How To Protect Your Documents In Case of Emergencies
Most of us have family photos and one-of-a-kind paper and digital documents that we’d be lost without. It is wise to be aware of what natural disasters and other emergencies damage your irreplaceable documents and how you can protect your documents from emergencies. Keep reading and find out.
How To Protect Your Documents In Case of Emergencies
Natural Disasters Can Damage Your Documents
What natural disasters and emergency situations can damage your priceless documents? Here’s just a few unforeseen circumstances you could find yourself up again:- Fire (from nature or from an electrical failure in your home)
- Flooding
- Severe Weather (thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.)
- Mold Damage
- Termites (they like to eat paper as much as they do wood)
- Theft
Protecting Your Documents During Emergencies
Don’t get caught off-guard. Follow these emergency document protection tips:- Have an emergency plan. Being unprepared will cost you. Consider having a “go-bag” with photo copies of your important documents, cash, clothes and other necessities. Know what documents you need to protect (birth certificate, marriage license, etc) and have them in multiple safe places.
- Keep multiple backups. Always backup your digital and print files. Have photocopies of important documents stored in more than one location - like one at your home, one at your work and another at your parent’s house. Back up digital documents on an external hard drive and to the cloud.
- Store priceless documents in a fireproof, flood-proof safe. This is a great safeguard for your home and office. Be sure your safe is installed in the wall or bolted to the floor, so it can’t be easily stolen.
- Keep files in elevated places. Never store paper files or photos on the floor - this is inviting water damage. Place your documents in waterproof containers and at the top of shelves or in your attic.
- Get mold, crawlspace and critter inspections. Problems sneak up on you when you’re not actively looking out for them. Regularly look for mold in potential trouble areas. Have your crawlspace checked for critters, termites and mold. Wherever you store your documents, keep the area clean, so you don’t invite any unsavory conditions.
