Organized A to Z Blog

September: National Preparedness Month

September 17, 2009

With numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires threatening our homes and businesses throughout the country, it is appropriate that NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) has signed on as a national coalition member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month.  One never knows when a disaster may strike, so it is important to be prepared.

According to Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website, the following systems should be in place to help protect you in an emergency:
•    Emergency Evacuation Plan
•    Emergency Supply Kit

See Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website for additional information for making your plan and creating/getting a supply kit.  In addition, a home inventory and a portable fire-safe box containing vital documents is essential.

Home Inventory
Conduct a home inventory to have a record of the items you own for insurance purposes.  Document throughout your home items of value:
•    make a list
•    take pictures and/or video
•    record serial numbers, manufacturer’s names, and model numbers

Portable Fire-Safe Box
Collect vital documents and make copies

• Vital documents may include, but are not limited to:
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • Driver’s license
  • Wills
  • Medical history
  • Deed of trust
  • Automobile titles, other titles showing ownership
  • Home inventory
  • Bank accounts credit card numbers
  • Marriage license
  • Social Security card
  • Home and Auto insurance information
• Store the originals in a safety deposit box at your bank
• Store the copies in a portable fireproof box
• Store the box in an area that is easily accessible in case of emergency

If disaster strikes, at least you will be prepared with important and necessary information at your fingertips so you may focus your attention on keeping your family safe.  A professional organizer can help you create your home inventory and gather vital documents for safe storage.

Kelly Butcher, a professional organizer and owner of Simplification Services since 2007, has a passion for helping others organize their homes and offices. Her goal is to simplify her client’s lives by creating customized, manageable systems to fit their particular needs.  She teaches them the skill of organizing throughout the process and loves to hear about the projects they complete on their own.  Kelly is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and is currently serving her second term as Secretary for NAPO-Austin.  Visit her site at www.SimplificationServices.com.

Filed under: Disaster Preparedness,Home Management,Organizing Tips,Paper Management,Record Keeping