As Mormons, we believe in being prepared. Why? Because in so have recommended.
In the blog “Emergency Time – Do You Have Your Papers Ready?”, I gave a few easy steps to get your important papers ready. Why? Because we never know when an emergency might send us running. How helpful, then, to have thought ahead and have at least our essential documents stashed in safe places (to find the “Emergency Time – Do You Have Your Papers Ready?”, look under the Preparedness tab).
In the previous blog, I suggested that you take a week or so to simply gather up important documents, such as the deed to your home, your marriage certificates, and other valuable papers. To make that gathering simple, I suggested that for a week or so you keep a box out on the kitchen counter for document safe keeping – until all documents are rounded up.
Once you’ve rounded up all that you feel is essential to have (if you had to be evacuated), there are just a few more simple steps to be completely ready – at least in this category!
Before we get to the final steps, do remember that emergency preparedness is a lifestyle – it is not a one-time event. Therefore, it is presumable that you might not think of or find all essential documents in the first week of this activity. That’s ok. You’ll get there … because you’re doing the most important part now … beginning!
Now to complete the process!
First, make three copies of each important document that awaits you patiently in your box on the kitchen counter. Whether you make those copies at home or at a copy shop, REMEMBER TO RETRIEVE THE FINAL ORIGINAL STILL IN THE COPIER. Nothing would be worse than to lose an important document, simply because it got left behind.
Second, remember those plastic gallon-sized baggies mentioned in the previous blog? Now is the time to pull out three of them. Sort your triplicate copies of your important documents into three individual stacks.
Third, put one stack inside one of the baggies. You may need to fold them carefully in half to fit them inside. Push the air out of the baggies as much as possible and then seal them tightly.
Fourth, send them off into their safe destinations. Where would that be? A variety of experts recommend the following locations:
- a safe deposit box,
- a long-distance relative (who is in agreement and is trustworthy), and
- your 72-hour kit at home.
The reason the copies are in triplicate is so that if one location were destroyed, you would have backup copies.
Put the (now empty) box away. Return the original documents to their prior locations (hopefully a file folder for day-to-day needs) and enjoy your sense of preparedness. In fact, remember that “star chart” mentioned in the previous blog? Why not celebrate as a family for a job well done!
And remember, when you receive (or find) any new important papers, simply make your three copies and send them off to where they belong. You’re on your way to a safe and sound way of living, seeking to have always what you need in the way of proper documentation.
