Be Prepared

Being a techy guy for longer than I can to mention, data backups are on the top of my daily to do list.  I keep the data in three places: external hard drive, jump drive I carry with me, and an online service in case I need access anywhere in the world.  Am I paranoid?  Absolutely not. 

With all the catastrophic events happening these days, you sometimes only have minutes to escape said event.  It’s traumatic enough to lose everything you own, but I would think the starting over takes the stress to new levels.  I know it would for me.  Like the Boy Scouts say, be prepared.  Some of the simplest things you can do can help in the toughest of times.  For starters, make a list of your critical information. 

1. Make a list of your emergency contacts (keep a copy in your wallet or purse), doctors, and any medications you take. This one came in quite handy when I was hit on the motorcycle in 2018.  The EMTs knew exactly who to call.
   
   
2. Create a list of all bank accounts and credit card accounts with account numbers, web site information, and 1-800 phone numbers for customer service. Additionally, list all accounts of any type with the associated login and password credentials.
   
   
3. List and make electronic copies of all insurance documents including the company names, policy numbers, agent names, and respective 1-800 phone numbers. 
   
   
4. Take pictures and or receipts of everything you own of value. 

Personally, I have the physical docs in a fire box, my dad and sister have copies and I do get them updates regularly, and there are electronic copies on the jump drive I carry with me.  If you can put your hands on everything, I mentioned above in a moment’s notice, congrats.  If not, maybe you have a little homework to do.