Floods are constant problem nowadays. They're destroying property and causing irreparable damage to countless families. But the tragedies don't end when the waters dropped. Families are left homeless and without any sort of documentation (passports, finances, bonds) to help them put the pieces back together or their old, irreplacble family albums. Keeping your documents safe in case of flooding should be an absolute priority for any family. Here are some tips to follow to ensure your files are secure.
Store in high ground
Most household basement floods are only a foot or so deep as a result of a leaky pipe. Having all your documents go to the trash just because of water that just manages to wet your ankles is a real frustration. The solution is simple and save you a lot of frustration. Prop your storage drawer up so it's at least 18 inches off the ground. If you're able to store it higher, then better. In an area where flooding is a problem, the attic is your best bet for keeping documents dry.
Scan important documents
Important documents like birth certificates and passports should be scanned and put in a safe if possible. The digital copy may stored online for free on MSN's servers . Otherwise, keeping them elevated (like in a attic) and in a waterproof and chew-proof (for the occasional rodent looking for bedding material) box will
Stay organized
The less organized you are with your files, the more likely they are to get damaged. Loose papers and files will get wet from rising waters and leaky pipes. It takes an extra 30 seconds to put it away properly and it will avoid hours of headaches in the future.
Use the proper equipment
Just like most people, you probably keep your archives in your basement in corrugated boxes. Money-wise, it's the cheapest alternative. Security-wise it's probably the least savvy option. All it takes is a little water build-up or a leaking pipe for those boxes and papers to get wet and ruined. If that doesn't get them, the moisture in the air will have them turn moldy beyond use. Metal filing cabinets, while they protect against water damage, cost a fortune and are pretty unrealistic for your home filing needs. Storex 18" archive drawers are probably your safest bet. They're lightweight, won't rust, won't be affected by moistures, and are a fraction of the price of metal cabinets.
Recovering your damaged paperwork
Recovering soaked documents is probably the least intuitive part of the process. When your papers dry, they'll more than likely crinkle. To avoid that, freeze the paper then thaw it out using a hair dryer. If the document is torn up to the point that it will not survive further archiving, a notarized photocopy of the original, in certain instances, can be accepted as an original.
As Mel Brooks once said: "Hope for the best. Expect the worst." It never hurts to be prepared and think proactively when it comes to securing your irreplacable documents and photos.
Enjoyed this? Follow us on Twitter (@STOREX_ind) to be updated when a new article is published |
