Defining Time & Space News

Along with the long list of stuff to take and have in an emergency are the important records.  This fall into two categories:  the important paper records and our electronic records.

For paper records, certificates of birth, marriage, death, baptism, etc. and house deeds, stock certificates, etc., we should consider a safety deposit box at the bank or a steel fire proof safe at home.  Business vital records should also be handles in a similar manner.

For electronic records it is important that we back this information up in case of accidental lost of system records, theft of computer equipment or software corruption.  Many business records are only kept electronic and would be devastating to any company (large or small) if these records were to be unrecoverable.  Also consider photographs in these important records.  Since most people use digital camera’s now, these pictures/files need to be stored and backed up.

There are many electronic back-up systems available.  The decision falls in the volume and importance of the information.  There is anywhere from a simple flash/thumb drive (very portable but also easy to lose), an external hard drive (such as those made by Maxtor) or using an external server (either that you own on or offsite or that another company provides as a back-up service off site such as Carbonite).   The benefits to an offsite system are that records are protected from fire or theft.  Just be sure to understand how the back-up company backs up their records! 

Take care of those records,

Rosanne

770.995.8556

www.dtsorganizing.com

Tags: Filing, Home, Office, Planning by organizing atlanta
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If you lost power for several days, would you be ready? Again in keeping with September being National Disaster Preparedness month here is a checklist that can help be more prepared:

1. Flashlights and extra batteries
2. Non-perishable or ready to eat foods (enough for 3 days – one to three 1lbs per person is recommended). Foods such as: canned and dried foods (pop top or twist tops are preferable), dried foods such as fruits and cereals), granola, breakfast/food bars, salt free crackers, dry or canned milk and soups, peanut butter, jelly, nuts, trail mix)
3. Manual can opener
4. Baby formula and foods
5. Pet food
6. Medication (over the counter and prescription)
7. Water - at least one gallon per person is recommended (1-3 gallons preferably) Water Tips: Boiling is the preferable way to purify water. Let water boil fully one minute. Cool before drinking. If unable to boil, use pure chlorine bleach (1/4 tsp, 1.25 ml or 16 drops to each gallon). Stir, then let stand 30 min. Slight chlorine taste and smell is normal.
8. Portable, battery operated radio (& extra batteries)
9. Disposable utensils
10. Camping stove with fuel and matches.
11. Fire extinguisher
12. Toiletries
13. First Aid Kit; including a list of emergency contacts, bandages, scissors, tape, disinfectants, antiseptics, latex gloves, non prescription meds such as aspirin and non-aspirin, bendryl, and hand sanitizer.
14. Cell phone (charged) and/or standard land line phone (non remote) if power is out.
15. Emergency plan for family or business

Rosanne
770.995.8556
www.dtsorganizing.com

Tags: Home, Planning, Uncategorized by organizing atlanta
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If you have to leave in an emergency you may not have much time to prepare.  What will YOU take in a moments notice?  Here are some things you can do to be prepared:

1. Find a home for your pet(s).  Most shelters will not accept pets except for those who are service animals due to health and safety regulations.
2. Turn the gas off in your home if you can.  Do you know how and where to do this?
3. Have a 1^st aid kit
4. Have a portable battery operated radio
5. Have a grab and go bag labeled for each member of the family.  You can use a backpack or small rolling bag.  The items each bag should contain are:
   1. Change of clothing and extra underwear for children.
   2. Toiletries
   3. Food (high protein/calorie food bars, crackers (no salt), dried fruit, nuts, etc.)
   4. Medication (prescription and over the counter)
   5. Eye glasses and contact lenses (& solutions)
   6. 2 bottles of water
   7. Individual towelettes
   8. Children (diapers and special foods)
   9. Plastic & sealing type bags
   10. Favorite item or comfort toy for younger children
   11. Any necessities for disabilities
6. Family communication plan
7. Important/Vital documents
8. Computer file back-up(s)
9. Blanket
10. Cell phone (& charger)
11.  Keys & utility or pocket knife
12. Wallet/Purse

Tags: Home, Planning, Uncategorized by organizing atlanta
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