We now know more about predicting catastrophes than ever, but we have not tested a communication or preparedness plan for our families and businesses in the event of a disaster.

Preparing involves making a plan, preparing an emergency kit, and practicing family communications in the event of a disaster.

Safe America encourages families to take steps to protect personal documents important to your recovery.

WHAT?

Most documents can be reproduced, but the most important to assist in recovery include:

Last three years of tax returns
House deed
Wills, trusts, estate planning
Marriage, birth and death certificate
Divorce decrees and adoption records
Medical records
Retirement account statements
Warranties, receipts for major purchases
Recent pay stub or income statement
Unpaid bills
Home-improvement records
Credit card statements
Jewelry appraisals, household inventory

If you do only one thing to record your personal property, use a camcorder.

HOW? 

Keeping records in a box or folder is difficult to retrieve in an emergency situation. Protect your property with new technologies and record information on:

• USB computer thumb or flash drive
• CD or DVD disc
• Document storage websites

Secure information in deposit box and/or with friends or family in distant locations. Most importantly,