There are many documents that should be kept safe in the event of a disaster. These include family documents such as birth certificates, financial documents and legal documents like wills. How do you protect these crucial documents?
Make an inventory, then make additional copies and store them in a safe place. These are the best ways to protect your important documents. It is also a good idea to make use of cloud-based document storage like password-protected, external hard drives, cloud-based platforms or secure document scanners that offer a digital copy that is encrypted.
Physical filing systems can be an effective method of protecting documents, especially when they’re fireproof. There are many alternatives available, ranging from small fireproof safes made for use at home to larger ones that be used to store file cabinets and hanging folders. If you’d rather not be burdened by dealing with physical filing cabinets, consider an online solution like Shoeboxed that digitizes receipts and expense records to make it easier to get reimbursed quickly, increase tax deductions and perform your accounting.
A fireproof safe is among the best ways to ensure your important documents are safe from environmental and theft. There are many options available, from small safes that can be hidden in the back of a closet, to larger safes designed to resist extreme temperatures and safeguard your belongings during a flood. One to consider is the Honeywell 1104 that can keep your documents safe for up to an hour in extreme heat. It also keeps water out (water is used to put out the flames). A smaller safe is smaller and less cumbersome to move than a larger one, and you can also find ones that are waterproof to increase security.