According to Ted Baker, ASA's

executive vice president, people often discover only after disaster strikes

that memories and photos of cherished objects are not enough to satisfy

insurance companies when making a claim. These objects may include jewelry,

family heirlooms, artwork, silverware, china, collectibles and other items

of worth.

"An appraisal is a document

as important as a will," Baker said. "It helps people with even

a modest number of valuables to record what they own and what it's worth.

To protect themselves, residents of Georgia and of other areas where hurricanes

may strike should obtain professionally prepared appraisals before the

upcoming season begins and keep them in a safe location just in case the

unexpected happens," noted Baker. He added that this advice applies

to any area where natural disasters may strike.

For those interested in obtaining

an independent and credible appraisal, ASA offers the following advice:

Hire an independent appraiser

with no stake in the outcome of the valuation. As long as an appraiser

has no interest in buying or selling your property, you can avoid any

conflict of interest.

Allow approximately four to

six weeks to complete a professional appraisal. Contrary to what many

people believe, appraisers cannot provide an accurate valuation just by

looking at something. Accurate appraisals involve an initial inspection

visit including a lengthy discussion regarding an object's history, sale

price and condition ­ followed by extensive outside research.

Look for an appraiser accredited

of rigorous testing, training and peer review, which ensures that you're

getting the best valuation expertise on the market.

To find an ASA-accredited

appraiser, visit www.appraisers.org and click on the Find an Expert Appraiser

link at the top of the page.

Hurricane season along the

Atlantic and Gulf coasts begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30. Last

year, eight tropical storms struck the United States, including two (Tropical

Storm Hanna and Hurricane Kyle) that directly affected Georgia.

The American Society of Appraisers

is an international organization of appraisal professionals and others

dedicated to the education, development and growth of the appraisal profession.

ASA is the oldest and only major organization representing all disciplines

of appraisal specialists, originating in 1936 and incorporating in 1952.

ASA's headquarters is in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area.

To talk to an ASA-accredited

appraisal expert in Georgia, please contact Maryann Verrillo at (703)

733-2117.