Title:Protecting Valuable Records
Author:Title:Nayda I. Torres
Date: 1992


Protecting Valuable Records
Nayda I. Torres

     Many of us assume that flood, storm or other disasters will
always happen to someone else.  Or, we may dislike thoughts about
death and consequently postpone the tasks of taking care of
family papers.  Protecting family papers is just one part of
being prepared to deal with natural disasters.

     The following checklist is provided to suggest some
convenient and effective methods of keeping family papers safe
but available when they are need most -- following a natural
disaster or death.

Valuable papers to keep in your safe deposit box may include:

 1.  Stocks and bond certificates
 2.  Property records, deeds, titles and/or leases
 3.  Household inventory
 4.  Contracts (including promissory notes)
 5.  A copy of your will (his and hers)
 6.  Auto title
 7.  Birth Certificates
 8.  Death Certificates
 9.  Marriage Certificates
10.  Divorce Decrees
11.  Social Security Cards
12.  Government Savings Bonds
13.  Important receipts and Bills of Sale
14.  List of insurance policies
15.  Automobile Bill of Sale
16.  Military Service Records
17.  Copyrights and Patents
18.  Adoption Papers
19.  Custody Papers
20.  Passports
21.  Citizenship Papers
22.  Religious Records
23.  Income Tax Returns, supporting documents for years of large
     transactions, unusual losses or deductions
24.  Retirement Papers
25.  One copy of a list of all valuable papers.

     An up-to-date household inventory is a very valuable
resource.  When making the inventory, don't overlook tools stored
in the garage, lawn furniture or food in the freezer.  You may
want to include a video or photographs of your inventory.  An accurate
inventory should
help you determine if you have enough insurance to cover the
contents of your home.  Keep the inventory current.
Keep these valuable papers in a safe place at home:
 1.  Advisor's names and addresses
 2.  Guarantees and warranties
 3.  Educational and employment records
 4.  Employee Benefits
 5.  Health Records
 6.  Insurance Policies
 7.  Loan payment books
 8.  Copies of Birth and Marriage Certificates
 9.  Driver License Numbers
10.  Income Tax Returns
11.  Appliance Manuals
12.  Current bank balances
13.  Rental Property Records
14.  Safe Deposit Records and Inventory of Items
15. One copy of list of valuable papers

     Additional copies of valuable papers list should be in the
care of a lawyer, the administrator of wills, business associates
or trusted family member residing outside of your home.  The need
for greater care of valuable papers increases as your estate size
and family size increases, and family goals and life patterns
become more complex.