these items - she is unable to recover these items. One family had written down serial numbers and models numbers of many of their items - so those items were recovered at a pawn shop and returned to them - as they had proof that those items belonged to them.

A home inventory provides all the necessary documentation needed to recover stolen items. It provides photographs and detailed descriptions including serial and model numbers. No one ever expects to be a victim of theft - but if one finds themselves in that situation - a home inventory has the required information to help recover their items.

For more information regarding a home inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

As you prepare your spring cleaning list, consider adding to the list a home inventory. Tasks that can be often found on the list include tossing or donating unwanted items, painting, and moving furniture and accessories around to create a new look.

As a result, this makes a perfect time to have a home inventory report created for your home as your home reflects a new look and has been purged of old and unused items.

It is also a perfect time to ensure that all critical documents are located and placed in a safe location - preferably off site from your home. These documents can also be scanned into your home inventory report and states where the documents are stored.

For further information regarding a home inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

Once you have completed your home inventory, it is important to keep this document in a safe place. The best place to keep this document and other crucial documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.- is a secure and fire-proof location off site. If you do choose to keep copies at your home, make sure you place them in a fire-proof safe. You may want to consider placing the documents in water proof packaging before you place them in the safe - in case you experience any type of flooding.

For more information regarding a home or business inventory, please visit www.jlksystems.com

With the price of silver rising, anyone who has a collection of silver - whether coins, jewelry, silverware, etc. - it is rise to make sure this collection is protected. Without the proper protection, if something were to happen you would never get back the true value of your collection.

One way to protect your valuables, is to have an inventory report (along with an appraisal) done so that you know the true value and can get a rider from your insurance agent to protect the FULL value of your collection.

For further information regarding the benefits of a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

Spring is a beautiful time of the year. Nature truly comes back to life. But unfortunately, it is also a time of year for weather conditions which cause damage to one's home or property either through floods or tornadoes. No one expects this to happen to them especially if years have gone by and they have never experienced either a flood or tornado.

Taking the time now to create a detailed list of what you own including proof of ownership - will save you weeks or even months of time if indeed something were to happen to your home. You will need to provide to the insurance claims adjuster a detailed list of what was destroyed or damaged. You cannot begin to put your life back together until this step is completed. Can you imagine what that would be like - trying to compile a list of everything in your home - by memory?

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

Keeping good records - which assets you have, where they are located and how to get in touch with the appropriate financial advisers - can save your heirs immense headaches, reduce the chance of costly errors and ensures all assets and debts are accounted for.

A safe place to keep this information is within your Home Inventory report. This report allows you to store key documents, state where the documents are located and who to contact. This along with the list of your personal property including the heir designation - will ensure all your wishes are carried out and that no mistakes or ill-will between family members will occur.

For further information regarding a home or business inventory, please visit www.jlksystems.com

Moving is a perfect time to get rid of items you no longer need. It is also a perfect time to create a home inventory report. Not only does it protect your possessions during the move but long after the move is complete. Don't wait until the unexpected happens and then be faced with creating a detailed list of all the items you own, along with proof of ownership - put it at the top of your moving list.

For more information regarding key benefits of a home inventory, visit www.jlksystems.com

Is your business prepared for any type of disruptive event which would allow your business to continue on servicing your customers until the recovery phase is complete? A disruptive event could be structural damage due to a storm, theft or a major power outage. A continuity plan outlines how to continue business and operations during or after any type of disaster.

This plan includes a specific time frame and critical steps such as documenting critical equipment and documents, identify and document external contacts, and identify contingency equipment options and contingency location.

Don't wait until after the disaster occurs to put this plan together. For further information on a BCP, visit www.jlksystems.com

Earlier this week, a construction crew ruptured a gas line and caused an explosion to a home located not far from where they were working. The home was totally destroyed. Fortunately, no one was home at the time (except for the family dog who luckily survived). It is difficult to imagine what it would be like to receive a call at work telling you that your home was destroyed. How do you start putting your life and home back together?

A crucial first step is providing a detailed list of all the items within your home including proof of possession through photos and receipts. Creating this list and finding the required proof of purchase is not something that should be done after a tragedy has occurred as it would delay how quickly the settlement process would begin as well as the amount of the settlement.

An existing inventory report keeps you and your family prepared and protected as it will ensure the process begins immediately and that you will receive a settlement covering the full extent of the loss.

For further information, visit www.jlksystems.com

A home inventory report is a valuable asset to both divorce proceedings and pre-nuptial agreements. In the case of a divorce, the inventory report lists in detail all the personal property that a couple owns including estimated and/or appraised values and corresponding photo. For pre-nuptial agreements, the report lists in detail the items (along with estimated and/or appraised values and photos) each individual owns prior to the marriage.

JLK Systems provides an objective third-party, licensed and bonded inventory service that will create the detailed report of all personal property in and around a home. For further information, please visit http://www.jlksystems.com/

Have you taken the time to inventory your personal property and include the heir designation of each item? If this isn't done and something unforeseen were to occur, it is possible that your treasures could end up not going to your loved ones.

If your busy life does not allow time for you to create a detailed inventory report or you do not have the necessary tools to do so - JLK Systems Home and Business Inventory can help. An inventory report will ensure peace of mind by protecting your personal property and treasures.
Visit www.jlksystems.com for further information.