Preserving Your Memories

Identify your most prized possessions

While it's common knowledge to safeguard important documents like tax records and birth certificates, we often overlook the numerous sentimental items in our homes that hold immense value to us. Losing these cherished possessions would be truly devastating. Take a moment to reflect on these categories, as well as any others that come to mind, and determine what items are absolutely essential to preserve in the event of a home-related incident. Don't worry if the list seems extensive—identifying and prioritizing the necessary actions to safeguard your most treasured belongings is the first step towards minimizing potential losses in if the worst should occur.

Defend your physical objects

• Store items in a cool, dry, and stable environment that is protected from pests and mold. You can use water- and air-tight bins to organize and protect at the same time!
• Regularly inspect for signs of physical deterioration and make repairs early.
• Use archival-quality materials, such as acid-free papers, folders, and boxes, to store your items.
• Avoid attics and basements as storage space for precious items. These environments are prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations that can accelerate damage.
• Store papers flat to prevent creasing and bending, or store upright in archival boxes.
• Move antique or inherited furniture to higher levels in case of flooding.
• Avoid using any tape or other adhesives, as they can cause damage and discoloration over time.
• Keep medals, insignias, coins and other metal objects in protective cases or frames to prevent scratches, corrosion, or tarnishing.
• Invest in a fire safe or fireproof box for documents and other combustibles not kept immediately at hand.
   

Everything goes digital

• Make a digital copy of photos, videos, DVDs, tapes, and any other physical media in case the original is destroyed.
• Back up your files regularly and store copies on multiple devices.
• Back up important photos and videos to a cloud service such as Google Drive, Amazon Photos, Dropbox or iCloud.
• Exchange backups with a friend or family member.
• Store media storage devices in a cool, dry, and stable environment with minimal exposure to sunlight or other sources of heat and moisture.
• Convert old or obsolete files to modern formats so that they may be opened later.
• Keep your operating system, software, and antivirus programs up-to-date to prevent data loss from viruses or malware.
• Use tagging to label your files with important information, such as dates, locations, and people in photos or videos.

Always put yourself first

No matter how valuable they are to you, your safety is worth more than anything in your home. NEVER attempt to re-enter your home to save anything until you have been cleared to do so by your local authorities – after all, new memories are always around the corner.

In the case that you are able to safely return to the home after the danger has passed, it may still be possible to recover some of your things:

• Wear protective clothing such as gloves, masks, and boots while handling damaged items.
• Never pull apart wet photographs and negatives that are stuck together.
• Allow items to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight – do not place wet items in enclosed spaces like boxes or bags.
• Place paper towels between pages of books or lay photos between paper towels and change frequently.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean soot and dirt from items. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as these can cause further damage.
• Turn off digital devices if still powered on and remove batteries immediately. In case of a flood, DO NOT touch any powered device until it is completely dry.
• Recover data from damaged hard drives and other media storage with the help of a professional service.
• If items are damaged beyond repair, it’s ok. You may not be able to recover every item that is lost, but you are safe, and the memories are yours forever.