by K. C. Cox

Created on: September 02, 2011   Last Updated: September 03, 2011

The first thing you hear when someone has lost their home to a natural disaster, such as fire, floods, and tornadoes is usually that they lost all of their pictures and important documents.  The heartache of knowing that you no longer  have those precious photos of your children, your parents, your wedding, and memorable moments is almost too hard to bear. 

The furniture, clothing, and other items you own will be sorely missed, but they can be replaced.  To go through the remains of ones home and find a tiny piece of a photograph that was not completely burned, or washed away, can bring more tears than seeing your home in ashes.  And now it is too late to do anything about it. A little thought and preparation can mean the difference between having all your precious pictures and keepsakes gone forever, or stored safely, and having peace of mind. Yes, it will take some work, and time, but it will be worth it in the end. You will have a clearer head if you have to deal with building your life from the ground up, knowing your most treasured photos were not lost.                                                                                                                                                                        

I, too, have worried about this, and have attempted to put my mind at ease with these few tips.  I scanned all of my photographs, and burned them onto CD's, that I put into CD albums, and into a large metal  suitcase, that I keep beside my front door, in case we have to leave unexpectedly. 

Right now, they are sitting in the back of my car, as we have had threats of wildfires here in Texas.    All of my important papers are also in the trunk of the car, along with personal items, keepsakes, and printed pictures.  Another way you can ensure that your photographs will remain safe is to duplicate them or make a second set of CD's and store them with another family member, friend, or even a safe deposit box at your bank. 

You can photograph your birth certificates, marriage license, shot records, and personal and financial records.  I can replace most everything I own, except for my photographs and documents.  My family comes first, and I try to keep them safe, but I also protect my memories, pets, and pictures.

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