Use paperless recordkeeping
| Electronic records can be a valuable resource if a disaster destroys your physical records or makes them inaccessible.
- Scan your paper tax records and bank statements, and securely store electronic versions.
- Keep electronic copies of tax records, bank statements, W2s, home-closing statements, and insurance records.
- Consider keeping backup copies on a secure cloud storage service or external storage device, like an encrypted flash drive or hard drive. Store these duplicates in a safe place, like a waterproof container at a trusted relative's home or in a safe deposit box.
- Make it a habit to file and store important documents (and their duplicates) promptly.
- Back up your computer often.
- Treat your digital files with the same level of security as your physical ones. Store digital files on a private server, and use passwords to protect your documents.
Don't choose your safe storage spot only out of convenience – if a disaster strikes your home or business, it will likely affect the surrounding area.
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Keep a visual record of your property
| Should the worst occur, taking photos or videos of your home or business’s contents before a disaster can help support any claim of loss on a tax return or with insurance.
- Take photos and videos of each room from multiple angles.
- Create a ledger of your possessions, along with their value.
- Store the photos or videos in a safe place, like a secure cloud storage service.
Don't choose your safe storage spot only out of convenience – if a disaster strikes your home or business, it will likely affect the surrounding area. |
Keep your emergency plans updated
| Create detailed emergency plans now, communicate them to your family and employees, and update the plans regularly. - Decide where to seek shelter from all types of disasters.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit.
- Identify evacuation routes from your home and business.
- Establish how you’ll communicate with employees, customers, and others after an emergency happens.
- Create a plan for accessing your important records after the emergency is over.
- Check out the
SC Emergency Manager app from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to get started with your plans.
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