Protecting Valuable Records

Many of us assume that a flood, storm, or other disaster will always happen to someone else so we may postpone the tasks of taking care of important family documents. Protecting family papers and records is just one part of being prepared to deal with natural disasters.

The following checklist is provided to suggest some convenient and effective methods of keeping family papers and records safe but available when they are needed most – following a natural disaster or death. Valuable papers to keep in your safe deposit box or other safe place may include:

1. Stock and bond certificates
2. Automobile titles
3. Property records, deeds, titles, or leases
4. Military service records
5. Household inventory
6. Copyrights and Patents
7. Financial contracts and promissory notes
8. Adoption/Custody papers
9. Copy of wills
10. Passports
11. Educational diplomas and degrees
12. Citizenship papers
13. Birth certificates
14. Religious records
15. Death certificates
16. Income Tax returns
17. Marriage certificates
18. Retirement papers
19. Social Security cards and papers
20. Insurance policies
21. Government Savings Bonds
22. Copies of and a list of all your important papers
23. Important receipts and bills of sale

An up-to-date household inventory is a very valuable resource. When making an inventory, don't overlook tools stored in the garage, lawn furniture, or food in the freezer. The inventory should list each item with a description, model number, serial number, date of purchase, purchase price, and current replacement cost. You should also include pictures or a video of each item in your inventory. An accurate inventory should help you determine if you have enough insurance to cover the contents of your home. Make sure you keep your inventory current by updating it annually.

Keep these valuable papers in a safe place at home. You might want to keep copies in your safe deposit box.

1. Guarantees and warranties
2. Appliance manuals
3. Employment records
4. Current bank information
5. Employee benefits information
6. Health records
7. Loan payment books
   
   

Source

BeReadyEscambia.com ©2010

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