Fires, earthquakes and floods are just some of the catastrophes that have wiped out the personal possessions of Californians in the last decade. When disaster strikes, a thorough home inventory can be the key to settling claims quickly and accurately.

As winter storms approach Southern California, homeowners in fire-ravaged areas are cautioned to guard their homes against the destructive power of flash floods. Recent fires have stripped hills of natural vegetation, raising the potential for catastrophic losses.

With expensive jewelry, electronics or sports equipment on many holiday gift lists, gift recipients should add one more item to their holiday list: A household inventory.

Whether you’re shopping in line at the mall or online at your computer, it pays to guard against thieves. With home burglary and identity theft on the rise, shoppers face more perils than ever this holiday season.

November and December typically see a rise in household thefts. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, more than 242,000 Californians were burglarized in 2003. But while most homeowners have a financial backstop against crime through their homeowner insurance policies, roughly 80 percent of renters do not have insurance.