Owner`s manual

Valuable papers and records
should be given maximum
protection from any disaster.
Water- and fire-resistant file
cabinets are available for storing
some records at home. A
commercial storage area, such
as a safe-deposit box, will
assure protection from theft and
physical damage.
Consider making copies of your
valuable papers for selected
professionals, family members
or friends, to assure their
prompt availability when needed.
Lists of all such documents and
the location of each should be
stored in more than one place.
If important documents or books
have been damaged by
floodwater, follow the
instructions outlined here for
drying. However, it is a good
idea to photocopy any important
papers as a precautionary
measure. Even if papers appear
to have dried successfully, they
may disintegrate rapidly because
of substances in the floodwater.
KEEP AN UP-To-DATE HOUSEHOLD
INVENTORY
An inventory of household items and other property is especially valuable
in case of a disaster. When making the inventory, do not overlook items
kept in cabinets, closets, the freezer, garage and yard. Consider making a
video of your inventory and property; at minimum, take some photographs.
An accurate inventory will help determine if you have enough insurance to
cover the contents of your home. Whenever possible, record the date of
purchase and purchase price of items. Keep the inventory current.
PAPERS TO BE STORED IN THE HOME
Keep the following papers stored at home in a water-proof, fire-proof,
locked box:
® Family advisors' names and addresses
® Educational, employment and health records
® Copies of birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies
® Driver license numbers, income tax returns, current bank balances,
loan payment books
® Guarantees and warranties, appliance manuals, rental property records
® Household inventory, safe-deposit records, one copy of a list of
valuable papers and their locations
PAPERS TO BE STORED IN A SAFE-DEPOSIT
BOX
Keep the following papers stored in a safe-deposit box, especially during
a disaster:
® Property records, deeds, titles and/or leases
® Copies of wills (his and hers); birth, death and marriage certificates;
divorce decrees; adoption or custody papers; citizenship papers;
passports; military service records
® Stocks records, bond certificates, contracts (including promissory
notes), supporting documents of years of large transactions, unusual
losses or deductions
® List of insurance policies, automobile bills of sale and titles, social
security cards
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension FLOOD-SALVAGING POSSESSIONS
more information
Caring for Important Papers
STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER A FLOOD