If you have not experienced a disaster, you probably know someone who has. We have seen numerous posts that suggest steps to take to protect important information as well as ways to rescue or restore information. The key is planning ahead so you are prepared.
Therefore, I urge you to review your situation and consider whether you are prepared or need to do more.
You can start by identifying possible hazards and your vulnerability. If you determine that you are at risk in any way, plan how to respond and recover. Know your emergency communication options and consider training drills for your family. The Red Cross has a site with steps for an emergency plan for you and your family. And there are detailed plans listed by FEMA under planning guides which include risk management. FEMA even has a preparedness app!
If you are hit, you may be entitled to disaster relief – check the IRS Disaster Relief page.. The IRS also offers disaster loss workbooks in Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster and Theft Loss Workbook (Personal-Use Property), and Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster and Theft Loss Workbook.
Amy Poulton suggests the five key documents to have readily available. Here is a summary of her post:
1. Identification Documents – keep these documents in a fireproof, waterproof container (that is her link to Amazon for ideas) or digital copies in a secure cloud storage to ensure they’re safe and easy to access during an emergency.
2. Insurance Policies and Emergency Contacts – have access to insurance cards and policies for home, car, health, and life insurance along with emergency contacts.
3. Medical and Health Information – have current prescriptions, medical history, immunization records and medical directives and powers of attorney.
4. Financial Documents – have on hand your bank and credit cards, with access to your tax returns and retirement accounts. You will also want a current list of key websites with log-in IDs and passwords – you may want to store this “in the cloud.”
5. Legal Documents – have copies of your wills and trusts, deeds and rental agreements, marriage certificates and powers of attorney.
Organizing and Storing Documents – create a digital folder, back up your documents and share with trusted people. You can also place digital items on a flash drive to share.
What if you are hit before preserving your records? The IRS has a site to visit: Reconstructing Records.
If you want to make sure you have food and water for a physical disaster, here is one guide to check out to build a kit. The list includes emergency supplies.
We all hope to be spared, but it is wise to organize your documents and have a plan in place in case you are not!
Let me know if you have more ideas and good luck!
Steven
