112th Precinct Community Council

Important Records and Documents

May 08, 2005

Important Records and Documents
By Heidi Harrison Chain
We all have important health and financial records and documents. We all have beautiful possessions that could be lost in an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, fire, or other disaster we want to be able to have access to our records so that we can reduce the possibility of further losses or our own frustration at recreating these records. In the event of a fire we could easily lose all of the records in our homes and our possessions. Because we could be faced with a disaster in a moment?’s notice, it is better to plan ahead.
Your possessions
The simple act of taking pictures of the possessions in your homes and apartment will help you in the event that there is a disaster or a crime committed. You will then have pictures to give to the insurance company or to show to the officers responding to the crime. At last week?’s precinct council meeting, Firefighter Jones discussed the multiple advantages of taking pictures of your possessions. You might consider making a video of your furnishings and other possessions.
In addition to the pictures it could be advantageous to you to keep an inventory of your valuable possessions and keep appraisals of your valuables. This can help regarding insurance claims in the event that there is a fire or if the items are stolen. It would be helpful to keep a copy of this information at a safe place away from your home.
In the event that you have work done on your house, you should save the records. If you ever have a loss and have to prove what was work was done and the cost--you should have this information.
Vial of Life Program
In the event of an emergency it can be very important that emergency personnel know your health records. The 112th Precinct Community Council has prepared free Vial of Life forms and magnets for you. The forms are available at the precinct, at our meetings and on our web site. The magnets are available at the precinct. You include the information on the forms and then put it on the inside of your refrigerator on the left side. The magnet goes on the outside of your refrigerator or, if you can not. Then place it on a conspicuous place on the telephone. This information is then available in case emergency workers need the information and at that time ?– you cannot tell it to them. In addition, you can keep a copy of your vial of life form in your go pack.
Other Important Documents
In the course ?“A Citizen?’s Guide to Disaster Assistance?” the United States Department of Homeland Security indicates that original of all important financial and family documents should be stored in a safe place, with copies elsewhere. The course also indicates that there may be times that you may have to evacuate from your home due to a hazard. There may not be time to prepare for the evacuation. It could happen at a moments notice and you may be unable to return home for an indefinite period of time. In addition, to preparing a go bag containing food and water, it will be a great help to you if you have access to your financial records and other important documents.