Fire season: Time to take inventory of your home's possessions

October heralds the onset of fall, bringing burnished leaves and cooler temperatures. It also is the beginning of fire season in Southern California and other parts of the Southwest (although fire season seems to be a year-round event now).

Insurance experts say this is the time to take an inventory of the contents of your home -- from cell phones to toaster ovens -- with a moving or still camera. After every item is accounted for, store the recording -- as well as irreplaceable personal property, like photo negatives and important documents -- off-property, in a safe-deposit box. Also, remember to notify your insurance company about new construction on your property and high-end acquisitions, such as a big-screen TV.

Why bother?