Our home was recently destroyed in a fire and we suffered a complete loss. No one can really comprehend how much everything you have ever owned actually costs. Making an inventory and adding those numbers up to ensure that you are properly insured is critical. We use the photo method described to get photos of serial numbers, etc. You won't remember the title of every book on your bookshelf, or what brand of coffee maker you owned during a stressful situation. Having it all photographed does the "remembering" for you. I have since bought a portable hard-drive to back my computer up to, and "in case of fire" I just have to grab this one tiny box (and my cat). We lost all important papers (social security cards, passports, tax returns, receipts, etc.) not to mention photos, credit/debit cards, etc. Get a fire AND water-proof safe to put these items in. When there is a fire there is also a flood (the fire department floods your house with water) so plan for both happening at the same time - what isn't burned will be flooded. Keep lists of pharmacy phone numbers (you'll need to replace your daily meds right away), utility phone numbers, and other important information (no one actually remembers their insurance policy number) in your Gmail or with a friend/family member. Other important phone numbers to note that you'll have to contact fairly quickly: your child's (or your) school, your boss, your insurance agent, your health insurance company, a local vet and/or boarding facility, a local hotel, your bank. It seems harsh to think of these things, but you will be very grateful if you suffer such a loss. Hopefully with a little preparation you can get back on your feet again as quickly (and painlessly) as possible.