Inventory Apps for Disaster Recovery


Inventory apps help business owners, homeowners and renters catalog possessions to speed recovery and insurance post-disaster or post-break in. Cities can include these apps as part of disaster planning.


Benefits & Problems Addressed

Faster recovery & processing: For both homeowner/renters and the city, the ability to quickly and efficiently file insurance and other claims reduces the overall burden. Emergency responders can turn attention to cases with greater health & legal needs.

Records in the cloud: While written records may be destroyed, app-based inventory is stored in the cloud. Apps also use smart phone cameras that automatically record a visual record as well as bar code, model/make/registration numbers, warranties & phone numbers.

Spillover benefits: Homeowners/renters have records for non-emergency needs and record-keeping. Businesses can use to track inventory, depreciation and taxes.


Tips & Techniques

Mobile apps: There are any number of public and non-profit developed apps to help homeowners.  Home insurance companies also provide app-based programs to help their policy-holders.

Multi-use records: In addition to insurance claims, app-based inventories can help small businesses with tax and record-keeping to speed local, state and federal tax collection.

Written checklists: For homeowners/renters, many app providers also provide checklists in written formats that can be uploaded as pdfs.

Hot Buttons: Any new inventory can be complex and time consuming, electricity and broadband availability post-disaster.


Resources

Post-Disaster Insurance Guide: Oklahoma Insurance Department

MyHome Scr.APP.book: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)