It's More Than an Inventory: It's a Lifeline

Tips to help emergency service organizations create a facility inventory list.

In the event of fire, flood or other catastrophe resulting in the devastation of your entire facility, could you name every item in your station and provide accurate details on their values?

While it would be virtually impossible to do from memory, an up-to-date and comprehensive station inventory list could be utilized as a critical resource to help save time, simplify insurance claims processes and ensure you have the life-saving equipment, tools and facilities needed for your community when they call.

Here’s a brief overview of what your station inventory list could include:

• Building systems, including those related to heating, cooling, exhaust, air quality and energy.
• Items in your apparatus bay, including storage units, tools and equipment.
• PPE items, like coats, pants, helmets, gloves, hoods, footwear, eyewear and air packs.
• Housekeeping and lawncare equipment, including any laundry appliances or lawnmowers.
• Electronics, like computers, phones and radio systems.
• Kitchen items, including cooking equipment, appliances and tools.
• Furniture, like beds, desks and tables.
• Recreational and fitness items, including televisions and fitness equipment.

Here are a few details to include for each item in your inventory:

• Item name and amount of item (if applicable)
• Purchase price
• Brand or manufacturer of item, as well as make and/or model
• When & where the item was purchased
• Estimated current value of item
• Serial number (if applicable)

4 Tips to help you get started with your station inventory:

1. Take stock: Decide the easiest way to record your inventory (could be electronically or by hand) and take supplemental photos or videos to help ensure you’re not missing any key items.
2. Start with your high-value items: Identify and document your highest-value items, like building systems and major appliances, including refrigerators, ice machines, etc.
3. Keep a back-up copy: Ensure you have an extra electronic and printed copy of your inventory.
4. Be proactive: Once you have an inventory created, update it as new items are purchased to avoid an overwhelming or time-consuming task in the future. It’s also good practice to review it on at least an annual basis.

In the event of an already stressful and devastating situation, your station inventory list could make the difference between a swift recovery and a debilitating blow. So, while there’s undoubtedly no shortage of things for you to do, it’s likely a worthwhile project to add to your to-do list. Because it could be more than a document—it could be a lifeline.
Whether it’s for you, those you serve or both, it’s likely a worthwhile project to add to your to-do list.