PREP Practical Steps to Preserve Your Documents

[medic38572]

Embarking on the journey of document preservation can seem daunting. Still, by following practical steps, you can effectively safeguard your valuable records for years to come.


Handle with care:

• Always wash and dry your hands before handling paper documents.
• Use clean, lint-free gloves when possible.
• Avoid touching the surface of the document; handle it by the edges.

Store properly:

• Use acid-free folders, boxes, or sleeves to store paper documents.
• Store documents flat, avoiding folding or rolling.
• Keep documents away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and degradation.

Control environmental conditions:

• Maintain a stable temperature (between 65-70°F or 18-21°C) and humidity level (around 40-50%).
• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to regulate the environment, if necessary.
• Regularly check for signs of mold, pests, or water damage.

Prioritize damaged documents:

• Identify and separate damaged documents from the rest.
• Seek professional advice or services for restoration and conservation.
• Consider digitizing fragile or deteriorating documents to preserve their content.

Digitize and create backups:

• Scan paper documents and save digital copies in multiple formats (e.g., PDF, TIFF, JPEG).
• Store digital backups in multiple locations, such as on external hard drives and secure cloud storage.

Conclusion​

In conclusion, document preservation is a critical aspect of urban survival and preparedness, safeguarding our shared history, legal rights, and cherished memories.


From identifying the enemies of preservation to implementing cutting-edge technologies and inspiring future generations, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the protection and longevity of these invaluable records.


By following the practical steps outlined in this article and adopting a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, we can preserve our cultural legacy in the face of evolving urban challenges.





As a guest contributor, Mike Roth, founder of SafeBlackout, understands the importance of preparedness in all aspects of life, including document preservation in urban settings. If you would like to learn more about disaster preparedness and urban survival strategies, don’t hesitate to visit SafeBlackout.com for expert advice and resources tailored to city dwellers.

Survival Dispatch » The Importance of Document Preservation

Document preservation is essential in securing our history, culture, and identity for the long term. Vital records, encompassing legal and financial documents as well as treasured family heirlooms…

survivaldispatch.com

 

[hd5574]

If a doc is vital you can make a copy and have it certified as a true copy ...by a notary...also lavender will repel...both bugs and mice..

 

[Double_A]

This is more important than you may realize. Groups and governments would like to see everything digitized and paper gone. When that happens no one will know the truth. Just think of the Wikipedia wars with opposing groups revising the truth to suit their needs.

 

[hd5574]

Remember all the founding documents are in cursive. ...children are no being taught to read cursive anymore...

 

[hd5574]

Had car insurance company want to send all policy documents by email....didn't give them my e..mail...told them on writing in paper form
Just refuse. ...

 

[ChicagoMan74]

Had car insurance company want to send all policy documents by email....didn't give them my e..mail...told them on writing in paper form
Just refuse. ...

Is it more fun for you waiting for a week (or more depending) for them to come by regular mail?

You worried that the NSA finds out you have full coverage and tow assistance?

The only person you're inconveniencing is yourself.

 

[hd5574]

Is it more fun for you waiting for a week (or more depending) for them to come by regular mail?

You worried that the NSA finds out you have full coverage and tow assistance?

The only person you're inconveniencing is yourself.

Since was I was changing companies pre-renewal date I had them some 15 days before...the new policy takes effect..
And I have my hard copy in my hand and in my important papers grab and go box...no computer thumb drive needed..
Non electric docs... I consider car titles, deeds, insurance policies..vital records ... important papers..just an old low tech redneck here. LOL ...even have a little notebook with the separate doc numbers..like title numbers ..policy numbers etc...

Good example..of paper docs needed...guy dh works went to get his star license ..took a day's leave..didn't have all the "paper" docs..he had to take another day of leave ...

 

[Kathy in FL]

Preserve anything and everything that will help with the issue of probate and inheritance. You'd be amazed how much is declined as proof. Get statements from your elders and have their signature notarized. Make sure you have docs that secure/declare your residency in a state. That's another issue of inheritance that people don't realize might come up ... inheritance tax, estate tax, etc.

Make sure your parental units and YOU have a freaking WILL that outlines your wishes and then get it filed correctly.

 

[Meemur]

I keep a lot less paper and photos these days.

I dumped about four files of stuff when I moved to Iowa, and I've uploaded a lot of my genealogy documents so that other researchers can access them. Ditto some of those photos that would interest other researchers (Like the official wedding photo of my gr-gr-grandparents).

Honestly, I can only keep track of so much. If it doesn't fit in my portable fire/flood proof safe, I really don't want to hang onto it. I can make a case for my birth certificate, passport, medical records, house deed, and about a dozen photos, but beyond that, it's getting to be a hard sell.

I'm NOT a minimalist, but I've found it freeing to deal with fewer papers.

 

[Buick Electra]

I save and use those packets of silica they put in vitamin (and other) bottles. Then when I'm storing my docs, I drop of few of those silica packets in with them.