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In light of the disastrous fire situation in California, I thought it would be good to once again bring up the crucial importance of document storage.If you’re like me, especially since the stolen laptop debacle, you keep all your important papers in a sturdy filing cabinet and obsess over backing up your hard drive. No? Well, then I suggest reading this.

However, planning for a potential disaster goes well beyond storage. You need an action plan. What happens to your business in case of injury or death? Does anyone else have the keys to your filing cabinet or safe? Again, you might know the method to your storage madness, but would someone else?

Here are some tips:

• Store and file your information in multiple locations. For your harddrive, utilize DVD’s, external drives, online storage centers, or a combination of all three. Photocopy important documents and compile a list of stored contents; then place in separate locations.
• If you have yet to do so, start collecting relevant documents that would be crucial during an emergency such as banking, insurance, incorporation, and medical papers.
• Organize – then create a list of the contents of your filing cabinet, safe, and harddrive so that you can easily pull the needed information when time is of the essence.
• Create multiple copies of personal documents such as birth certificates, etc. that may be required by government entities in times of disaster. Keep in mind that copy machines may not be available when disaster strikes.
• Inform one or two individuals about the contents and whereabouts of your critical documents in case you are unavailable.
• Once your system is in place, its paramount that you maintain it. Dont wait til the end of the year to do it all again – instead remain aware of what documents should be added.

Generally, we don’t think about these things until it is too late. Take the initiative now to get your things in order. Class dismissed.