It seems like we have experienced a growing number of fires, severe weather, and natural disasters. With that in mind I thought it would be a good idea to post some suggestions on how to protect your valuables and documents just in case.
The best way to store valuables during a hurricane depends on what you are trying to keep safe. In each case, you want to keep these items safe as well as protect them from water, mud, fire and wind.
Preparation is the key to keeping your belongings safe during a severe storm. In addition to possibly boarding up your home, rushing to keep your valuables safe in the days or hours before a storm can be overwhelming.
Here are a few suggestions for where to store your valuables:
1. A waterproof safe: Consider purchasing a waterproof safe to store your important documents, such as your passport, insurance papers, and other forms of identification. You should also use it to store your jewelry and any other small valuables that can fit inside.
2. An elevated location: If you have items that are too large to fit in a safe, such as furniture or artwork, try to move them to an elevated location in your home. For example, you could place them on a higher floor or on a high shelf.
3. Off-site storage: If you live in an area that is particularly prone to flooding or hurricanes, you might consider renting a storage unit in a location that is farther away from the coast or a flood zone. Make sure the storage unit is climate-controlled to protect your valuables from humidity and other weather-related damage.
It’s also a good idea to take photographs or videos of your valuables so that you have a record of them in case they are lost or damaged. If possible, also consider making copies of important documents and storing them in a safe deposit box at a bank.
Don't forget the passwords! Store passwords and pin numbers on your phone or somewhere you can access them if you are away from home. In instances where you need to verify your identity or just access online accounts, having these passwords will make life much easier.
As always, beware of scammers. It has been reported that in the recent tragic fire in Hawaii that scammers have been posing as the Red Cross online. People who have lost their homes, in desperation have given financial and personal information out, only to find that they have become a victim of fraud. If someone contacts you offering assistance, make sure it is a reputable organization by asking to call them back. Then check to see if that number that they have provided matches the number of the actual organization.