As with hurricanes, most of the damage from tornadoes is covered by your existing homeowners, condo, or rental insurance policies, and fall into the “windstorm” peril listed within. Hail is also specified in some policies, generally in regions where hailstorms are common. In addition wind and hail damage to your car is covered if you have a “comprehensive” policy.

So what should you do if you’re affected by such a storm? The Property Casualty Insurers of America (PCI) has this advice:

• Call your insurance agent or insurance company immediately.
• As soon as it’s safe to do so, inspect your home and cars for any damage.
• Make a list of any missing or damaged items, and take pictures of damaged structures, vehicles or possessions. If you still have the original receipts for those items, find them.
• Take steps to prevent further damage to your property, or to ward off possible thieves.
• When dealing with repair contractors, run background checks. If necessary, you can ask your insurer for a recommendation.
• Keep detailed records of anything you spend – from repair costs to emergency housing – until your home and/or auto are restored to normal conditions.

1. Begin by going through your home room by room. Start at the top of the house and work down, or start at the front and work to the back, and don’t forget the attic, barn, cellar, closets, garage, shed and any crawl-spaces where you store seasonal items.
2. Make a list of each item, opening drawers, cabinets, and boxes. Include on your liist antiques, appliances, art, cameras (digital, SLR, and video), carpets, computers (desktops and laptops), clocks, clothing, drapes, DVD players, furniture, jewelry, kitchen contents, lawn equipment, linens, mioorrors, musical instruments, sports equipment, tools, and any other property.
   instruments, mirrors,, tools, sports equipment and any other property.
3. Be as descriptive as possible. Include colors, patterns, sizes, condition, etc.
4. For each item, record the following information:
   • Quantity and description.
   • Brand or manufacturer
   • Serial or model number (or both)
   • Date of purchase or age of item
   • Receipt, or other proof of value
   • Source – where and how did you get it?
   • Current value
   • Replacement cost
   • Appraisal cost
5. Take pictures: Especially if the items are unique or difficult to describe, take pictures, and tag each picture with the information about the item that you recorded above. If you shoot video instead of still photos, include a verbal commentary. Time- and date-stamp your photos or video.
6. Make copies: Copies of the photos, information, list, and supporting documentation should be kept in your house, at a secure off-site location, and, if you choose, filed with your homeowners insurance company for safekeeping.

And what do you DO with this inventory once you’ve created it? Update it regularly. And hope you’ll never actually need it.

There have been several clinical studies of the way alcohol consumption affects health, and one of them found that people who regularly drink alcohol also tend to exercise more than people who don’t, and a completely separate study discovered that drinkers are more likely to eat unhealthy foods.

A number of studies have been conducted about alcohol consumption and your health. One recently found that people who consume alcohol on a regular basis tend to exercise more than teetotalers. On the other hand, another recent study (conducted by a different organization) discovered that drinkers are more likely to eat unhealthy foods.

The first study, which was published late last fall in the American Journal of Health Promotion, said that heavy drinkers exercised almost 20 minutes more per week than people who didn’t drink at all, while moderate and light drinkers found time in their weeks for 10.1 and 5.7 extra minutes of exercise, respectively. Based on a phone survey of 230,000 Americans, conducted annually, the report cited a “strong statistical association” between alcohol use and moderate-to-vigorous exercise.

On the other hand, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has done some studies of their own, and with help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute, they took a look at the habits of about 15,000 American adults, and learned that exercise aside, drinkers tend to eat less fruit than non-drinkers. In addition, drinkers go for the fatty foods and, because of those foods, and the sugar content in alchoholic drinks, also tend to consume more calories than their teetotaling peers.

Does this mean everyone should immediately do an extra mile on the treadmill every time they have a glass of red wine with dinner? Probably not. But it does mean that even if we’re not trying to improve our insurance rates, we should all pay more attention to diet and exercise.

While it’s true that you shouldn’t buy insurance – any insurance – because of a television commercial, life insurance actually is a good idea, so here are some tips to help you shop for it:

1. Time is Money: If you’ve ever wondered, When should I buy life insurance? Your answer is “Now.” Insurance companies round up your age – a 39-year-old will be priced as if she’s 40 – and premiums rise as you grow older, so it’s always the best plan to buy early – ideally in your late 20′s – to lock into the best possible rate.
2. Research Counts: Before you ever speak with an insurance agent, do some research on the types of policies you’re considering, and on the companies you might want to buy from. Then ask for quotes from more than one company, and compare them closely – making sure you’re getting the coverage amounts you want for a price you’re willing to pay. Don’t let a pushy sales agent talk you into more coverage than you need, and be sure to ask questions if you have them.
3. Pay Annually: If your finances allow it, try to pay your annual premium in one lump sum instead of making installments. You can save up to 20% by doing so. If this isn’t possible, opt for paying via EFT (electronic funds transfer) as many insurers offer a discount for electronic payments.
4. Be Honest: No pun intended, but honesty really is the best policy. Yes, you’ll have to pay a higher premium if you haven’t kicked the smoking habit yet, but tell the insurance agent anyway – if you don’t you run the risk of having your policy canceled. If you have other health issues – high blood pressure, for example – be sure to visit a doctor and get it resolved before your medical exam. No-exam insurance is available, but it’s much more expensive.

If you’re really uncertain about whether or not you need life insurance, consider whether or not your family will be placed in financial jeopardy if you were to die. If the answer is yes, start shopping today.