As severe weather events like floods, fires, and storms become more prevalent, it’s important to consider how to protect your important documents in the event of a disaster. According to Sev Tamayo, an agent with Goosehead Insurance in Palm Coast, Florida, many people have been ill-prepared for these situations.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping items such as birth certificates, passports, property documents, and insurance paperwork safe in the event of a disaster. Additionally, Pete Duncanson of ServiceMaster Restore suggests keeping scans of these documents in the cloud as an extra precaution.
In the event that you need to file an insurance claim, creating a video inventory of your possessions can provide valuable proof for your insurer. It’s also recommended to store important documents in a fireproof safe, safe deposit box at a bank, or watertight plastic bin to protect them from damage.
It’s important to note that this rise in severe weather events is likely attributed to climate change. With the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and rising global temperatures, the frequency and severity of natural disasters have also been on the rise. As a result, it’s crucial for individuals to take proactive measures to safeguard their important documents and belongings.
For more tips and information on how to protect your important documents, you can visit ready.gov. This article was written by Kate Ashford of NerdWallet.
