DO: 

• Take preventative steps 
• Stay up to date on natural disasters and monitor risks in your area, such as hurricanes, floods and fires 
• Create an inventory of your artworks
• Keep high resolution images of your art
• Create emergency plans in advance of natural disasters
• Follow your insurance provider’s storage and protection requirements
• Invest in the proper glass, frames and/or pedestals for your artworks
• Invest in blinds, shades, and/or other window coverings
• Establish and maintain contacts at art storage and shipping facilities 
• Obtain appraisals from certified appraisers
• Update your insurance policy periodically with the most recent valuations 
• Elevate stored artwork to prevent water damage
• Monitor temperature and humidity levels 
• Have custom crates for your more valuable, fragile and/or uniquely shaped pieces 
• Consult with specialists 
• Obtain fine art insurance (rather than adding a schedule to your homeowner’s coverage) if your collection is valuable and/or extensive

DON’T 

• Wait until an emergency strikes 
• Store all art the same way in the same place
• Keep inventories and images in the same location as the art
• Transport your art without proper crating or other packaging and insurance 
• Assume your location is risk-free 
• Assume home insurance policies are sufficient for your collection 
• Store your art on the ground level or below ground
• Rely solely on consignment agreements for ownership
• Skip regular appraisals 
• Assume all damage is covered by your insurance
• Assume all inherent vice is protected under a fine art insurance policy